Traditional Simnel Cake (with a 21st Century Feel) — Three Many Cooks

Ingredients

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 teaspoons each: finely grated lemon and orange zest
• ¼ teaspoon each: ground cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and nutmeg
• ½ cup each: golden raisins, dark raisin, and dried cranberries
• 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
• 2½ cups granulated sugar
• 5 large eggs
• 1½ cans (8 ounces each) almond paste, divided
• ⅓ cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon almond extract
• ½ cup (1 stick) butter, softened
• 1 box (1 pound, 4 cups) confectioner’s sugar!