Welcome to our easy Bakewell tart recipe! If you’re craving a taste of traditional British baking, the classic Bakewell tart is the perfect choice. Made with a buttery pastry crust, sweet strawberry jam, and a rich almond filling, this delightful dessert is a beloved favorite for afternoon tea and special occasions.
Our recipe is designed to help you create a homemade Bakewell tart that captures the authentic flavors of this traditional treat. We’ll guide you through the process with step-by-step instructions, so even if you’re a novice baker, you can confidently whip up a delicious tart that will impress your friends and family.
With just a few simple ingredients like plain flour, unsalted butter, icing sugar, eggs, almond extract, ground almonds, and flaked almonds, you’ll be able to create a Bakewell tart that is bursting with flavor and has a wonderfully flaky texture.
So put on your apron, gather your ingredients, and let’s get started on our journey to create a homemade Bakewell tart that will leave you craving for more! But first, take a moment to feast your eyes on the mouth-watering image of our finished masterpiece.
Bakewell Tart Recipe – Step by Step
To make this easy Bakewell tart, follow these simple steps:
- Sift the flour, salt, and icing sugar into a bowl.
- Rub in the chilled butter until the mixture looks like fine breadcrumbs.
- Add the beaten egg yolks and mix until a soft dough forms.
- Chill the pastry in the fridge for 30 minutes.
- Roll out the pastry and line a tart tin.
- Blind bake the pastry in the oven until golden and firm.
- Spread a layer of strawberry jam over the base of the cooked pastry.
- In a separate bowl, beat together softened butter, caster sugar, beaten eggs, almond extract, and ground almonds to create the almond mixture.
- Spoon the almond mixture over the jam layer in the tart.
- Sprinkle with flaked almonds.
- Bake the tart until golden and firm.
- Allow the tart to cool slightly before slicing and serving.
This step-by-step recipe will guide you through the process of creating an authentic Bakewell tart. The combination of buttery pastry, sweet strawberry jam, and a rich almond filling will result in a delicious treat that you can proudly serve to your friends and family.
For visual reference, here’s an image of a mouth-watering Bakewell tart:
Now that you have the step-by-step instructions, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and start baking your own homemade Bakewell tart. The aroma of freshly baked pastries and the delightful taste of this classic British dessert await!
Traditional Bakewell Tart vs. Bakewell Pudding
The Bakewell tart and Bakewell pudding are often used interchangeably, but there is a slight difference between the two. The traditional Bakewell tart features a sweet shortcrust pastry filled with almond frangipane and a layer of raspberry jam. On the other hand, the Bakewell pudding uses a layer of egg and breadcrumb custard instead of frangipane. Both desserts have their roots in the town of Bakewell in Derbyshire, England, and are equally delicious in their own right. For this recipe, we will be focusing on the traditional Bakewell tart.
Cherry Bakewell Tart Recipe Variations
While the classic Bakewell tart calls for a layer of strawberry jam, there are variations that use different flavors. One popular variation is the cherry Bakewell tart, which replaces the strawberry jam with cherry jam. This gives the tart a tangy and slightly different flavor profile. Other variations include recipes from famous British bakers like Mary Berry and Delia Smith. They may have their own unique twists in terms of ingredients or techniques. Additionally, you can also make mini Bakewell tarts for individual servings or to serve at parties.
If you’re looking to try a cherry Bakewell tart, you’ll find that the recipe is quite similar to the classic version. The only difference is swapping the strawberry jam for cherry jam. Here’s a simple recipe to get you started:
Ingredients:
- 250g plain flour
- 125g unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 30g icing sugar
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 150g cherry jam
- 150g unsalted butter, softened
- 150g caster sugar
- 3 eggs, beaten
- 150g ground almonds
- A handful of flaked almonds
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, mix together the flour, chilled butter, and icing sugar until it resembles fine breadcrumbs.
- Add the egg yolks and almond extract to the mixture, and combine until it forms a soft dough.
- Wrap the dough in cling film and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a tart tin.
- Roll out the pastry and line the tart tin with it.
- Spread the cherry jam evenly over the base of the tart.
- In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and caster sugar until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add the beaten eggs, mixing well after each addition.
- Fold in the ground almonds to create the almond filling.
- Spoon the almond filling over the cherry jam in the tart tin.
- Sprinkle the flaked almonds on top of the filling.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until the tart is golden and firm.
- Allow the tart to cool slightly before serving.
By incorporating cherry jam into the Bakewell tart, you can enjoy a delightful variation of this classic British dessert.
Enjoy the tangy and rich flavors of a cherry Bakewell tart or explore other variations from renowned bakers such as Mary Berry and Delia Smith. You can also try making mini Bakewell tarts for individual servings or special occasions.
Tips for Making the Best Bakewell Tart
To ensure success with your Bakewell tart, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- When making the pastry, be sure to use chilled butter and handle it lightly to achieve a flaky crust.
- Blind baking the pastry before adding the filling will help prevent a soggy bottom.
- For the filling, make sure to spread a generous layer of jam to enhance the flavor.
- When making the almond filling, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy to create a smooth texture.
- For the perfect bake, keep an eye on the tart while in the oven to prevent it from browning too quickly.
- Once baked, allow the tart to cool slightly before dusting with icing sugar and slicing.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to create a delicious Bakewell tart that will impress your family and friends. Take the time to perfect your pastry, filling, and baking techniques, and you’ll be rewarded with the best Bakewell tart you’ve ever tasted.
Creating a homemade Bakewell tart is a delightful and satisfying endeavor. With the right techniques and attention to detail, you’ll be able to enjoy this classic British dessert in the comfort of your own home. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a novice in the kitchen, this easy Bakewell tart recipe will guide you towards success. From the flaky pastry to the rich almond filling, every bite of this delicious tart is sure to bring joy and delight. So gather your ingredients, follow the tips above, and get ready to indulge in the best Bakewell tart you’ve ever tasted!
Store and Serve Your Homemade Bakewell Tart
After baking your homemade Bakewell tart, allow it to cool completely before storing or serving. To store, tightly wrap the tart or place it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to extend its shelf life, you can refrigerate it for a few more days. Before serving the tart, bring it to room temperature if refrigerated. The tart is best enjoyed slightly warm or at room temperature, served as is or with a dollop of whipped cream or custard for added indulgence.
Tips for Storing Your Bakewell Tart:
- Tightly wrap the tart in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.
- Store the tart at room temperature for up to three days. Avoid storing it in a humid environment to maintain its texture.
- If you want to enjoy the tart for longer, refrigerate it for a few more days. Keep in mind that refrigeration can slightly alter the texture of the tart.
Serving Suggestions:
To serve your homemade Bakewell tart, bring it to room temperature if refrigerated. This will allow the flavors to develop and ensure a more enjoyable eating experience. Serve the tart as is or enhance its indulgence by adding a dollop of whipped cream or custard. The combination of the buttery pastry, sweet fruity filling, and rich almond flavors will truly satisfy your taste buds.
Conclusion
Making a homemade Bakewell tart is a delightful experience that allows you to savor the authentic flavors of this classic British dessert. With its buttery pastry, sweet fruity jam, and rich almond filling, it’s a treat that is sure to delight your taste buds. Whether you choose to follow a traditional recipe or add your own unique twist, the process of creating a Bakewell tart from scratch is both rewarding and delicious.
By gathering the simple ingredients and following the step-by-step instructions, you can easily create a homemade Bakewell tart that captures the essence of this beloved dessert. The combination of flavors and textures will transport you to a taste of Britain with every bite. It’s a wonderful recipe to share with family and friends, or to enjoy as a special treat for yourself.
So why not embark on this baking adventure and discover the joy of making your very own homemade Bakewell tart? With its timeless appeal and homemade charm, this classic dessert is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, the satisfaction of creating a homemade Bakewell tart is something that can be savored by all. Enjoy the process, indulge in a slice of this British favorite, and create memories that will last a lifetime!
FAQ
What is a Bakewell tart?
A Bakewell tart is a traditional British dessert made with a buttery pastry crust, sweet strawberry jam, and a rich almond filling.
What are the ingredients needed to make a Bakewell tart?
The ingredients needed to make a Bakewell tart include plain flour, unsalted butter, icing sugar, eggs, almond extract, ground almonds, and flaked almonds.
What is the difference between a Bakewell tart and a Bakewell pudding?
The traditional Bakewell tart features a sweet shortcrust pastry filled with almond frangipane and a layer of raspberry jam. On the other hand, the Bakewell pudding uses a layer of egg and breadcrumb custard instead of frangipane.
Are there different variations of Bakewell tart recipes?
Yes, there are variations of Bakewell tart recipes that use different flavors of jam, such as cherry jam. There are also recipes from famous British bakers like Mary Berry and Delia Smith that may have their own unique twists.
What are some tips for making the best Bakewell tart?
Some tips for making the best Bakewell tart include using chilled butter for the pastry, blind baking the pastry before adding the filling, spreading a generous layer of jam, beating the butter and sugar until light and fluffy for a smooth filling, and monitoring the tart while baking to prevent it from browning too quickly.
How long can I store a homemade Bakewell tart?
A homemade Bakewell tart can be stored at room temperature for up to three days if tightly wrapped or placed in an airtight container. If you want to extend its shelf life, you can refrigerate it for a few more days.
How should I serve a homemade Bakewell tart?
A homemade Bakewell tart is best enjoyed slightly warm or at room temperature. It can be served as is or with a dollop of whipped cream or custard for added indulgence.