Bakewell Tart: The Classic British Dessert

Introduction

Bakewell tart is a classic British dessert that has been around for over a century. The tart consists of a shortcrust pastry base, a layer of raspberry jam, and a frangipane filling made with ground almonds. The top is usually sprinkled with flaked almonds and baked until golden brown. This dessert is the perfect combination of sweet and nutty flavors and is sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients

For the pastry:

• 225g plain flour
• 100g unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
• 25g ground almonds
• 25g caster sugar
• 1 medium egg

For the filling:

• 2 tbsp raspberry jam
• 100g unsalted butter, softened
• 100g caster sugar
• 2 medium eggs
• 100g ground almonds
• 1/2 tsp almond extract
• 25g flaked almonds

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and butter until it resembles breadcrumbs.
2. Add the ground almonds and caster sugar to the mixture and stir until everything is combined.
3. Add the egg to the mixture and stir until a dough is formed.
4. Roll out the pastry on a floured surface and use it to line a 20cm tart tin. Prick the base with a fork and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.
5. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan)/350°F/gas mark 4.
6. Spread the raspberry jam over the base of the pastry.
7. In a separate mixing bowl, cream together the butter and caster sugar until light and fluffy.
8. Add the eggs to the mixture one at a time, beating well after each addition.
9. Fold in the ground almonds and almond extract until everything is combined.
10. Pour the almond mixture over the jam in the tart tin and smooth the top with a spatula.
11. Sprinkle the flaked almonds over the top of the tart.
12. Bake the tart in the oven for 35-40 minutes or until the filling is set and the pastry is golden brown.
13. Allow the tart to cool completely in the tin before removing and serving.

Variations

• Cherry Bakewell Tart: Replace the raspberry jam with cherry jam and decorate with glacé cherries instead of flaked almonds.
• Chocolate Bakewell Tart: Melt 100g of dark chocolate and spread it over the pastry base before adding the raspberry jam.
• Vegan Bakewell Tart: Use vegan butter and egg substitutes for the pastry and filling.
• Gluten-Free Bakewell Tart: Use gluten-free flour for the pastry and ground almonds instead of breadcrumbs.

Conclusion

Bakewell tart is a classic British dessert that is easy to make and sure to impress. With a shortcrust pastry base, a layer of raspberry jam, and a frangipane filling made with ground almonds, this tart is the perfect combination of sweet and nutty flavors. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just as a treat, Bakewell tart is a dessert that everyone will love.

FAQ

What is a Bakewell Tart?

Bakewell Tart is a traditional English dessert that consists of a shortcrust pastry shell filled with raspberry jam and frangipane, an almond-flavored filling.

How do I make the shortcrust pastry?

To make the shortcrust pastry, you will need flour, butter, sugar, and cold water. Mix the flour and sugar together in a bowl, then add the cold butter and use your fingers to rub it into the flour mixture until it resembles breadcrumbs. Add the cold water and mix until a dough forms. Chill the pastry in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out.

Can I use a different type of jam?

Yes, you can use any type of jam you like in a Bakewell Tart. Some popular alternatives to raspberry jam include strawberry, blackberry, and apricot jam.

How do I make the frangipane filling?

To make the frangipane filling, you will need ground almonds, butter, sugar, eggs, and almond extract. Cream the butter and sugar together, then add the ground almonds, eggs, and almond extract and mix well.

Can I make a Bakewell Tart in advance?

Yes, you can make a Bakewell Tart in advance. Once cooled, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days.

How do I know when my Bakewell Tart is cooked?

Your Bakewell Tart is cooked when the pastry is golden brown and the frangipane filling is set. This should take around 35-40 minutes in the oven at 180°C/350°F.

Can I freeze a Bakewell Tart?

Yes, you can freeze a Bakewell Tart. Once cooled, wrap it in clingfilm or foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost at room temperature for a few hours before serving.

How do I serve a Bakewell Tart?

Bakewell Tart is traditionally served at room temperature, either on its own or with a dollop of whipped cream on top.

What is the origin of the Bakewell Tart?

The Bakewell Tart originates from the town of Bakewell in the Derbyshire Dales region of England. The recipe has been around since the 1800s and is thought to have been created by accident when a cook at a local inn mixed the ingredients for a jam tart with those of an almond pastry.