A Traditional Bakewell Tart is a classic British dessert with a buttery shortbread crust, fruity jam, a rich almond frangipane layer, and a sprinkle of sliced almonds. Originating from the town of Bakewell in Derbyshire, this tart is both simple to make and incredibly delicious. It’s a perfect treat for afternoon tea, a light dessert, or even breakfast for those who love a sweet start to the day. If you’re a fan of almonds and fruity sweets, this tart is sure to become a favorite!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Shortbread Crust:

2 cups (240 grams) all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, frozen
2 large egg yolks
½ teaspoon almond extract
1-2 tablespoons cold water

For the Frangipane:

9 tablespoons (127 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons (127 grams) confectioners’ sugar
3 large eggs, room temperature
½ teaspoon almond extract
1 ⅓ cups (112 grams) almond meal
¼ cup (30 grams) all-purpose flour

To Assemble:

1 cup (340 grams) cherry jam
2 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar
½ cup (43 grams) sliced almonds

Directions

Prepare the Shortbread Crust: Whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Grate the frozen butter into the mixture and rub it in until it resembles breadcrumbs. Add the egg yolks and almond extract, then mix in enough water to form a sticky dough. Roll out the dough and press it into the tart pan. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Blind Bake the Crust: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line the dough with parchment paper and fill with pie weights. Bake for 10 minutes, remove the weights, and bake for another 5 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C).
Make the Frangipane: Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, then beat in the almond extract. Mix in the almond meal and flour until combined.
Assemble the Tart: Spread the jam evenly over the cooled crust. Spoon the frangipane over the jam and smooth the top. Bake for 20 minutes, then add the sliced almonds on top. Continue baking for another 5-10 minutes until golden brown and set.
Serve: Let the tart cool, dust with powdered sugar, and serve slightly warm or at room temperature.

Nutrients

Calories: 350 kcal (per serving)
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 50mg
Sodium: 100mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 18g

What Makes a Traditional Bakewell Tart Special

A Traditional Bakewell Tart is different from many other fruit-based tarts because it features a unique combination of textures and flavors. The buttery shortbread crust serves as a base, providing a delicate crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft almond frangipane filling. This filling is made from ground almonds, butter, sugar, and eggs, which combine to form a soft, moist, and lightly sweetened layer that complements the fruity jam spread underneath.

The topping of sliced almonds adds a bit of crunch and visual appeal, while the slight bitterness of the almonds balances the sweetness of the jam and the richness of the frangipane. Whether you enjoy it for afternoon tea, as a dessert, or even for breakfast, the Bakewell Tart is a versatile treat that pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee.

Origin of the Bakewell Tart

The Bakewell Tart is named after the town of Bakewell, where it is said to have originated in the 19th century. According to legend, the dessert was created by accident when a cook in a local inn misunderstood an order. Instead of simply making a jam tart, the cook added a layer of almond paste to the filling, creating a unique combination that quickly gained popularity.

Over the years, the recipe for the Bakewell Tart has evolved, with different variations appearing across the UK. While some versions use different types of fruit jam, the traditional Bakewell Tart always features cherry jam, though raspberry jam is also commonly used. The almond frangipane filling, with its smooth and nutty flavor, remains a constant, giving the tart its signature richness.

The Key Elements of a Traditional Bakewell Tart

The success of a Bakewell Tart lies in the balance of its key components: the shortbread crust, the frangipane filling, and the jam layer. Let’s take a closer look at each of these components and how they work together to create this delicious dessert.

The Shortbread Crust

A Bakewell Tart begins with a shortbread crust—a buttery and slightly sweet foundation that provides both flavor and structure. The shortbread is made with simple ingredients: flour, sugar, butter, and egg yolks. When baked, it forms a golden, crisp crust that holds the filling together while adding a satisfying texture contrast. The use of almond extract in the crust brings a subtle hint of almond flavor, enhancing the overall theme of the tart.

The Frangipane Filling

The frangipane filling is the heart and soul of the Bakewell Tart. Made from almond meal, butter, sugar, eggs, and a touch of almond extract, this filling has a soft, moist, and slightly nutty flavor. It’s rich but not overwhelming, providing the perfect complement to the fruity jam below. The frangipane layer helps create the tart’s signature texture—smooth and soft with just the right amount of bite.

The Fruity Jam Layer

Traditionally, cherry jam is used in a Bakewell Tart, but variations using raspberry jam or even strawberry jam can also be found. The jam layer provides a sweet, fruity contrast to the richness of the frangipane and adds a burst of flavor with each bite. The jam is spread over the baked crust before the frangipane is added, allowing it to blend perfectly into the tart as it bakes.

Sliced Almond Topping

To finish off this delightful dessert, the sliced almonds are sprinkled on top of the tart just before baking. As the tart bakes, the almonds toast, adding a pleasant crunch and a nutty flavor that enhances the almond theme of the tart. The golden-brown almonds also give the tart a beautiful appearance, making it a stunning centerpiece for any dessert table.

How to Make a Traditional Bakewell Tart

Making a Traditional Bakewell Tart involves a few key steps, but the process is relatively simple and straightforward. The first step is to prepare the shortbread crust, which is easy to make by rubbing together flour, sugar, and cold butter until it forms a crumbly texture. The egg yolks and almond extract are then added, and a bit of cold water is used to bring the dough together.

Once the crust is ready, it is blind-baked to prevent it from becoming soggy when the filling is added. The crust is then filled with cherry jam and topped with the almond frangipane. After baking, the tart is topped with sliced almonds and baked until golden brown.

Tips for Perfecting Your Bakewell Tart

Use Cold Butter for the Crust: To achieve the perfect shortbread texture, make sure to use cold butter when making the crust. This helps create the flakiness and crispness that shortbread is known for.
Don’t Overwork the Dough: When making the crust, be careful not to overwork the dough. Overworking can lead to a tough crust, so mix just until everything comes together.
Blind Bake the Crust: Blind baking the crust before adding the filling ensures that the crust will remain crisp and not become soggy from the jam and frangipane layers.
Chill the Crust Before Baking: Chilling the crust before baking helps prevent it from shrinking during the baking process. This will ensure that the crust fits the tart pan perfectly.
Allow the Tart to Cool: After baking, let the tart cool before slicing. This allows the flavors to settle and makes it easier to cut into neat slices.

Variations of the Bakewell Tart

While the Traditional Bakewell Tart features a shortbread crust, frangipane filling, cherry jam, and sliced almonds, there are a few variations you can try to suit your preferences:

Fruit Variations: Instead of cherry jam, you can use raspberry, strawberry, or even apricot jam for a different fruity flavor.
Frangipane Substitutes: If you prefer a different flavor profile, you can substitute the almond frangipane with a hazelnut or cashew frangipane for a unique twist.
Tart vs. Pie: While the Bakewell Tart is traditionally baked in a tart pan, you can also make this dessert in a pie pan for a slightly different shape and serving size.

Conclusion – A Timeless British Delight

The Traditional Bakewell Tart is a timeless British dessert that has earned its place as a classic treat. With its rich almond frangipane, fruity jam, and buttery shortbread crust, it offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures that appeal to a wide range of tastes. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion, enjoying it with afternoon tea, or simply indulging in a sweet treat, the Bakewell Tart is sure to impress with its simplicity and elegance.

This tart not only reflects the history and charm of British baking, but it also offers an easy-to-make dessert that can be enjoyed year-round. The crisp golden crust, moist almond filling, and fruity sweetness make it a dessert that can be made for any occasion, from casual family gatherings to more formal celebrations. If you’re looking for a delicious and elegant dessert to add to your baking repertoire, the Traditional Bakewell Tart is definitely worth a try.

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