Description
Classic Cherry Bakewell Tarts are a delightful British tradition that combines buttery pastry, sweet cherry jam, and almond-scented frangipane. Finished with a drizzle of icing and a glacé cherry, these timeless treats are perfect for any occasion, from afternoon tea to festive celebrations.
Ingredients
For the Pastry Dough:
- 250g (1½ cups + 1 tbsp) plain flour
- 60g (1/4 cup + 3 tbsp) icing sugar
- 125g (1/2 cup + 1 tbsp) cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 2 large egg yolks
- 2–4 tbsp ice water
For the Frangipane Filling:
- 60g (1/4 cup) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 60g (1/4 cup + 1 tbsp) caster sugar
- 60g (1/2 cup + 2 tbsp) ground almonds
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 tsp almond extract
- Cherry jam or conserve (as needed)
For Decoration:
- 100g (1/2 cup + 3 tbsp) icing sugar
- 3–5 tsp milk
- 12 glacé cherries, halved
Instructions
- Prepare the Pastry Dough
- Combine plain flour and icing sugar in a large bowl.
- Add cold butter cubes and mix with a pastry cutter or fingers until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
- Stir in egg yolks and 2 tbsp ice water, mixing until the dough comes together. Add more water if needed.
- Divide into two discs, wrap in cling film, and chill for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare Tart Shells
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Roll out each dough disc on a floured surface to 3mm thickness.
- Cut rounds and press into mini tart tins or muffin tins. Chill for 15 minutes.
- Make the Frangipane Filling
- Beat butter and caster sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add ground almonds, egg, and almond extract. Mix until smooth.
- Assemble the Tarts
- Spread a small spoonful of cherry jam in each tart shell.
- Pipe or spoon frangipane filling over the jam, ensuring the edges are sealed.
- Bake the Tarts
- Place tarts on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes until frangipane is golden.
- Cool completely before decorating.
- Decorate the Tarts
- Mix icing sugar with 3-5 tsp milk to form a smooth icing.
- Spoon icing onto each tart and top with half a glacé cherry.
Notes
- Use cold butter for a flaky pastry.
- Chill the pastry at every stage to prevent shrinking.
- Balance sweetness with tart cherry jam.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British