Easy Cherry Bakewell Tart Recipe to Try Today

If you have a sweet tooth and love classic British desserts, this easy Cherry Bakewell Tart recipe is an absolute must-try. Featuring a crisp almond-flavored pastry base, a layer of fruity cherry jam, and a soft almond frangipane topping glazed to perfection, this tart is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it at a cozy tea party or as a delightful finish to dinner, the Cherry Bakewell Tart brings the perfect balance of sweetness and texture that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday pantry staples that combine to create a stunning dessert.
• Quick To Prepare: The straightforward steps make it achievable even for beginners.
• Perfect Texture: A crisp base with a moist almond filling and a fruity top layer adds delightful contrast.
• Versatile Serving: Great hot or cold, and equally lovely with tea, coffee, or dessert wine substitute.
• Customizable: Easy to adapt with different fruits or almond alternatives according to your taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple but essential ingredients helps build the perfect Cherry Bakewell Tart. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, adding to the flavor, texture, or visual appeal of this delightful treat.

• Plain flour: The foundation for your crisp tart shell that bakes to a golden brown.
• Butter: Adds rich flavor and a melt-in-the-mouth texture to the pastry and filling.
• Ground almonds: Provide the signature nutty taste and moist crumb to the frangipane.
• Caster sugar: Sweetens the filling and caramelizes beautifully on the top glaze.
• Eggs: Bind the frangipane filling while enriching the pastry.
• Cherry jam: Gives that classic fruity layer that balances almond flavor perfectly.
• Almond extract: Intensifies the almond flavor for an authentic Bakewell taste.
• Flaked almonds: Sprinkled on top for an added crunch and beautiful presentation.
• Powdered sugar: Optional, for a delicate dusting when serving.

Variations for Cherry Bakewell Tart

Feel free to customize your Cherry Bakewell Tart to suit your preferences or dietary needs. This recipe is forgiving and versatile, allowing for creative twists that keep it exciting and fresh every time you bake.

• Mixed Berry Bakewell: Swap the cherry jam for raspberry or blueberry jams for a fruity twist.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use almond flour and gluten-free flour blends for a dietary adaptation.
• Vegan Bakewell: Replace butter and eggs with plant-based alternatives like coconut oil and flax eggs.
• Extra Crunch: Add toasted chopped almonds or pistachios to the filling for more texture.
• Chocolate Drizzle: A drizzle of dark chocolate over the cooled tart adds a decadent finish.

How to Make Cherry Bakewell Tart

Step 1: Prepare the Tart Shell

Start by combining plain flour and cold butter in a mixing bowl and rub them together until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Add a splash of cold water to bring the dough together. Wrap in cling film and chill for at least 30 minutes to rest.

Step 2: Blind Bake the Pastry

Roll out the chilled pastry and line your tart tin. Prick the base with a fork, place baking paper over it, and fill with baking beans or rice. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 15 minutes, then remove the paper and beans and bake for another 5 minutes until golden and crisp.

Step 3: Add Cherry Jam Layer

Once the pastry base is cool, spread a generous layer of cherry jam evenly across the bottom. This fruity layer will provide a juicy contrast to the nutty filling above.

Step 4: Make the Almond Frangipane

Beat together the softened butter and caster sugar until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well. Gently fold in the ground almonds, flour, and almond extract to create a smooth almond filling.

Step 5: Fill and Bake the Tart

Pour the almond frangipane over the jam layer in the tart shell and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle flaked almonds on top. Bake again at 180°C for 30–35 minutes until the frangipane is risen and golden.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Allow the tart to cool fully before removing from the tin. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar before slicing to serve.

Pro Tips for Making Cherry Bakewell Tart

• Keep Butter Cold: Cold butter helps create a flaky, crisp pastry texture.
• Don’t Overmix Dough: Handle pastry dough gently to avoid toughness.
• Even Jam Layer: Spread the cherry jam thinly but evenly to prevent sogginess.
• Check Almond Filling: If too thick, add a teaspoon of milk to loosen the frangipane before baking.
• Use Fresh Almond Extract: Older extracts lose potency, so fresh enhances that classic Bakewell flavor.

How to Serve Cherry Bakewell Tart

Garnishes

For a pretty presentation, sprinkle flaked almonds on top before baking and finish with a light dusting of powdered sugar after cooling. A few fresh cherries or edible flowers add a lovely touch for special occasions.

Side Dishes

This tart shines with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of your favorite vanilla plant-based ice cream. Its fruity and nutty flavors also pair beautifully with a cup of good black tea or coffee.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the tart into small squares or elegant triangles for sharing at parties. You can also serve it on dessert plates with a drizzle of berry coulis or fresh fruit to create a colorful and tempting dessert platter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Cherry Bakewell Tart covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Freezing

Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place in an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.

Reheating

Warm slices gently in a low oven (about 150°C) for 5-7 minutes to bring back the crispness in the base and melt the almond filling slightly without drying out the tart.

FAQs

Can I use other fruits instead of cherries?

Absolutely! Raspberries, blueberries, or even apricot jam work beautifully as alternatives to cherry jam in the Bakewell Tart.

Is it possible to make the recipe dairy-free?

Yes, simply swap the butter for a plant-based margarine or coconut oil, and you have a dairy-free version without compromising texture.

How long does the tart stay fresh?

When refrigerated, the Cherry Bakewell Tart stays fresh for up to 3 days, making it great for preparing ahead.

Can I make the tart shell in advance?

Yes, the pastry shell can be blind baked a day ahead and kept covered at room temperature before assembling the tart.

What is the best way to prevent the tart base from becoming soggy?

Blind baking the pastry and spreading a thin layer of jam before adding the almond filling helps keep the base crisp and prevents sogginess.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting and nostalgic about a Cherry Bakewell Tart that hits the sweet spot every time. This easy recipe invites you to create a delightful dessert with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. Whether for a casual coffee break or a special gathering, give this Cherry Bakewell Tart a try today and watch it become an instant favorite.

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