Table of Contents
Introduction
The Bakewell tart is a classic English dessert that features a delightful combination of textures and flavors. It starts with a crisp shortcrust pastry base, which is then layered with a generous spread of fruity jam. On top of the jam sits a rich, almond-flavored frangipane filling, and the tart is often finished with a sprinkling of flaked almonds or a delicate icing. This sweet treat is a staple in British baking and is commonly enjoyed with a cup of tea, offering a perfect balance of buttery pastry and sweet, nutty filling.
Ingredients for Bakewell Tart
Here are the typical ingredients needed to make a Bakewell tart:
For the Pastry
- 175g (1 1/4 cups) plain flour
- 75g (1/3 cup) cold butter, cubed
- 2-3 tablespoons cold water
- 25g (2 tablespoons) sugar (optional, for sweet pastry)
For the Filling
- 4-5 tablespoons raspberry or strawberry jam
For the Frangipane
- 100g (1/2 cup) butter, softened
- 100g (1/2 cup) caster sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 100g (1 cup) ground almonds
- 25g (1/4 cup) plain flour
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
For the Topping
- A handful of flaked almonds
- Icing sugar, for dusting (optional)
These ingredients will create a delicious Bakewell tart with a buttery crust, sweet jam, and a rich, almond-flavored filling.
How To Make Bakewell Tart
Instructions
1. Make the Pastry
- Mix the Flour and Butter: In a large bowl, rub the cold butter into the flour using your fingertips until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. If you prefer a sweet pastry, add the sugar at this stage.
- Add Water: Gradually add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough comes together. Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in cling film, and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the Tart Shell
- Roll Out the Dough: Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan/gas mark 6). Roll out the chilled pastry on a lightly floured surface to fit a 23cm (9-inch) tart tin.
- Line the Tart Tin: Gently press the pastry into the tin, trimming any excess. Prick the base with a fork and chill for another 10 minutes.
- Blind Bake: Line the pastry with baking paper and fill with baking beans or rice. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the paper and beans and bake for another 5 minutes until lightly golden. Reduce the oven temperature to 180°C (160°C fan/gas mark 4).
3. Make the Frangipane Filling
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Almonds: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then fold in the ground almonds, plain flour, and almond extract until well combined.
4. Assemble and Bake
- Spread Jam: Spread a layer of raspberry or strawberry jam over the base of the tart shell.
- Add Frangipane: Spoon the frangipane mixture over the jam, spreading it evenly.
- Top with Almonds: Sprinkle the flaked almonds over the top.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the frangipane is golden and set.
5. Finish and Serve
- Cool: Allow the tart to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Dust with Icing Sugar: Before serving, dust the tart with icing sugar if desired.
Enjoy your homemade Bakewell tart with a cup of tea or as a delightful dessert!
Variations for Bakewell Tart
There are many delicious variations you can try with a Bakewell tart to add different flavors and textures. Here are a few ideas:
1. Chocolate Bakewell Tart
- Filling: Use chocolate spread or melted chocolate in place of the traditional jam layer.
- Frangipane: Add cocoa powder to the frangipane mixture for a rich chocolate flavor.
2. Citrus Bakewell Tart
- Filling: Use lemon or orange marmalade instead of raspberry or strawberry jam.
- Frangipane: Add some lemon or orange zest to the frangipane for an extra citrus kick.
3. Cherry Bakewell Tart
- Filling: Use cherry jam for the base layer.
- Topping: Decorate with glace cherries on top of the frangipane before baking.
4. Mixed Berry Bakewell Tart
- Filling: Use a mixture of berry jams like blueberry, raspberry, and blackberry.
- Frangipane: Add fresh or frozen mixed berries into the frangipane mixture.
5. Coconut Bakewell Tart
- Frangipane: Replace ground almonds with desiccated coconut for a tropical twist.
- Topping: Sprinkle shredded coconut on top instead of flaked almonds.
6. Pistachio Bakewell Tart
- Frangipane: Replace ground almonds with ground pistachios.
- Topping: Use chopped pistachios on top of the frangipane.
7. Apricot Bakewell Tart
- Filling: Use apricot jam for the base layer.
- Frangipane: Add some chopped dried apricots into the frangipane mixture.
8. Almond and Pear Bakewell Tart
- Filling: Poach pear slices in sugar syrup and place them on top of the jam layer.
- Frangipane: Add a few drops of almond extract to the frangipane for extra almond flavor.
9. Gluten-Free Bakewell Tart
- Pastry: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make the pastry.
- Frangipane: Ensure all other ingredients used are gluten-free.
10. Vegan Bakewell Tart
- Pastry: Use a vegan butter substitute and a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) for the pastry.
- Frangipane: Replace butter with vegan butter and eggs with flax eggs.
Experimenting with these variations can lead to delightful new versions of the traditional Bakewell tart, each with its unique twist on flavors and textures.
How To Store Bakewell Tart
Proper storage of a Bakewell tart ensures it stays fresh and delicious for as long as possible. Here are the steps for storing your Bakewell tart:
Room Temperature
- Cool Completely: Allow the Bakewell tart to cool completely after baking.
- Cover: Place the tart in an airtight container or cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Storage Time: Store at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Refrigerator
- Cool Completely: Ensure the tart is fully cooled before storing.
- Cover: Place the tart in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Storage Time: Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezer
- Cool Completely: Make sure the tart is completely cool before freezing.
- Wrap: Wrap the tart tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
- Label: Label the package with the date.
- Storage Time: Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Thawing: To thaw, transfer the tart to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. For quicker thawing, let it sit at room temperature for a few hours.
- Tips
- Avoid Moisture: Ensure the tart is wrapped well to avoid moisture, which can make the pastry soggy.
- Reheating: If desired, you can reheat the tart in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes to restore its crispiness.
By following these storage methods, you can enjoy your Bakewell tart at its best, whether it’s freshly baked or saved for later.
Benefits of enjoying a Bakewell Tart
Enjoying a Bakewell tart can offer several benefits beyond its delightful taste. Here are some reasons why savoring this classic dessert can be enjoyable and beneficial:
1. Culinary Delight
- Flavor: The combination of buttery pastry, sweet jam, and rich almond frangipane creates a complex and satisfying taste experience.
- Texture: The contrast between the crisp pastry, smooth frangipane, and crunchy almonds provides a delightful textural variety.
2. Cultural Experience
- Tradition: The Bakewell tart is a traditional English dessert, offering a taste of British culinary heritage.
- Occasions: Often enjoyed during afternoon tea or festive occasions, it brings a sense of celebration and tradition.
3. Nutritional Aspects
- Almonds: Almonds are a good source of healthy fats, protein, vitamins, and minerals such as vitamin E and magnesium.
- Energy: As a calorie-dense dessert, it can provide a quick energy boost, which can be beneficial for active individuals or as an occasional treat.
4. Mood Enhancement
- Comfort Food: Enjoying a sweet treat can boost your mood and provide comfort, making it a great choice for special occasions or as a reward.
- Pleasure: Indulging in a favorite dessert can bring joy and satisfaction, enhancing overall well-being.
5. Social Connection
- Sharing: Bakewell tarts are often shared with family and friends, fostering social bonds and creating pleasant memories.
- Gift: Homemade Bakewell tarts can make thoughtful gifts, showing care and effort in preparing a delicious treat for someone.
6. Creativity
- Baking: Making a Bakewell tart from scratch can be a fulfilling creative activity, allowing you to experiment with flavors and variations.
- Presentation: Decorating the tart with icing or flaked almonds can be a fun way to express your creativity.
7. Mindfulness
- Baking Process: The process of baking can be a mindful activity, helping you focus and relax.
- Savoring: Taking the time to savor each bite can enhance the enjoyment and mindfulness of eating, leading to greater satisfaction.
While Bakewell tarts should be enjoyed in moderation due to their sugar and calorie content, their sensory pleasures and the joy they bring can make them a delightful addition to your culinary repertoire.
FAQs
1. Are Bakewell Tarts from bakewell?
Yes, Bakewell tarts are named after the town of Bakewell in Derbyshire, England, where the dessert is believed to have originated.
2. Are Bakewell Tarts vegetarian?
Yes, Bakewell tarts are typically vegetarian. They are made with ingredients like butter, eggs, sugar, almonds, and pastry, which are all vegetarian-friendly.
3. Are Bakewell Tarts American?
No, Bakewell tarts are not American; they are traditional English desserts.
4. How many calories are in a Bakewell Tart?
A typical Bakewell tart ranges from 300 to 500 calories per serving, depending on size and ingredients used.
5. Can Bakewell Tart be frozen?
Yes, Bakewell tart can be frozen. It’s best to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to maintain freshness. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
6. Can dogs eat Bakewell Tart?
No, dogs should not eat Bakewell tart. It contains ingredients like sugar, butter, and potentially harmful additives such as xylitol, which can be toxic to dogs.
7. Can you reheat Bakewell Tart?
Yes, you can reheat Bakewell tart. It’s best to warm it in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes to restore its crispiness.
8. Can you freeze Bakewell Tart with icing?
It’s generally not recommended to freeze Bakewell tart with icing, as the icing may become soggy or lose its texture upon thawing. It’s better to freeze the tart without icing and add fresh icing after thawing, if desired.
9. Can I eat Bakewell Tart when pregnant?
Yes, you can eat Bakewell tart when pregnant, but it’s advisable to consume it in moderation due to its sugar and calorie content.
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