Transport your taste buds to the heart of an English tea room with this Traditional Bakewell Tart, a classic British dessert that’s as delightful as it is timeless. Featuring a buttery, homemade shortcrust pastry, this tart is layered with a luscious spread of tangy raspberry jam and topped with a rich almond frangipane filling. Finished with a scattering of golden flaked almonds and a light dusting of powdered sugar, this recipe strikes the perfect balance of textures—crisp, creamy, and nutty—all in one irresistible bite. With its elegant presentation and nostalgic flavors, this Bakewell Tart is ideal for afternoon tea, a sophisticated dinner party dessert, or as a simple indulgence served with cream or custard. Easy to make yet truly impressive, this traditional recipe will instantly elevate your baking repertoire.
Begin by making the shortcrust pastry. In a large mixing bowl, combine 250 grams of all-purpose flour with 125 grams of chilled, diced unsalted butter. Rub together with your fingertips until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
Add 20 grams of caster sugar and mix briefly.
Add 1 large egg yolk and 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir until the dough begins to come together.
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead briefly until smooth. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan) or 400°F.
Roll out the chilled pastry on a floured surface and use it to line a 23cm (9-inch) tart tin. Trim excess pastry and prick the base all over with a fork.
Line the pastry with baking paper and fill with baking beans. Blind bake for 15 minutes. Remove the paper and beans, then bake for a further 5 minutes until golden. Set aside to cool slightly.
Spread 200 grams of raspberry jam evenly over the base of the cooled pastry.
To make the frangipane filling, cream together 150 grams of unsalted butter and 150 grams of caster sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the 3 large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the 0.5 teaspoon of almond extract.
Fold in 150 grams of ground almonds and 25 grams of all-purpose flour gently until fully incorporated.
Spread the frangipane mixture over the layer of raspberry jam, smoothing the surface with a spatula.
Scatter 50 grams of flaked almonds evenly over the top of the frangipane.
Bake the tart in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until the frangipane is set and lightly golden.
Allow to cool, dust with 1 tablespoon of powdered sugar before serving.
Serve the tart warm or at room temperature, best enjoyed with a dollop of cream or custard.
Serving size | 1326.2 grams (1326.2g) |
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Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
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Calories | 5597 |
Total Fat 349.40g | 448% |
Saturated Fat 153.70g | 769% |
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g | |
Cholesterol 1347mg | 449% |
Sodium 288mg | 13% |
Total Carbohydrate 542.60g | 197% |
Dietary Fiber 32.50g | 116% |
Total Sugars 287.90g | |
Protein 94.60g | 189% |
Vitamin D 215IU | 1076% |
Calcium 736mg | 57% |
Iron 23mg | 130% |
Potassium 1992mg | 42% |
Source of Calories