Cherry Bakewell Tarts are a delightful treat that perfectly balance the rich flavor of almond frangipane and sweet cherry jam. These traditional British mini tarts are ideal for tea time, special occasions, or simply as a delicious snack. Their charming presentation and combination of textures make them a standout dessert that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple steps, even baking novices can create these delightful tarts.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a party, holiday gathering, or afternoon tea, Cherry Bakewell Tarts fit right in.
- Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of buttery pastry, sweet cherry jam, and almond frangipane creates an irresistible taste experience.
- Customizable: Feel free to experiment with different jams or add your own twist to the frangipane filling.
- Impressive Presentation: These mini tarts look beautiful on any dessert table, impressing guests with their charm.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into making Cherry Bakewell Tarts, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline the process and make baking more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Tart tins
- Rolling pin
- Mixing bowls
- Piping bag
- Baking tray
Importance of Each Tool
- Tart tins: They create the perfect shape for your mini tarts, ensuring even cooking.
- Piping bag: Makes it easy to fill your tarts with frangipane without mess.
- Mixing bowls: Necessary for combining ingredients effectively.
Ingredients
Traditional British mini tarts featuring buttery pastry filled with cherry jam and almond frangipane, finished with sweet icing and a cherry on top.
Ingredients:
– 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
– 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/conserve
– 100g (1/2 cup + 3 tbsp) icing sugar
– 3-5 tsp milk
– 12 glacé cherries, halved
How to Make Cherry Bakewell Tarts
Step 1: Prepare the Pastry Dough
Mix flour and icing sugar in a bowl. Cut in cold butter until it resembles breadcrumbs. Add egg yolks and ice water gradually until the dough forms. Divide into two pieces, wrap in cling film, and chill for about 30 minutes.
Step 2: Shape the Tart Cases
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Roll out one piece of dough to about 3mm thick. Cut out rounds that fit your tart tins and line them carefully. Chill again while preparing the filling.
Step 3: Make the Frangipane Filling
In another bowl, beat together room temperature butter and caster sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in ground almonds, one large egg, and almond extract until well combined. Transfer this mixture into a piping bag for easy filling.
Step 4: Assemble the Tarts
Spread a layer of cherry jam at the bottom of each tart case. Pipe the almond frangipane over the jam, making sure to seal the edges as you go. Bake in preheated oven for about 10–15 minutes or until golden brown. Allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.
Step 5: Finish with Icing
To prepare the icing, mix icing sugar with milk until smooth. Once cooled, drizzle the icing over each tart and top with half a glacé cherry for decoration.
Now you’re all set to enjoy these delightful Cherry Bakewell Tarts!
How to Serve Cherry Bakewell Tarts
Cherry Bakewell Tarts are delightful treats that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a tea party or simply indulging at home, these mini tarts can be served with a few accompaniments to enhance their flavor and presentation.
With Fresh Berries
- Add a mix of raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries on the side for a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the tarts.
Accompanied by Whipped Cream
- A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream pairs beautifully, adding a creamy texture that complements the almond frangipane.
Alongside Vanilla Ice Cream
- Serve warm Cherry Bakewell Tarts with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful temperature contrast and extra indulgence.
With a Cup of Tea
- Enjoy these tarts with your favorite cup of tea. The flavors of Earl Grey or English Breakfast complement the almond and cherry perfectly.
Garnished with Toasted Almonds
- Sprinkle some toasted almond slices on top for added crunch and an extra layer of almond flavor.
How to Perfect Cherry Bakewell Tarts
Creating the perfect Cherry Bakewell Tarts is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your tarts turn out delicious every time.
- Use Cold Butter: Ensure your butter is cold when making the pastry. This will give you a flaky crust that’s essential for great texture.
- Chill the Dough: Don’t skip chilling the dough. It helps prevent shrinking and keeps your pastry crisp during baking.
- Measure Ingredients Accurately: Use precise measurements for flour, sugar, and butter to achieve consistent results.
- Don’t Overfill: When adding jam and frangipane, avoid overfilling the tarts as this can lead to spills during baking.
- Bake Until Golden: Keep an eye on the tarts while baking. They should be golden brown, which indicates they’re perfectly baked.
- Allow to Cool Completely: Let your tarts cool completely before icing them. This prevents the icing from melting off and helps it set better.
Best Side Dishes for Cherry Bakewell Tarts
Pairing side dishes with your Cherry Bakewell Tarts can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some delightful suggestions that complement their flavors well.
- Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances sweetness.
- Cheese Platter: Include soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese for a savory contrast that works well with sweet desserts.
- Chocolate Ganache Dip: A rich chocolate dip provides an indulgent twist when served alongside these fruity tarts.
- Nut Brittle: Crunchy nut brittle adds texture and pairs nicely with the soft filling of the tarts.
- Custard Sauce: A warm vanilla custard sauce drizzled over the tarts enhances their flavor beautifully.
- Lemon Sorbet: A scoop of zesty lemon sorbet serves as a palate cleanser between bites.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Cherry Bakewell Tarts, some common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Avoiding these pitfalls will help you create delicious tarts every time.
- Overworking the pastry: This can make the tarts tough instead of flaky. Handle the dough gently and only mix until combined.
- Skipping the chilling step: Not chilling your dough can lead to shrinkage during baking. Always chill for at least 30 minutes before rolling.
- Using warm butter: Warm butter can affect the texture of your tart crust. Ensure your butter is cold and cubed before mixing it into the flour.
- Filling with too much jam: Overfilling can cause a mess and prevent proper baking. Use just enough cherry jam to cover the bottom of each tart shell.
- Neglecting to check baking time: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your tarts. Remove them when golden brown to avoid overbaking.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cooled Cherry Bakewell Tarts in an airtight container.
- They will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Cherry Bakewell Tarts
- Wrap each tart tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.
Reheating Cherry Bakewell Tarts
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F) and bake for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 20-30 seconds, checking frequently to avoid sogginess.
- Stovetop: Place tarts in a pan over low heat, covering to retain moisture; heat for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make Cherry Bakewell Tarts gluten-free?
You can substitute plain flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
Can I use fresh cherries instead of jam?
While fresh cherries can be used, they need to be cooked down into a jam consistency first for best flavor and texture.
What is almond frangipane?
Almond frangipane is a sweet almond-flavored filling made from ground almonds, butter, sugar, and eggs. It adds rich flavor and moisture to the tarts.
How can I customize my Cherry Bakewell Tarts?
Feel free to experiment with different jams like raspberry or apricot. You can also add citrus zest to the frangipane for extra flavor.
Final Thoughts
Cherry Bakewell Tarts are not only delightful but also versatile treats perfect for any occasion. Their buttery crust combined with sweet cherry jam and almond filling makes them irresistible. Customize them with your favorite jams or add toppings like toasted almonds for an extra crunch. Give this recipe a try and impress your friends and family!
SEO Information
Cherry Bakewell Tarts
Cherry Bakewell Tarts are a classic British dessert that beautifully combines buttery pastry, sweet cherry jam, and rich almond frangipane. These delightful mini tarts are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy afternoon tea or a festive gathering. Their charming presentation and unique textures make them an irresistible treat that will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth. Easy to make and customizable with various jams, they are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 250g plain flour
- 60g icing sugar
- 125g cold unsalted butter
- 2 large egg yolks
- 60g unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 60g caster sugar
- 60g ground almonds
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 tsp almond extract
- Cherry jam
- 100g icing sugar (for icing)
- Glacé cherries (for decoration)
Instructions
- Prepare the pastry by mixing flour and icing sugar, cutting in cold butter until crumbly. Add egg yolks and ice water gradually until dough forms. Chill for 30 minutes.
- Roll out the dough, cut into rounds, and line tart tins. Chill again while preparing the filling.
- Make the frangipane by beating room temperature butter and caster sugar until fluffy. Mix in ground almonds, egg, and almond extract.
- Assemble the tarts by layering cherry jam in each case and piping frangipane on top. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 10–15 minutes until golden brown.
- Allow cooling before drizzling with icing and adding a half glacé cherry for decoration.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Ensure your butter is cold for a flakier crust. Feel free to substitute cherry jam with raspberry or apricot for a different flavor profile.
