How to Make Cherry Bakewell Tart Perfectly

The Cherry Bakewell Tart is a classic British favorite combining a crisp pastry shell with a sumptuous almond filling and a glossy cherry glaze on top. This delightful homemade treat offers a perfect balance of sweet and nutty flavors with a hint of fruity brightness, making it absolutely irresistible and ideal for any occasion. Learn how to make Cherry Bakewell Tart perfectly with a delicious almond filling and sweet cherry glaze for a delightful, homemade treat every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic flavor fusion: The blend of almond frangipane and cherry topping creates a timeless taste that’s both sweet and nutty.
• Simple ingredients: Uses everyday pantry essentials that come together effortlessly for a stunning dessert.
• Impressive presentation: A glossy fruit glaze and decorative icing make this tart look professionally made.
• Texture perfection: The crisp pastry contrasts beautifully with the soft almond filling and juicy cherries.
• Versatile serving options: Great warm or cold, perfect with cream, custard, or on its own.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The key to an extraordinary Cherry Bakewell Tart lies in using simple yet high-quality ingredients. Each one plays an essential role, whether for flavor, texture, or that classic shiny finish.

• All-purpose flour: Provides the sturdy base for a flaky, crisp pastry shell.
• Cold unsalted butter: Ensures a tender, buttery crust with great flakiness.
• Ground almonds: Give the filling its signature nutty richness and moist texture.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness to both the filling and glaze for a balanced treat.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients in the almond filling, giving structure and glow.
• Cherry jam: Acts as a sweet base layer and ties in the fruity cherry flavor.
• Fresh or jarred cherries: Provide juicy bursts and stunning visual appeal atop the tart.
• Sliced almonds: Sprinkle on top for crunch and decoration.
• Icing sugar and water: Made into a simple glaze to finish the tart with a classic shiny look.

Variations for Cherry Bakewell Tart

This recipe is wonderfully flexible, so you can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences or ingredient availability. Feel free to try these variations for a fresh twist on the traditional Cherry Bakewell Tart.

• Use raspberry jam instead of cherry: For a tangy alternative that pairs well with almonds.
• Add vanilla extract: Enhance the filling’s depth of flavor with a teaspoon of pure vanilla.
• Replace cherries with soaked dried cranberries: For a chewy texture and tart contrast.
• Swap ground almonds with ground hazelnuts or pecans: To experiment with different nutty flavors.
• Make it vegan: Substitute eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based butter for a fully plant-friendly tart.

How to Make Cherry Bakewell Tart

Step 1: Prepare the Pastry

Start by rubbing cold unsalted butter into the all-purpose flour until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Add a little cold water gradually, mixing gently until the dough comes together. Wrap in cling film and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to rest and prevent shrinking during baking.

Step 2: Blind Bake the Tart Shell

Roll out the cooled pastry on a floured surface and line your tart tin. Prick the pastry base with a fork and cover with baking paper, then fill with baking beans or rice. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 15 minutes until the edges are lightly golden. Remove the paper and weights, and bake an additional 5 minutes until the base is dry but not browned.

Step 3: Spread Cherry Jam

Once the tart shell is cooled slightly, spread a thin, even layer of cherry jam over the base. This layer traps moisture from the filling and adds a burst of fruity flavor to every slice.

Step 4: Prepare the Almond Filling

In a mixing bowl, cream softened butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then fold in ground almonds and a splash of almond extract if desired. Spread this almond filling evenly over the jam layer with a spatula.

Step 5: Add the Cherries and Bake

Arrange fresh or jarred cherries neatly over the almond filling, pressing them in slightly. Sprinkle sliced almonds on top for extra crunch. Bake the tart in the oven for 30-35 minutes until the almond filling is golden and set.

Step 6: Glaze and Cool

Mix icing sugar with a small amount of water to create a smooth glaze. Brush this gently over the warm tart to seal in moisture and add a glossy finish. Allow the tart to cool completely before slicing for clean cuts and the best flavor.

Pro Tips for Making Cherry Bakewell Tart

• Chill your pastry well: Resting the dough prevents shrinking and keeps the crust crisp.
• Blind bake carefully: Baking the tart shell first stops sogginess from the moist filling.
• Use fresh almonds for better flavor: Freshly ground almonds add a richer taste to the filling.
• Don’t overfill: Leaving a small gap at the edge stops spillage and keeps the tart neat.
• Brush the glaze while warm: Helps the icing set smoothly and creates that perfect shine.

How to Serve Cherry Bakewell Tart

Garnishes

Sprinkle extra sliced almonds or dust with icing sugar for a simple but elegant touch. Adding a fresh cherry or two on top can elevate its look and hint at its delicious filling.

Side Dishes

Serve the Cherry Bakewell Tart with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of custard for a truly comforting dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice into small squares for a party platter or arrange the tart on a decorative plate with edible flowers and a sprig of mint for an extra chic presentation that wows guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Cherry Bakewell Tart in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.

Freezing

Freeze the unglazed tart wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and brush with glaze before serving for the best texture.

Reheating

Warm individual slices gently in a low oven or microwave for a few seconds to enhance the almond aroma and soften the glaze without melting it too much.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cherries for the Cherry Bakewell Tart?

Yes, frozen cherries work well; just make sure to thaw and drain any excess juice to avoid a soggy filling.

Is it possible to make the tart gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use a gluten-free flour blend for the pastry, ensuring it behaves similarly to regular flour for a great crisp base.

How long does the Cherry Bakewell Tart keep fresh?

Stored properly in the fridge, it will stay fresh for about 4 to 5 days without losing flavor or texture.

Can I prepare this tart in advance?

Yes, you can bake it a day ahead and glaze it just before serving to keep it looking and tasting fresh.

What can I replace ground almonds with if I have allergies?

You can substitute ground almonds with ground hazelnuts or sunflower seeds, though the flavor and texture will vary slightly.

Final Thoughts

This Cherry Bakewell Tart is a true showstopper that combines ease, elegance, and extraordinary flavor. Whether you’re serving it for a casual afternoon tea or a special occasion, it guarantees smiles all around. Give this recipe a try and embrace the warm, nutty, and fruity magic of the Cherry Bakewell Tart in your own kitchen!

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