There is much brouhaha around the Bakewell Tart, originating from Derbyshire. There is talk of it being in a filo pastry, cold custard, baked custard, no fruit jelly, fresh fruit jam, the role of almonds and so on.
The one I choose today is based from a picture I saw on Pinterest on one of my very late nights when I was supposed to completing a deadline, but alas, procrastination dominated the night: a gorgeous pie slice with bright red jam and a lovely cake-like filling.
I am very partial to the frangipane – it’s one of the only desserts I will pick and choose time and again. The frangipane is a rich texture made wholly of any ground nuts, some butter, some sugar, good quality extract and an egg. It is baked to get that cake-like rise and firmness but it’s a lot richer, denser and… oh mon dieu, j’ai faim!
I’ve had versions of this throughout my life, and it got me intrigued in the history. Now I know not all of you are as interested in this stories (and some even less in baking!), but let me tell you the basics: a Bakewell tart must consist of a buttery and flaky sweet crust, a lovely layer of raspberry jam and a delicious amount of almond frangipane, baked with some almond flakes on top.
I give you a recipe for one medium pie, but this can easily make 4 mini pies.
- Recipe Serves
4
- Recipe Ingredients
1 cup flour
3/4 cup cold butter
1 tbsp icing sugar
1-2 tbsp cold water
Filling:
1/4 cup raspberry jam
1/2 cup butter, soft
1/2 cup castor sugar
1/2 cup ground almonds
1 tsp almond extract
1 egg
almond flakes for garnish
- Recipe Instructions
Whisk the flour and icing sugar together. Rub the cold butter cubes into the mixture to create coarse crumbs. Add some water to bind the dough. Wrap in a cling film and refrigerate for an hour.
Roll out the pie dough into one medium pie tin or into 4 mini pie tins.
Prick with a fork.
Place in the fridge for 15-20 minutes.
Blind bake for 8-10 minutes in a preheated oven of 180°C.
Remove from oven and allow to cool.
Whisk the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Then add the egg and almond extract and whisk for a few more minutes.
Fold in the ground almonds into the mixture.
In the ready pie crust, spread the jam to a thick layer. Spoon the almond mixture over it and smoothen with the back of a spoon or spatula.
Scatter some almonds over and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 15-20 minutes.
Remove from oven and allow to cool in the in the tin for 5 minutes before turning over on a cooling rack.
Serve slightly warm or at room temperature.
Store in an airtight container once cooled completely.
