The Ultimate Mary Berry Bakewell Tart Recipe You Can't Resist!
The classic Bakewell tart is a delicious and quintessentially British dessert that combines a sweet pastry crust with layers of fruity jam and almond-flavored sponge. Mary Berry, a beloved British food writer and television personality, has perfected this recipe to create a Bakewell tart that is simply irresistible. π° In this blog post, we will explore the steps to making this delightful treat, tips for getting it just right, and a little bit of history behind this iconic dessert.
<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Mary+Berry+Bakewell+tart+recipe" alt="Mary Berry Bakewell Tart" /> </div>
Ingredients You Will Need π₯
Before we dive into the steps of making the Bakewell tart, it's essential to gather your ingredients. Hereβs what you will need:
<table> <tr> <th>Ingredient</th> <th>Quantity</th> </tr> <tr> <td>Plain flour</td> <td>225g</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Butter</td> <td>115g, chilled and diced</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Icing sugar</td> <td>75g</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Eggs</td> <td>2 medium</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Almond extract</td> <td>1 teaspoon</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Ground almonds</td> <td>125g</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Raspberry jam</td> <td>200g</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Sliced almonds (for topping)</td> <td>To taste</td> </tr> </table>
Important Note: Make sure your butter is chilled for a flakier pastry crust!
<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Bakewell+tart+ingredients" alt="Bakewell Tart Ingredients" /> </div>
Preparing the Pastry Crust π₯
-
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 190Β°C (375Β°F).
-
Mix the Pastry: In a large mixing bowl, combine the plain flour and icing sugar. Add the chilled, diced butter. Using your fingertips, rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.
-
Form the Dough: Add a beaten egg to the mixture. Mix until the dough comes together. If it feels too crumbly, you can add a teaspoon of cold water.
-
Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in cling film and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. This step helps to relax the gluten in the flour, making the pastry more tender.
-
Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough until it is about 5mm thick. Carefully transfer it to a 23cm fluted tart tin. Trim any excess pastry from the edges.
-
Blind Bake: Line the pastry with baking parchment and fill with baking beans or rice. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, then remove the paper and beans and bake for another 5 minutes until lightly golden.
Tip: This is known as blind baking and it helps to prevent the pastry from becoming soggy once the filling is added.
<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=bakewell+tart+pastry+crust" alt="Bakewell Tart Pastry" /> </div>
Making the Frangipane Filling π½οΈ
-
Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and caster sugar together until light and fluffy.
-
Add Eggs and Flavoring: Gradually add the beaten eggs to the butter mixture, stirring continuously. Next, add the almond extract and ground almonds, mixing until well combined.
-
Spread the Jam: Once your pastry crust is ready, spread a generous layer of raspberry jam over the bottom.
-
Add the Frangipane: Pour the frangipane filling over the jam, smoothing it out with a spatula.
-
Decorate with Almonds: Sprinkle sliced almonds over the top for a lovely crunch and nutty flavor.
<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=bakewell+tart+frangipane+filling" alt="Bakewell Tart Frangipane Filling" /> </div>
Baking the Tart π½οΈ
-
Bake the Tart: Place the tart in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the frangipane is golden brown and set. To check, insert a skewer in the center; it should come out clean.
-
Cool the Tart: Once baked, remove the tart from the oven and allow it to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
-
Dust with Icing Sugar: Once completely cool, dust the top with icing sugar for a touch of sweetness.
<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=bakewell+tart+baked" alt="Baked Bakewell Tart" /> </div>
Serving Suggestions π΄
The Bakewell tart can be served warm or at room temperature. It pairs perfectly with a dollop of clotted cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You can also enjoy it with a cup of tea or coffee, making it an ideal treat for afternoon tea gatherings. βοΈ
Important Note: For a more festive touch, consider drizzling some white chocolate over the tart before serving!
<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=bakewell+tart+serving+suggestions" alt="Bakewell Tart Serving Suggestions" /> </div>
History of the Bakewell Tart π
The Bakewell tart hails from the town of Bakewell in Derbyshire, England. Its origins date back to the 19th century, and it is said to have been created by mistake when a cook accidentally combined the ingredients for a jam tart and an almond sponge. Today, it remains a popular dessert in the UK, loved by both locals and tourists alike.
Variations of the Bakewell Tart
While the traditional Bakewell tart features raspberry jam and almond flavoring, variations abound. Some enjoy adding a layer of marzipan or using different fruit preserves. Others might even incorporate chocolate or other flavorings into the frangipane for a unique twist. π
<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=bakewell+tart+variations" alt="Bakewell Tart Variations" /> </div>
Final Thoughts
Making Mary Berry's Bakewell tart is a rewarding experience that will leave you with a delicious dessert that is sure to impress your family and friends. With its buttery crust, fruity jam, and almond sponge, this tart is a perfect addition to any dessert table. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the baking process! You won't regret it! π
<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Mary+Berry+Bakewell+tart+final+thoughts" alt="Mary Berry Bakewell Tart Final Thoughts" /> </div>