Mary Berry's Bakewell Tartlets are the epitome of a delightful treat that can impress anyone! These small pastries filled with almond frangipane and a hint of raspberry jam create a perfect combination of flavors and textures. In this article, we will dive into the history of Bakewell Tartlets, how to make them, and some tips and tricks to ensure your tartlets turn out perfectly every time.
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A Brief History of Bakewell Tartlets
The Bakewell Tart is a classic British dessert that originates from the town of Bakewell in Derbyshire. 🍰 It dates back to the 19th century and is traditionally made with a shortcrust pastry, raspberry jam, and almond frangipane. Mary Berry, a beloved baking icon in the UK, has her own version of this timeless treat, known as Bakewell Tartlets.
Why Choose Bakewell Tartlets?
- Portion-Controlled: Unlike the traditional tart, tartlets are small and perfect for individual servings. This makes them an ideal choice for entertaining guests or enjoying a small sweet treat without overindulging.
- Elegant Presentation: The small, delicate nature of the tartlets adds an elegant touch to any gathering. 🎉
- Versatile: You can customize the flavor of your tartlets by swapping out the raspberry jam for other fruit preserves, making them adaptable to seasonal fruits.
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Bakewell Tartlets Ingredients
To make Mary Berry's Bakewell Tartlets, you will need the following ingredients:
For the Shortcrust Pastry
Ingredient | Amount |
---|---|
Plain flour | 225g |
Butter (unsalted) | 110g |
Icing sugar | 50g |
Egg yolk | 1 |
Cold water | As needed |
For the Frangipane Filling
Ingredient | Amount |
---|---|
Ground almonds | 150g |
Caster sugar | 150g |
Butter (unsalted) | 150g |
Eggs | 3 |
Almond extract | 1 tsp |
Baking powder | 1 tsp |
For Assembly
Ingredient | Amount |
---|---|
Raspberry jam | 200g |
Flaked almonds | For garnish |
Note: Feel free to experiment with different jams and nut extracts to create your unique flavor profile.
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How to Make Bakewell Tartlets
Step-by-Step Instructions
-
Prepare the Pastry:
- In a mixing bowl, combine plain flour, butter, and icing sugar until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
- Add the egg yolk and just enough cold water to form a smooth dough. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
-
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
-
Roll Out the Pastry:
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pastry to about 3mm thick. Use a round cutter to cut out circles that will fit into your tartlet tins.
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Line the Tins:
- Gently press the pastry circles into the tartlet tins and trim any excess. Prick the base with a fork to prevent it from puffing up during baking.
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Blind Bake:
- Line the pastry with baking paper and fill with baking beans. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes until lightly golden.
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Make the Frangipane Filling:
- In a bowl, cream together the softened butter and caster sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs, followed by the ground almonds, baking powder, and almond extract.
-
Assemble the Tartlets:
- Remove the tartlets from the oven and remove the baking beans. Spoon a layer of raspberry jam into each tartlet case, followed by a generous dollop of frangipane filling on top.
-
Bake Again:
- Return to the oven for another 20-25 minutes until the frangipane is golden and set.
-
Garnish:
- Once cooled, top with flaked almonds for that extra crunch and flavor.
<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Bakewell+Tartlets+Recipe+By+Mary+Berry" alt="Bakewell Tartlets Process" /> </div>
Tips for Perfect Bakewell Tartlets
- Chill the Pastry: Always chill your pastry before rolling it out; this will help it keep its shape during baking.
- Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality butter and fresh ground almonds to enhance the flavor of your tartlets. 🍃
- Don’t Overfill: Be careful not to overfill your tartlets with frangipane; they expand during baking.
Serving Suggestions
Bakewell Tartlets can be served warm or cold. For a delightful experience, serve them with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. 🌟 Pair with a cup of tea or coffee for a truly delightful afternoon treat.
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Storing Your Tartlets
You can store any leftover Bakewell Tartlets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you plan on freezing them, do so before adding the flaked almonds and jam. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw and bake for a few minutes to refresh.
Conclusion
Mary Berry's Bakewell Tartlets are more than just a treat; they are a testament to classic British baking. With their rich almond flavor and delightful jam center, they are sure to impress your friends and family. Whether for a special occasion or a simple gathering, these tartlets are a show-stopping dessert that captures the heart of every sweet lover! 🍴 Enjoy baking, and happy indulging!
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