Cherry Bakewell Tart with Almonds

If you’ve ever craved a dessert that feels both nostalgic and delightfully fresh, the Cherry Bakewell Tart with Almonds is an absolute must-try. This classic British treat combines the perfect balance of tangy, juicy cherries with a sweet almond frangipane filling, all crowned with a crunchy almond topping. Every bite delivers a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that is simply irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving a comforting, fruity delight, this tart will quickly become your new favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect balance of flavors: The tartness of cherries complements the sweet almond filling perfectly.
• Texture delight: Smooth frangipane layered with juicy cherries and topped with crunchy almonds creates a satisfying bite each time.
• Simple ingredients: Easy-to-find pantry staples come together to create a stunning dessert.
• All-occasion dessert: Elegant enough for dinners but homely enough for a cozy afternoon tea.
• Classic yet versatile: You can easily tweak it to suit seasonal berries or dietary preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of the Cherry Bakewell Tart with Almonds lies in its straightforward ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in the texture, flavor, and appearance, ensuring your tart tastes as amazing as it looks.

• Shortcrust pastry: A buttery and flaky base that provides structure and subtle richness.
• Cherry jam or preserves: Adds a sweet and tart fruit layer beneath the almond filling.
• Fresh or canned cherries: Juicy bursts of flavor scattered throughout for freshness.
• Butter: Essential for a creamy, rich almond frangipane.
• Caster sugar: Gives the filling a delicate sweetness without overpowering the cherries.
• Ground almonds: The heart of the frangipane, providing depth, texture, and that quintessential almond flavor.
• Eggs: Bind the filling beautifully and give it a light, airy feel.
• Flour: A small amount to help set the filling perfectly.
• Almond extract: A splash heightens the fragrant almond aroma.
• Sliced almonds: Sprinkled on top for that irresistible crunch and toasted nuttiness.
• Powdered sugar: Optional, for a light dusting after baking.

Variations for Cherry Bakewell Tart with Almonds

This recipe is delightfully adaptable. Feel free to experiment with flavors and ingredients to make the tart your own, whether for health reasons or taste preferences.

• Berry Medley: Replace cherries with a mix of raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries for a summer twist.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free flour for the pastry and filling to suit dietary needs.
• Vegan Adaptation: Substitute butter and eggs with plant-based alternatives for a cruelty-free dessert.
• Chocolate Almond: Add a layer of melted dark chocolate beneath the frangipane for a decadent touch.
• Spiced Almond: Incorporate a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the filling for a warming flavor profile.

How to Make Cherry Bakewell Tart with Almonds

Step 1: Prepare the Pastry

Roll out your shortcrust pastry evenly and line your tart tin, ensuring the edges are smooth and even. Chill the shell to prevent shrinking during baking.

Step 2: Blind Bake the Base

Line the chilled pastry with parchment paper and fill with baking beans or rice to keep it flat. Bake until light golden, then remove the paper and beans and bake a few minutes more to dry the base.

Step 3: Spread the Cherry Jam

Once your pastry shell has cooled slightly, spread a generous but even layer of cherry jam across the base. This sticky layer will beautifully complement the frangipane and fresh cherries on top.

Step 4: Make the Almond Frangipane

Cream butter and caster sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then fold in ground almonds, flour, and almond extract until smooth and luscious.

Step 5: Assemble the Tart

Pour the almond frangipane over the jam layer in the tart shell. Press fresh or canned cherries gently into the filling, spacing them evenly.

Step 6: Add the Topping and Bake

Sprinkle sliced almonds on top and bake in a preheated oven until the frangipane is golden and set, and the almonds are toasted to perfection.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Allow the tart to cool in the tin before removing. Dust with powdered sugar if desired, slice up, and enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making Cherry Bakewell Tart with Almonds

• Chill that pastry: Keeps the edges from shrinking and ensures a crisp, flaky crust.
• Use good quality cherries: Fresh or sweet-tart canned cherries will both work beautifully.
• Don’t overmix the frangipane: Gently fold ingredients to maintain a light texture.
• Keep an eye on baking time: Almonds toast quickly; remove the tart if the topping turns too dark.
• Allow full cooling: The filling firms up as it cools, making slicing easier and cleaner.

How to Serve Cherry Bakewell Tart with Almonds

Garnishes

Serve with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of icing glaze. Fresh mint leaves or a dollop of whipped cream also add a fresh and creamy complement.

Side Dishes

Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or clotted cream to balance the tart’s sweetness and enhance the almond flavor.

Creative Ways to Present

For an eye-catching dessert, arrange slices on a wooden board surrounded by fresh cherries and toasted almond slivers. Adding edible flowers brings a beautiful contrast of color and elegance.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your Cherry Bakewell Tart with Almonds in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for up to five days to maintain freshness.

Freezing

Wrap slices tightly in plastic and place in a freezer-safe bag to freeze for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Reheating

Warm tart slices gently in a low oven or microwave for a few seconds to revive the nutty aroma and soften the filling just before serving.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cherries in Cherry Bakewell Tart with Almonds?

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

What’s the difference between Bakewell tart and Bakewell pudding?

Bakewell tart has a shortcrust pastry base with jam and almond frangipane, while Bakewell pudding uses a puff pastry base and a custard-like almond filling.

Can I substitute ground almonds with almond flour?

Absolutely, almond flour can be used interchangeably with ground almonds in this recipe without any problem.

Is it necessary to blind bake the pastry?

Blind baking prevents the crust from becoming soggy once the filling is added, ensuring a crisp tart base, so it’s highly recommended.

How long does Cherry Bakewell Tart with Almonds keep its freshness?

Stored properly in an airtight container in the fridge, the tart stays fresh for up to five days.

Final Thoughts

If you love desserts that bring together simple ingredients with amazing flavor and texture, the Cherry Bakewell Tart with Almonds is your kitchen’s new best friend. It’s straightforward to make, endlessly customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser. Give it a try—you’ll be hooked from the very first bite!

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