If you\’re a fan of the Great British Bake Off, then this Cherry Bakewell Tart is sure to capture your heart. This delightful dessert combines a buttery pastry with a rich almond sponge and a tangy cherry filling. It\’s a gorgeous treat that not only looks impressive but also tastes divine. Perfect for gatherings or simply as a sweet indulgence at home!
This recipe is your chance to channel your inner Mary Berry and create a stunning tart that will wow your friends and family. Whether you\’re serving it at a tea party or as a dessert after dinner, this classic Bakewell Tart is a must-try. With its sweet tarts base topped with smooth custard, it’s a dessert that never goes out of style.
A Glimpse of the Cherry Bakewell Tart
The Cherry Bakewell Tart is a charming dessert that captures the essence of British baking. Its combination of buttery pastry, almond sponge, and sweet cherry filling sets it apart from other tart recipes. This delightful treat is not just a feast for the eyes but also a sweet indulgence that pairs beautifully with afternoon tea.
Inspired by classic Great British Bake Off recipes, this tart is a nod to the traditional Bakewell tart recipe that has stood the test of time. The thoughtfully layered components create a harmonious balance of flavors that make it a beloved dessert among many. Whether served at a gathering or enjoyed at home, it offers a touch of elegance to any occasion.
The Art of Crafting the Pastry
Creating the pastry for your Cherry Bakewell Tart is a straightforward process, ideal for both novice and experienced bakers. Starting with chilled, diced butter and plain flour, you’ll mix them to achieve a crumbly texture. Adding icing sugar enhances the sweetness, making sure your tart base is perfectly balanced.
Once the dough is formed, it is essential to chill it before rolling it out. This step not only helps in maintaining the shape but also contributes to a crisp texture once baked. Remember to blind bake the pastry to ensure a golden finish that will hold the delicious filling without becoming soggy.
Filling Your Tart with Flavor
The filling is where the magic happens in this tart. A blend of softened butter, caster sugar, and eggs creates a fluffy almond sponge that serves as the heart of the dessert. The addition of ground almonds and almond extract deepens the nutty flavor profile, making each bite a delight.
Before pouring the almond sponge mixture into the pastry shell, a generous layer of cherry preserves is spread over the base. This adds a tangy sweetness that perfectly complements the richness of the almond filling. The combination of textures and flavors elevates this tart above typical sweet tarts.
A Beautiful Finish with Icing
No Cherry Bakewell Tart is complete without its signature layer of icing. Once the tart has cooled, mixing icing sugar with a small amount of water creates a smooth topping that not only looks appealing but adds a sweetness that balances the tartness of the cherries.
Sprinkling sliced almonds on top adds a delightful crunch and enhances the visual appeal of the tart. This finishing touch transforms your dessert into a centerpiece that is sure to impress all who see it.
Serving Suggestions for a Cozy Afternoon Tea
Serving your Cherry Bakewell Tart doesn’t require much fuss, but a few simple touches can elevate the experience. Pairing it with a delicate teacup and saucer can create a lovely afternoon tea atmosphere. The warm tones of a rustic wooden table provide a charming backdrop for this delightful dessert.
Consider serving the tart alongside a pot of freshly brewed tea or coffee, allowing guests to savor the flavors together. A simple garnish of fresh cherries can also enhance the presentation, making it an inviting treat for any gathering.
Why You Need This Tart in Your Recipe Collection
This Cherry Bakewell Tart is not just another dessert; it’s a culinary experience that brings joy to baking and eating. It embodies the heart of British baking, reminiscent of the recipes featured on shows like the Great British Bake Off. The ease of preparation makes it suitable for those looking for easy tart recipes that deliver on taste and presentation.
Incorporating this recipe into your baking repertoire means you’ll have a delightful dessert at your fingertips, whether for casual gatherings or special occasions. The balance of flavors, textures, and visual appeal ensures that it will be a beloved choice for anyone who has the pleasure of tasting it.
A Delightful Cherry Bakewell Tart

This Cherry Bakewell Tart features a crisp, buttery pastry filled with almond sponge cake, tart cherry preserves, and a luscious layer of almond-flavored icing. The combination of flavors creates a sweet, nutty delight that pairs perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee. It\’s an easy tart recipe that anyone can master, making it a staple in tart filling recipes.

Ingredients
- For the Pastry:
- 200g plain flour
- 100g unsalted butter, chilled and diced
- 50g icing sugar
- 1 egg, beaten
- For the Filling:
- 125g unsalted butter, softened
- 125g caster sugar
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 125g ground almonds
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 100g cherry preserves
- For the Topping:
- 150g icing sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons water
- Sliced almonds for decoration
Instructions
- Make the Pastry: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, butter, and icing sugar until crumbly. Add the beaten egg and mix until a dough forms. Wrap in cling film and chill for 30 minutes.
- Blind Bake the Pastry: Roll out the chilled pastry and line a tart tin. Prick the base with a fork and line with baking paper, adding baking beans. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the paper and beans and bake for another 5 minutes until lightly golden.
- Prepare the Filling: In a bowl, cream together the softened butter and caster sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add the beaten eggs, mixing well. Fold in the ground almonds and almond extract until fully combined.
- Assemble the Tart: Spread the cherry preserves over the base of the cooled pastry shell. Pour the almond sponge mixture over the preserves, smoothing the top.
- Bake the Tart: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Finish with Icing: Allow the tart to cool completely. Mix the icing sugar with just enough water to create a thick icing. Spread it over the tart and sprinkle with sliced almonds before serving.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 8 slices
- Calories: 300kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
