The Bakewell Tart Traybake combines the rich, buttery crumb of a classic British almond cake with a sweet layer of raspberry jam and bursts of juicy cherries, all crowned with crunchy flaked almonds. The result is a comforting and visually inviting treat that blends textures and flavors perfectly.
Ideal for serving with a cup of tea or as a casual dessert, this traybake is both nostalgic and straightforward to prepare. Its simple elegance makes it perfect for sharing with friends and family, offering a taste of traditional baking with a modern traybake twist.
Full Recipe:
200g unsalted butter, softened
200g caster sugar
3 large eggs
200g self-raising flour
1 tsp baking powder
100g ground almonds
1 tsp almond extract
4 tbsp raspberry jam
100g glacé cherries, halved
50g flaked almonds
Icing sugar for dusting (optional)
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line a 20x20cm square baking tin with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and caster sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
Sift the self-raising flour and baking powder into the mixture, then fold in gently along with the ground almonds and almond extract until just combined.
Spread half of the batter evenly into the prepared tin.
Dollop the raspberry jam over the batter and spread gently, leaving a little space around the edges.
Arrange the halved glacé cherries evenly over the jam layer.
Spoon the remaining batter over the top and spread to cover the cherries and jam completely.
Sprinkle the flaked almonds evenly over the surface.
Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until golden and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow to cool completely in the tin before dusting with icing sugar if desired. Cut into squares to serve.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes
Kcal: Approximately 320 kcal per serving | Servings: 9 squares
Introduction to the Bakewell Tart Traybake
The Bakewell Tart Traybake is a beloved classic from British baking tradition, known for its delightful combination of almond sponge, fruity jam, and a crunchy topping of flaked almonds. This traybake version offers all the familiar flavors of the traditional Bakewell Tart but with a simpler preparation method, making it perfect for home bakers of all skill levels. Its ease of assembly and baking in a single tray allows for a convenient dessert that can be sliced into generous squares, ideal for sharing with family and friends or serving at casual gatherings.
Origins and History of the Bakewell Tart
The Bakewell Tart has its origins in the market town of Bakewell in Derbyshire, England, where the story goes that the dessert was created by accident during the 19th century. A local cook was tasked with making a jam tart but accidentally spread the jam beneath the almond sponge layer instead of on top. The result was a serendipitous invention that combined a shortcrust pastry base, a layer of jam, and a frangipane (almond-flavored sponge) topping. Over time, this dessert gained popularity across the UK, becoming a staple in tea rooms and bakeries. The traybake adaptation simplifies the process by removing the pastry base and baking everything in one tin, making the recipe more accessible without losing the essence of the classic.
Flavor Profile and Texture
One of the standout features of the Bakewell Tart Traybake is its balance of flavors and textures. The rich, buttery almond sponge is both tender and moist, infused with a subtle nutty aroma from ground almonds and almond extract. The raspberry jam layer adds a tangy sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the cake. The halved glacé cherries lend bursts of fruity juiciness, while the flaked almonds on top add a toasted, crunchy finish, giving a pleasant contrast to the soft interior. Together, these elements create a harmonious flavor experience that is both comforting and indulgent.
Why Choose a Traybake?
Traybakes have become increasingly popular due to their convenience and versatility. Unlike traditional layered desserts that require multiple components and precise assembly, traybakes simplify baking by combining ingredients in a single pan. This reduces preparation time and cleanup, making it ideal for busy home cooks. Additionally, traybakes tend to have a rustic charm with their informal, hearty slices perfect for casual occasions, picnics, or simply enjoying with a cup of tea at home. The Bakewell Tart Traybake retains the signature taste of the original tart while benefiting from the ease and flexibility of a traybake format.
Ingredients Highlight: Almonds and Cherries
The use of almonds and cherries in this recipe is not only traditional but adds both flavor and nutritional benefits. Almonds are rich in healthy fats, protein, and fiber, and they impart a distinctive nutty flavor that enhances baked goods. The ground almonds provide moisture and a tender crumb to the cake, while the flaked almonds add texture on top. Cherries, particularly glacé cherries in this case, bring a pop of sweetness and color that makes the bake visually appealing and delicious. The combination of almonds and cherries is a classic pairing, well-loved in many desserts for their complementary tastes.
Variations and Adaptations
This Bakewell Tart Traybake is quite versatile and can be adapted to suit different tastes or dietary needs. For example, the jam layer can be swapped for other fruit preserves such as strawberry or apricot, depending on your preference. If you want to add a more complex texture, fresh or dried fruit can be added alongside the cherries. For those with dietary restrictions, it is possible to substitute regular flour with gluten-free flour blends to make the bake gluten-free. Vegan versions can be created by replacing butter with plant-based margarine and using egg substitutes. The almond extract can be increased or reduced according to how strong you want the almond flavor to be.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
The Bakewell Tart Traybake is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving options. It pairs wonderfully with a simple dusting of icing sugar for a delicate finish or a light drizzle of white chocolate or icing glaze for added sweetness and decoration. For an indulgent touch, serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. It is also a lovely complement to afternoon tea, offering a classic British flavor that goes well with a robust black tea or a fragrant Earl Grey. For a festive touch, garnish with toasted almond slivers or fresh berries.
Why This Recipe Works for Home Bakers
Many home bakers find traditional Bakewell Tart intimidating because it requires making a pastry base, which can be tricky to get just right. The traybake version removes this step entirely, making it much more accessible without sacrificing the signature flavors. It’s also forgiving in terms of timing and technique, as the batter is a straightforward almond sponge that bakes evenly in a tray. The layering of jam and cherries inside the batter keeps the cake moist and adds bursts of flavor throughout. This makes the Bakewell Tart Traybake a fantastic recipe for beginners and experienced bakers alike.
Nutritional Aspects
While this traybake is certainly an indulgence, it also contains some nutritional benefits thanks to the almonds and cherries. Almonds are a good source of vitamin E, magnesium, and antioxidants, which are beneficial for heart health and skin. The cherries provide vitamins and antioxidants as well, contributing to the dessert’s nutritional profile. Of course, the cake does contain sugar and butter, so it is best enjoyed as an occasional treat balanced with a healthy lifestyle. Portion control and pairing the bake with fresh fruit or yogurt can help balance indulgence with nutrition.
Cultural Significance and Popularity
The Bakewell Tart holds a special place in British culture as a nostalgic comfort food and a symbol of regional pride for Bakewell, Derbyshire. Its popularity has endured for centuries, and it frequently appears in British cookbooks, bakeries, and cafes. The traybake adaptation has further expanded its reach, bringing this traditional flavor to modern kitchens worldwide. Whether at a British-themed event, a family gathering, or a tea party, the Bakewell Tart Traybake offers a taste of British heritage that resonates with many people, evoking warmth and familiarity.
Tips for Perfecting Your Bakewell Tart Traybake
For the best results, ensure your butter is softened but not melted before creaming with sugar to achieve a light and fluffy batter. When folding in the flour and almonds, mix gently to keep the batter airy. Spreading the jam and cherries evenly in the middle layer is key to distributing flavor throughout the cake. Keep an eye on the bake in the final minutes to avoid over-browning the flaked almonds on top; you can tent with foil if necessary. Allow the bake to cool completely before slicing for clean squares that hold their shape well.
Conclusion
The Bakewell Tart Traybake is a charming and delicious adaptation of a classic British dessert that perfectly balances tradition with simplicity. Its rich almond sponge, fruity jam layer, and crunchy almond topping create a delightful harmony of flavors and textures that appeal to all ages. Easy to prepare and versatile in presentation, this traybake is perfect for everything from everyday treats to special occasions. Whether you’re an experienced baker or new to the kitchen, this recipe offers a rewarding baking experience with impressive results. Adding it to your repertoire means you’ll always have a reliable crowd-pleaser on hand that brings a touch of British baking heritage to your table.
If you’re looking for a dessert that is both nostalgic and effortlessly delicious, the Bakewell Tart Traybake is an excellent choice. Its timeless flavor combination and ease of preparation make it a perfect addition to any home baker’s collection. Enjoy it with your favorite cup of tea or share it at your next gathering — either way, it’s sure to become a fast favorite.