admin1 There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked Bakewell tarts coming out of the oven. The buttery shortcrust pastry is crisp and golden, the raspberry jam bubbles gently beneath a soft almond frangipane filling, and the tops are beautifully risen with a delicate golden hue. Warm from the oven, these classic British treats are irresistible, filling the kitchen with the sweet scent of almonds and baked pastry.
Perfect for afternoon tea, dessert, or a special homemade treat, these Bakewell tarts are best enjoyed slightly warm, allowing the flavors and textures to shine.
Why You’ll Love These Bakewell Tarts
- Crisp, buttery pastry
- Soft and moist almond frangipane
- Sweet raspberry jam layer
- Classic British bakery favorite
- Perfect for tea time
- Delicious warm or cooled
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Bake Time: 25–30 minutes
- Cooling Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 40 minutes
Yield
12 mini tarts or 1 large 9-inch tart
Ingredients
For the Pastry
- 1¼ cups (160 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (115 g) cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- Pinch of salt
- 2–4 tablespoons cold water
For the Jam Layer
- ½ cup (160 g) raspberry jam
For the Frangipane Filling
- ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 cup (100 g) ground almonds
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Optional Topping
- Sliced almonds
- Powdered sugar
- Simple icing drizzle
- Glacé cherries
Equipment Needed
- Muffin tin or tart pan
- Rolling pin
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Baking beans or pie weights
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Pastry
In a bowl, combine:
- Flour
- Powdered sugar
- Salt
Rub in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
Add cold water gradually until a dough forms.
Shape into a disc, wrap, and chill for:
30 Minutes
Step 2: Prepare the Tart Shells
Preheat oven to:
375°F (190°C)
Roll out the chilled pastry on a lightly floured surface.
Cut circles and press into a muffin tin or tart tins.
Prick the bases with a fork.
Step 3: Blind Bake
Line each pastry shell with parchment paper and baking beans.
Bake for:
10 Minutes
Remove the weights and bake for another:
5 Minutes
until lightly golden.
Allow to cool slightly.
Step 4: Add the Jam
Spread about:
1–2 Teaspoons
of raspberry jam into the base of each tart shell.
Step 5: Make the Frangipane
Beat together:
- Butter
- Sugar
until light and fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time.
Mix in:
- Almond extract
- Ground almonds
- Flour
Stir until smooth.
Step 6: Fill the Tarts
Spoon the frangipane mixture over the jam layer.
Fill each tart about three-quarters full.
Smooth the tops gently.
Sprinkle with sliced almonds if desired.
Step 7: Bake
Reduce oven temperature to:
350°F (175°C)
Bake for:
25–30 Minutes
until the tops are golden and lightly spring back when touched.
Internal Temperature
The frangipane should reach:
200°F (93°C)
for perfect doneness.
Step 8: Fresh Out of the Oven
When the tarts emerge from the oven, they should have:
- Golden-brown tops
- Slightly puffed frangipane
- Bubbling jam around the edges
- Crisp pastry shells
- A wonderful almond aroma
Allow them to cool in the tin for:
10–15 Minutes
before transferring to a wire rack.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slightly warm with:
- A cup of tea
- Fresh berries
- Whipped cream
- Vanilla custard
- Clotted cream
Tips for Perfect Bakewell Tarts
Use Good Quality Raspberry Jam
The jam provides the signature fruity flavor.
Don’t Overfill
Frangipane rises during baking.
Keep Pastry Cold
Cold pastry creates a flaky, crisp shell.
Cool Slightly Before Serving
This allows the filling to set while remaining wonderfully tender.
Storage Instructions
Room Temperature
Store in an airtight container for:
2 Days
Refrigerator
Store for:
Up to 5 Days
Freezer
Freeze for:
Up to 2 Months
Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Nutritional Information
Approximate per mini tart:
- Calories: 270
- Protein: 5 g
- Carbohydrates: 29 g
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 16 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
Values may vary based on ingredients and size.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use strawberry jam instead of raspberry?
Yes. Strawberry, cherry, or blackberry jam all work beautifully.
Why is my frangipane sinking?
It may be underbaked. Ensure the center is fully set before removing from the oven.
Can I make them ahead?
Absolutely. Bakewell tarts taste wonderful the next day as the almond flavor develops further.
Do I need almond extract?
While optional, it enhances the classic Bakewell flavor significantly.
