How do I ensure my Bakewell tart has a perfect texture?

To achieve a perfect texture, ensure your butter is at room temperature when making the frangipane, and avoid overmixing to keep it light and fluffy.

Can I make Bakewell tart in advance?

Yes, you can make Bakewell tart in advance. It can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerated for up to a week.

British›Desserts

Bakewell tart

Name: Bakewell tart
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 175 g/6oz plain flour; 75 g/2½oz chilled butter; 2 -3 tbsp cold water; 1 tbsp raspberry jam; 125 g/4½oz butter; 125 g/4½oz caster sugar; 125 g/4½oz ground almonds; 1 free-range egg, beaten; ½ tsp almond extract; 50 g/1¾oz flaked almonds

Discover this authentic British Bakewell tart recipe — a satisfying weeknight dish that's an impressive dish that showcases your cooking skills. Made with plain flour, chilled butter, cold water and 7 more fresh ingredients, this recipe guides you through 7 detailed steps to create a truly memorable meal. Ready in about 40 minutes from start to finish. Whether you're cooking for family, friends, or a special occasion, this british classic is sure to impress.

Hard

Updated March 14, 2026

Prep Time (min)

Cook Time (min)

servings

350

Calories/serving

Hard

Difficulty

Ingredients

Servings:

175 g/6oz plain flour
75 g/2½oz chilled butter
2 -3 tbsp cold water
1 tbsp raspberry jam
125 g/4½oz butter
125 g/4½oz caster sugar
125 g/4½oz ground almonds
1 free-range egg, beaten
½ tsp almond extract
50 g/1¾oz flaked almonds

Instructions

7 steps · ~94 minutes total

Step 1
To make the pastry, measure the flour into a bowl and rub in the butter with your fingertips until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Add the water, mixing to form a soft dough.
3 minutes
The dough is ready when it springs back slightly when poked.
Step 2
Roll out the dough on a lightly floured work surface and use to line a 20cm/8in flan tin. Leave in the fridge to chill for 30 minutes.
5 minutes
The dough is ready when it springs back slightly when poked.
Step 3
Preheat the oven to 200C/400F/Gas 6 (180C fan).
25 minutes
Always preheat your oven fully before baking for even cooking.
Step 4
Line the pastry case with foil and fill with baking beans. Bake blind for about 15 minutes, then remove the beans and foil and cook for a further five minutes to dry out the base.
25 minutes
Always preheat your oven fully before baking for even cooking.
Step 5
For the filing, spread the base of the flan generously with raspberry jam.
3 minutes
Step 6
Melt the butter in a pan, take off the heat and then stir in the sugar. Add ground almonds, egg and almond extract. Pour into the flan tin and sprinkle over the flaked almonds.
8 minutes
Step 7
Bake for about 35 minutes. If the almonds seem to be browning too quickly, cover the tart loosely with foil to prevent them burning.
25 minutes
Always preheat your oven fully before baking for even cooking.

💡 Tips & Tricks

This British recipe for Bakewell tart is best served fresh. Adjust seasoning to your taste.

🔄 Variations

• Spice level: Adjust the heat to your preference — add more chili for extra kick, or reduce it for a milder version. • Vegetarian: Replace meat with mushrooms, chickpeas, or your favorite plant-based protein. • Fusion twist: Combine elements of British cuisine with your local favorites for a creative fusion dish.

Storage & Reheating

❄️

Refrigerator

Up to 5 days in an airtight container

🧊

Freezer

Up to 3 months — thaw overnight in fridge

🔥

Bring to room temperature before serving for best flavor and texture.

What to Serve With

Complete your british meal with these perfect pairings:

☕A cup of espresso or café au lait

🍦Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on the side

🍓Fresh berries or seasonal fruit

About This Dish

Bakewell tart is a beloved dish from British cuisine, originating in United Kingdom. With a total preparation time of about 45 minutes, it makes for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

British cuisine has undergone a renaissance, combining traditional comfort dishes with modern innovation. Classic recipes often feature hearty, warming ingredients perfect for the British climate.

This recipe is rated hard difficulty and uses 10 ingredients. Experienced cooks will appreciate the technique involved.

Frequently Asked Questions

A Bakewell tart is a traditional British dessert consisting of a shortcrust pastry filled with layers of jam and frangipane, topped with a layer of icing and sometimes almonds.