Bakewell Tart Traybake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bakewell Tart Traybake is the perfect twist on the traditional Bakewell tart. It has all the same delightful components—crispy shortcrust, fruity jam, almond filling, and a crunchy almond topping—but in a larger, more shareable format. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a party, or just for yourself, this traybake is easy to make, looks impressive, and is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. It’s a delicious and practical way to enjoy the classic flavors of the Bakewell tart!

Ingredients

For the base:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

• 1 large egg, beaten

• A pinch of salt

For the filling:

• 1/4 cup raspberry jam (or your favorite fruit jam)

• 1 cup ground almonds

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon almond extract (or vanilla extract)

• 2 large eggs, beaten

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder

• A handful of flaked almonds (for topping)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Make the base:

1. Prepare the dough: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) baking tin with parchment paper. In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and rub it into the dry ingredients with your fingers until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.

2. Add the egg: Add the beaten egg to the mixture and stir until the dough comes together. If the dough is too crumbly, add a tiny splash of water to help bind it.

3. Bake the base: Press the dough evenly into the base of the prepared tin. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the base is lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the filling.

Make the filling:

4. Prepare the frangipane filling: In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the ground almonds, almond extract, and beaten eggs, and mix until fully combined. Sift in the flour and baking powder, then stir until smooth.

5. Assemble the traybake: Once the base has cooled slightly, spread a layer of raspberry jam over the shortcrust base. Then, spoon the almond filling over the jam, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.

6. Top with almonds: Sprinkle the flaked almonds over the top of the filling to give it a nice crunch as it bakes.

Bake and finish:

7. Bake the traybake: Return the traybake to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the frangipane filling is golden brown and firm to the touch.

8. Cool and slice: Let the traybake cool completely in the tin before cutting it into squares.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8-10

• Prep time: 20 minutes

• Cook time: 40-45 minutes

• Total time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Variations

• Fruit variations: Try using other fruit jams such as strawberry, apricot, or blackcurrant in place of raspberry. You can also add fresh berries between the jam and frangipane for extra flavor and texture.

• Add a glaze: For an extra touch of sweetness and shine, drizzle the cooled Bakewell Traybake with a simple icing made of powdered sugar and lemon juice.

• Nut variations: You can swap the ground almonds for other nuts, such as hazelnuts or walnuts, for a different flavor profile.

• Vegan version: For a vegan Bakewell Traybake, use a plant-based butter, a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water), and a dairy-free jam.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover traybake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days.

• Reheating: If you prefer your traybake warm, reheat individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I make this traybake ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this traybake a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh, and it will stay delicious for several days.

2. Can I freeze the Bakewell Traybake?

Yes, you can freeze the traybake. Once baked and completely cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and freeze for up to 3 months. To thaw, leave it at room temperature for a few hours before serving.

3. Can I use a different type of flour?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free. Make sure to use a blend that includes xanthan gum or another binding agent for the best texture.

4. Can I make this traybake in a different-sized pan?

Yes, you can adjust the size of the pan if needed. If using a smaller pan, the traybake may need a few extra minutes of baking time, and for a larger pan, it may cook faster, so be sure to keep an eye on it.

5. Can I make this traybake with a pre-made crust?

Yes, if you’re short on time, you can use a store-bought shortcrust pastry to line the base of the pan. Just bake it as directed before adding the filling.

6. Can I add more almond flavor to the filling?

For a more intense almond flavor, add an extra 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract or a tablespoon of Amaretto liqueur to the frangipane filling.

7. What is frangipane?

Frangipane is a sweet almond filling made with ground almonds, butter, sugar, and eggs. It’s often used in tarts and pastries, giving a rich and nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with fruit.

8. How do I know when the traybake is done?

The traybake is done when the frangipane is golden brown, firm to the touch, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. It should also be slightly puffed around the edges.

9. Can I use fresh plums instead of jam?

Yes, you can use fresh plums. Slice them thinly and arrange them over the shortcrust base before adding the frangipane filling. You may need to adjust the sugar depending on the sweetness of the fruit.

10. Can I make this traybake without jam?

Yes, you can make a version of this Bakewell traybake without jam if you prefer. Simply omit the jam layer and top the frangipane with fresh fruit like raspberries or strawberries before baking.

Conclusion

Bakewell Tart Traybake is a fantastic twist on the traditional Bakewell tart, offering the same classic almond and fruit flavors in an easy-to-make, shareable form. With its buttery shortcrust base, nutty frangipane filling, and sweet jam layer, this traybake is sure to be a hit at any gathering or as a special treat for yourself. Perfect for any occasion, it’s a dessert that combines nostalgia and simplicity with irresistible flavor.

---

Print