Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these Cherry Bakewell Tartlets! They’re like little bites of heaven, with that delightful combination of sweet cherries and the rich, nutty flavor of almond frangipane. I first made these for a family gathering, and they disappeared faster than I could blink! The pastry is buttery and flaky, while the filling is so creamy and delicious—trust me, you’ll want to savor every bite. Whether you’re hosting a tea party, celebrating a special occasion, or just treating yourself on a cozy afternoon, these tartlets are perfect. Seriously, they’ll impress your guests and make you feel like a baking superstar. So, let’s dive into this scrumptious recipe together!
Ingredients List
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 package of shortcrust pastry (store-bought is perfectly fine!)
- 100g almond meal (this gives that lovely nutty flavor)
- 100g butter, softened (make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing)
- 100g sugar (just the right amount of sweetness)
- 2 eggs (large, and at room temperature if possible)
- 1 teaspoon almond extract (for that extra almond punch)
- 4 tablespoons cherry jam (I love using a good quality one for the best flavor)
- Cherries for topping (fresh or canned, whichever you prefer!)
How to Prepare Cherry Bakewell Tartlets
Alright, let’s get busy making these delightful Cherry Bakewell Tartlets! Trust me, it’s easier than you think, and the results are just fabulous.
Preheat and Prepare
First things first, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). This is super important because we want those tartlets to bake evenly! While that’s warming up, roll out your shortcrust pastry on a lightly floured surface. Aim for about 3mm thick—just enough to hold the filling without being too thick. Use a round cutter (about 10cm in diameter) to cut out circles. You’ll need 12 of them! Gently press each circle into the muffin tin, making sure to push the pastry into the corners.
Make the Frangipane Filling
Now, let’s whip up that dreamy frangipane filling! In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and sugar, and beat them together until it’s creamy and light—this should take about 2-3 minutes. Next, gently fold in the almond meal until it’s well combined. Then, crack in the eggs one at a time, followed by the almond extract. Mix until everything is smooth and luscious—this is what makes the filling so rich and delightful!
Assemble the Tartlets
Time to put it all together! Start by spooning a tablespoon of cherry jam into each pastry case—it should be a nice dollop right in the center. Then, carefully fill each case with the frangipane mixture, leaving just a little space at the top. Finally, pop a cherry on top of each tartlet for that lovely finish!
Baking Instructions
Place your muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake those beauties for about 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Once baked, let them cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Trust me, letting them cool a bit helps them firm up nicely, making them easier to handle when you serve them!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for last-minute baking!
- Deliciously rich almond flavor paired with sweet cherries in every bite.
- Adorable mini tartlets that are perfect for entertaining and impressing your guests.
- Versatile and customizable—try different jams or add a sprinkle of icing sugar on top!
- Great for any occasion, from casual tea parties to festive gatherings.
- Made with simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
- They look fancy but are surprisingly easy to make—your secret is safe with me!
Tips for Success
Alright, my fellow bakers, here are some golden nuggets of wisdom to ensure your Cherry Bakewell Tartlets turn out absolutely perfect!
- Chill Out! Make sure your shortcrust pastry is chilled before rolling it out. This helps it stay nice and flaky during baking. If it’s a bit warm, pop it in the fridge for 15 minutes.
- Watch Your Oven! Ovens can be quirky, so keep an eye on your tartlets as they bake. If they’re browning too quickly, you can cover them loosely with foil for the last few minutes.
- Even Distribution When filling your pastry cases, try to distribute the frangipane mixture evenly. This ensures all tartlets bake uniformly and look gorgeous!
- Texture Check The frangipane should be smooth and creamy before you fill the pastry cases. If it looks grainy, give it a little more mixing until it reaches that dreamy consistency.
- Cool Down Resist the urge to dig in right away! Letting the tartlets cool in the tin for a few minutes helps them firm up, making them easier to remove and serve.
Follow these tips, and you’ll be on your way to mastering these delightful tartlets. Happy baking!
Nutritional Information
Before you dive into these delicious Cherry Bakewell Tartlets, here’s a little info about their nutrition. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so they’re estimated and not set in stone.
- Serving Size: 1 tartlet
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 2g
So there you have it! Enjoy these tartlets knowing they’re a delightful treat, but remember to indulge in moderation. Happy baking and eating!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making these Cherry Bakewell Tartlets? Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I hear, along with my tips to help you out.
Can I use different types of jam?
Absolutely! While cherry jam is traditional, you can experiment with raspberry, apricot, or even mixed berry jams. Each will add its own delightful twist to the flavor!
What if I don’t have almond meal?
No problem! You can grind up blanched almonds in a food processor until they reach a fine flour-like consistency. If you’re in a pinch, you could also substitute with all-purpose flour, but you’ll miss out on that nutty flavor.
How should I store leftover tartlets?
Store your tartlets in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for about a week. Just remember, they taste best fresh!
Can I make the pastry from scratch?
Of course! If you’re feeling adventurous, a homemade shortcrust pastry will elevate your tartlets even more. Just follow your favorite recipe, and you’ll have a delicious base.
Can I freeze these tartlets?
Yes! You can freeze them before baking. Just assemble the tartlets, then place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them straight into the oven—no need to thaw!
Feel free to reach out if you have more questions or need assistance. Happy baking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve made these delightful Cherry Bakewell Tartlets, you might have a few left over (if you can resist!). Here’s how to store them so they stay fresh and scrumptious.
To store your tartlets, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you’d like to keep them longer, you can pop them in the fridge, where they’ll stay good for about a week. Just make sure they’re well-sealed to prevent drying out!
Now, if you want to enjoy them warm again, reheating is a breeze! Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F), then place the tartlets on a baking sheet. Warm them in the oven for about 10-15 minutes. This will help restore that lovely flaky texture without making them soggy. Oops, and definitely avoid the microwave if you can—nobody wants a rubbery tartlet, right?
Once they’re warmed through, you can serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of icing sugar on top for an extra touch of elegance. Enjoy every bite!
Serving Suggestions
These Cherry Bakewell Tartlets are already a treat on their own, but let me tell you, a few extra touches can really elevate them to the next level! Here are some of my favorite ways to serve these little delights:
- Whipped Cream: A generous dollop of freshly whipped cream on the side adds a light, creamy contrast to the nutty frangipane and sweet cherries. Trust me, it’s like a match made in heaven!
- Fresh Berries: Serve them with a side of fresh strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries for a pop of color and a burst of juicy flavor. They add a lovely freshness that complements the tartlets beautifully.
- Icing Sugar Dusting: For a touch of elegance, sift some icing sugar over the top of the tartlets right before serving. It gives them a beautiful finish and a hint of extra sweetness!
- Custard Sauce: If you’re feeling decadent, a drizzle of warm vanilla custard or pouring cream can take these tartlets to a whole new level of indulgence. Wow, just imagine that creamy goodness!
- Almond Slices: For a bit of crunch and extra almond flavor, sprinkle some toasted almond slices on top just before serving. It adds a lovely texture that contrasts nicely with the soft filling.
Feel free to mix and match these serving ideas to create your perfect plate. These tartlets are so versatile—they’ll be a hit no matter how you choose to serve them!
Print
Cherry Bakewell Tartlets: 7 Heavenly Bites to Savor
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 tartlets 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cherry Bakewell Tartlets are small, delicious pastries filled with almond-flavored frangipane and topped with cherries.
Ingredients
- 1 package of shortcrust pastry
- 100g almond meal
- 100g butter, softened
- 100g sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 4 tablespoons cherry jam
- Cherries for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Roll out the shortcrust pastry and cut into circles.
- Place the pastry circles in a muffin tin.
- Mix the butter, sugar, and almond meal until creamy.
- Add the eggs and almond extract, mixing well.
- Fill each pastry case with a spoonful of cherry jam.
- Top with the frangipane mixture.
- Add a cherry on top of each tartlet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh or canned cherries.
- Store in an airtight container.
- Serve with whipped cream for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tartlet
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: cherry bakewell tartlets
