Bakewell Lamington Pie

The Bakewell Lamington Pie is a delightful fusion of two classic desserts: the British Bakewell Tart and the Australian Lamington. With layers of rich almond frangipane, raspberry jam, and coconut-laden sponge, this pie offers a unique twist on traditional favorites. Its origins stem from a desire to blend cultural flavors into a harmonious and decadent dessert.

Background of Bakewell Lamington Pie

The Bakewell Tart has its roots in Derbyshire, England, and dates back to at least the 19th century. Known for its almond sponge and raspberry jam filling, it delights with its simple yet sophisticated flavor profile. On the other hand, the Lamington is a beloved Australian dessert, known for its squares of sponge cake coated in chocolate and desiccated coconut.

The Bakewell Lamington Pie combines these elements, creating a dessert that celebrates the best of both baking traditions. The sweet and nutty flavor of almonds compliments the tartness of the raspberry, while coconut adds texture and an exotic touch. This pie is perfect for those looking to explore culinary creativity and cross-cultural flavors.

Ingredients

• Pastry shell
• Almond meal
• Unsalted butter
• Caster sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Raspberry jam
• Self-raising flour
• Milk
• Dark chocolate
• Shredded coconut

Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Pastry Shell

Begin by pre-baking the pastry shell in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) until golden brown. Allow it to cool before adding the filling.

Step 2: Make the Frangipane Filling

In a mixing bowl, cream together almond meal, unsalted butter, and caster sugar until light and fluffy. Slowly add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until combined. Spread a generous layer of raspberry jam on the bottom of the cooled pastry shell, then fill with almond frangipane mixture.

Step 3: Bake the Pie

Place the pie in the oven and bake at 180°C (350°F) for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and golden brown. Use a cooking timer to ensure precision. Allow to cool completely before proceeding to the lamington topping.

Step 4: Prepare the Lamington Topping

While the pie cools, prepare the lamington topping. Sift the self-raising flour into a separate bowl. In another bowl, beat together more butter, caster sugar, and a splash of milk until smooth. Melt the dark chocolate over a double boiler, then stir into the mixture to form a spreadable icing.

Spread the icing over the baked frangipane. Before it sets, sprinkle generously with shredded coconut.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy the Bakewell Lamington Pie on its own as a sweet treat for tea time, or serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence. This pie pairs beautifully with a hot cup of earl grey or a rich coffee, complementing the complex flavors.