Frosted Bakewell Tart

Introduction

The Frosted Bakewell Tart is a delightful fusion of rich flavors and textures, boasting a flaky pastry base, a layer of sweet and tangy jam, a rich frangipane filling, and a topping of smooth, frosty icing. The history of the Bakewell Tart is an intriguing tale rooted in English culinary traditions. It is believed to have originated in the 19th century in the charming town of Bakewell, Derbyshire. According to local lore, the tart came about by accident when a cook at the White Horse Inn misunderstood the mistress’s instructions and spread the jam on the pastry underneath the almond mixture rather than mixing them together. This serendipitous mistake became a beloved dessert, enduring through generations to become a classic British teatime treat.

Ingredients

• Plain flour (for the pastry and filling)
• Butter (for the pastry and filling)
• Eggs (for the filling and icing)
• Caster sugar (for the filling and icing)
• Ground almonds (key ingredient of frangipane)
• Almond extract (for that extra almond kick)
• Raspberry jam (for spreading)
• Icing sugar (for the frosting)
• Milk (to adjust icing consistency)
• Lemon juice (to add a tangy balance to the icing)

Preparation

To prepare a Frosted Bakewell Tart, gather all the ingredients and ensure you have a suitable cooking timer ready to keep track of progress. Begin by making the pastry, which forms the base of the tart. Combine plain flour and butter in a bowl, rubbing them together with your fingertips until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Gradually add a little egg to help bring the pastry together, wrap it in cling film, and chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This resting time is crucial for the pastry to relax and avoid shrinking during baking.

Making the Pastry Base

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F), and use a cooking timer to track.
2. Roll out the chilled pastry on a lightly floured surface until it's about 0.5cm thick. Carefully lift it and line a tart tin, pressing the pastry gently into the sides. Trim any excess pastry by running a rolling pin over the top of the tin.
3. Prick the pastry base with a fork and chill it again for 10 minutes.
4. Line the pastry case with baking parchment and fill with baking beans. Blind bake the pastry for 15 minutes.
5. Remove the parchment and beans, and return the pastry to the oven for another 5 minutes or until it is lightly golden and dry.
6. Allow the tart base to cool while you prepare the filling.

Frangipane Filling

The essence of a Bakewell Tart lies in its frangipane filling. This almond-flavored filling is what gives the tart its distinctive character. Here's how to make it:

Steps to Prepare Frangipane

1. In a mixing bowl, beat together butter and caster sugar until they are light and fluffy.
2. Gradually add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
3. Stir in ground almonds and a dash of almond extract to enhance the fragrance.
4. Spread a generous layer of raspberry jam on the cooled pastry base.
5. Spoon the frangipane filling over the jam, smoothing out the top with a spatula.

Baking and Frosting

The baking and frosting process can elevate the tart's taste and texture.

Baking Process

1. Return the tart to the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until the frangipane is golden brown and set.
2. Check with a skewer, which should come out clean when done.
3. Allow the tart to cool completely in its tin before frosting.

Preparing the Frosting

1. Mix icing sugar with a little lemon juice and milk to achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency. The icing should be thick but drizzle slowly from a spoon.
2. Spread the icing over the cooled tart, allowing it to set completely before slicing.

Enjoying the Frosted Bakewell Tart

The Frosted Bakewell Tart makes an exquisite dessert or afternoon tea treat. Its perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors, along with its rich, nutty frangipane layer, can be enjoyed with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence. Pair it with a cup of freshly brewed tea for a quintessential British experience. Savor each bite and enjoy the flaky, buttery pastry offset by the smooth frosting and crunchy almond filling—a dessert that stands the test of time both in taste and tradition.