There’s a certain warmth that fills the kitchen when you start whipping up a batch of Mini Cherry Bakewell Tarts. The moment the buttery pastry meets that luscious cherry jam and fragrant almond frangipane, it’s like a symphony of flavors harmonizing beautifully. These little delights are not just a treat for the taste buds; they evoke a sense of nostalgia, reminiscent of delightful afternoons spent sipping tea while enjoying classic British desserts.
When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how simple yet divine they turned out. Perfectly sized for sharing—whether at a potluck or an afternoon gathering—they’re sure to impress anyone who has the pleasure of tasting them. Plus, who can resist that beautiful glaze and the glimmering cherry on top? Join me in creating these mini delights that are bound to become a favorite in your baking repertoire!
Why are Mini Cherry Bakewell Tartlets a Must-Try?
Decadent flavors: These Mini Cherry Bakewell Tartlets offer a blissful blend of buttery pastry and rich almond frangipane that simply melts in your mouth.
Quick and easy: With straightforward steps, you can whip these up in no time, making them perfect for bakers of all levels.
Versatile treats: Serve them at any occasion—from casual afternoon tea to chic dinner parties, they fit right in!
Crowd pleaser: With their eye-catching appearance and delicious taste, these tartlets are sure to impress your friends and family.
Nostalgic charm: Each bite transports you to classic British tea times, creating warm and delightful memories. Don’t forget to check out the variations for even more fun ways to enjoy these little gems!
Mini Cherry Bakewell Tartlet Ingredients
• Get ready to create these delightful treats!
For the Pastry
- Plain (All-Purpose) Flour – Forms the base of the pastry; you can substitute it with gluten-free flour plus 1 tsp xanthan gum for a gluten-free option.
- Icing (Powdered) Sugar – Sweetens both the pastry and icing; no substitutions needed, but regular granulated sugar works for a less sweet taste.
- Unsalted Butter – Adds richness; use cold butter for pastry and room temperature for frangipane.
- Egg Yolks – Binds the pastry; for a vegan alternative, try a flaxseed mixture.
- Ice Water – Brings the pastry together without melting the butter; make sure it’s very cold.
For the Frangipane Filling
- Caster Sugar – Provides sweetness; can be replaced with regular sugar, though texture may vary slightly.
- Ground Almonds – Essential for flavor and authenticity; substitute with ground sunflower seeds for a nut-free version.
- Large Egg – Adds moisture and binds the frangipane; swap it for a flaxseed egg for a vegan variant.
- Almond Extract – Intensifies almond flavor; ensure it’s natural and avoid if there are nut allergies.
For Assembly
- Cherry Jam/Conserve – Adds a sweet layer below the frangipane; feel free to use alternative jams if desired.
- Glacé Cherries – A decorative topping; you can omit them or replace them with diced fresh cherries.
These Mini Cherry Bakewell Tartlets aren’t just a treat; they’re an experience waiting to happen! Prepare to savor every bite as you bring these delightful flavors to life.
How to Make Mini Cherry Bakewell Tartlets
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Prepare Pastry:
Combine plain flour and icing sugar in a bowl. Cut in cold butter until it resembles breadcrumbs. Add egg yolks and a splash of ice water until a dough forms. Chill for 30 minutes. -
Roll and Shape:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Roll out chilled pastry on a floured surface, cutting into circles to line mini tart tins. Chill the shaped tins for another 15 minutes to maintain that perfect flaky texture. -
Make Frangipane:
In a mixing bowl, cream together room temperature butter and caster sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually mix in ground almonds, the large egg, and almond extract until smooth and well combined. -
Assemble Tarts:
Spread a thin layer of cherry jam at the bottom of each chilled pastry case. Pipe the frangipane mixture on top, smoothing it to the edges. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown. -
Cool and Finish:
Once out of the oven, let the tartlets cool for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Prepare the icing by mixing icing sugar with a hint of milk, then spread it on top of each tartlet and finish with half a glacé cherry.
Optional: Drizzle with extra icing for a decorative touch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Mini Cherry Bakewell Tartlet Variations
Feel free to get creative and customize these delightful treats to suit your tastes!
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Nut-Free: Swap ground almonds for ground sunflower seeds for a delicious twist without allergens. The flavor remains delightful and unique!
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Fruit Preserves: Experiment with raspberry, apricot, or even strawberry jam instead of cherry for a fresh fruity spin. Each jam brings its own unique sweetness to the tartlet.
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Larger Tarts: Feel like sharing? Use larger tart pans instead of mini tins, adjusting the baking time to ensure they are perfectly golden and baked through. Gather friends and enjoy a classic dessert together!
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Vegan-Friendly: Replace eggs with a flaxseed mixture and use vegan butter for the pastry and frangipane. These adaptations maintain the flavors while being kind to your plant-based pals.
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Vanilla Variation: For a different flavor profile, substitute almond extract with vanilla extract—enjoy the warm aroma of vanilla alongside your sweet cherries.
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Chocolate Drizzle: Add a drizzle of melted chocolate over the icing for an indulgent finish. This adds a rich depth of flavor that chocolate lovers won’t be able to resist!
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Spiced Frangipane: Incorporate a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the frangipane for a warm, spiced nuance—ideal for cozy gatherings or festive occasions.
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Coconut Twist: Mix shredded coconut into the frangipane for an added texture and a tropical touch that transforms these classic tartlets into a sunlit treat!
Expert Tips for Mini Cherry Bakewell Tartlets
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Chill Your Pastry: Ensure your pastry is chilled at all times to keep it flaky. If it gets warm, it can become tough and chewy.
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Don’t Overwork Dough: Mix just until combined to avoid tough pastry. Remember, less is often more when it comes to handling pastry.
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Jam Layer Matters: Spread a thin layer of cherry jam; too thick can cause overflow during baking, resulting in messy tartlets.
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Perfect Icing: The icing should be thick enough to spread without running off. Adjust milk quantities carefully to achieve the right consistency.
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Storage Solutions: Store your Mini Cherry Bakewell Tartlets in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days for optimal freshness. Uniced tarts can be frozen for up to two months.
What to Serve with Mini Cherry Bakewell Tartlets?
Indulge in an afternoon of warmth and joy with delightful pairings that enhance the charm of your homemade treats.
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Freshly Brewed Tea: Perfectly complements the sweet flavors, providing a classic British experience that elevates your afternoon snack.
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Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: The smooth, cool texture contrasts beautifully with the tartlets, creating a delightful blend of warmth and chill.
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Sparkling Lemonade: A refreshing burst of citrus balances the sweetness, making it a zingy pairing during warmer months or festive gatherings.
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Lightly Whipped Cream: Adding a dollop of fresh cream enhances the dessert experience, offering a luscious creaminess that heightens every bite.
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Seasonal Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of berries and citrus brings freshness to the table, cleansing your palate between bites and adding a refreshing brightness.
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Almond Milk Latte: For nut lovers, pairing these tartlets with nutty almond milk foam creates harmony with the frangipane, bringing out the flavors beautifully.
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Chocolate Drizzle: A simple touch of melted chocolate on top for an unexpected richness that mesmerizes your taste buds; perfect for chocolate enthusiasts.
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Espresso: A bold shot of coffee contrasts the sweet pastries perfectly and offers a sophisticated finish to any gathering.
Each pairing offers new dimensions to your enjoyment of the delightful Mini Cherry Bakewell Tartlets, turning any occasion into a memorable feast!
How to Store and Freeze Mini Cherry Bakewell Tartlets
Room Temperature: Keep tartlets in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their freshness and flavor.
Fridge: If you prefer, you can store the tartlets in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just remember to allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best taste.
Freezer: Uniced Mini Cherry Bakewell Tartlets can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap each tartlet tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw the tartlets in the fridge overnight and warm them in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes for that fresh-baked taste!
Make Ahead Options
These Mini Cherry Bakewell Tartlets are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the pastry dough up to 24 hours in advance. Simply combine the flour, icing sugar, and butter, then add the egg yolks and ice water as directed. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate. You can also make the frangipane filling 1-2 days ahead; just keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, roll out the dough, assemble with cherry jam and frangipane, and bake as instructed. Enjoy the same delicious flavor, all while saving precious time during the week!
Mini Cherry Bakewell Tartlets Recipe FAQs
How do I select ripe cherries for my Mini Cherry Bakewell Tartlets?
Absolutely! When choosing cherries, look for firm ones with a glossy sheen, avoiding any with dark spots or bruises. This ensures your tartlets will have that juicy, fresh flavor and vibrant color. If you’re using glacé cherries, pick the ones that are plump and have a bright color for an eye-catching finish on your tartlets!
How should I store my Mini Cherry Bakewell Tartlets?
Store your tartlets in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days for the best taste and texture. If you want to enjoy them later, the uniced tartlets can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just make sure to wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag to protect them from freezer burn.
Can I freeze Mini Cherry Bakewell Tartlets?
Certainly! Before baking, you can freeze the uniced tartlets. Place them on a baking tray until frozen solid, then wrap each tartlet tightly in plastic wrap and transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They will keep well for up to 2 months! To serve, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge and warm them up in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. Enjoy that freshly baked flavor!
What if my pastry is tough?
If your pastry turns out tough, it may be due to overworking the dough. When mixing, combine the ingredients until just blended, then avoid too much handling. Chilling the dough before rolling out is also crucial; it helps keep the butter firm, which results in a flaky texture. If it’s warm, pop it back in the fridge for a short while until it firms up.
Can I make these Mini Cherry Bakewell Tartlets vegan?
Very! You can replace the egg yolks in the pastry with a flaxseed mixture (1 tablespoon ground flax seeds mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water, allowed to sit for about 5 minutes), and use a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flax with 2.5 tablespoons of water) for the frangipane. Just ensure your cherry jam does not contain any animal-derived ingredients to keep the tartlets fully vegan.
Are there any allergens to consider in this recipe?
Definitely! The recipe contains nuts (almonds) and dairy (butter and eggs). If you’re baking for anyone with nut allergies, consider using ground sunflower seeds or a nut-free frangipane recipe. For a dairy-free version, opt for a plant-based butter and use flaxseeds as substitutes. Enjoy making these Mini Cherry Bakewell Tartlets with thoughtful considerations for your loved ones!
Delicious Mini Cherry Bakewell Tartlets You’ll Fall in Love With
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Combine plain flour and icing sugar in a bowl. Cut in cold butter until it resembles breadcrumbs. Add egg yolks and a splash of ice water until a dough forms. Chill for 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Roll out chilled pastry on a floured surface, cutting into circles to line mini tart tins. Chill the shaped tins for another 15 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together room temperature butter and caster sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually mix in ground almonds, the large egg, and almond extract until smooth.
- Spread a thin layer of cherry jam at the bottom of each chilled pastry case. Pipe the frangipane mixture on top. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Let the tartlets cool briefly before transferring them to a wire rack. Mix icing sugar with a hint of milk, then spread it on top of each tartlet and finish with half a glacé cherry.