What is a Bakewell?

A Bakewell is a type of tart, originally from Bakewell, Derbyshire, England. It's a classic British treat and here's a breakdown of its key components:

The Base: A shortcrust pastry base, often made with butter, flour, and sugar.

The Filling: A layer of almond filling, made with ground almonds, sugar, and butter. This is sometimes called "frangipane" but it's typically less rich than a true frangipane.

The Topping: A layer of raspberry jam, traditionally made with whole raspberries.

The Glaze: A layer of icing, usually made with icing sugar and water, is often used to give a smooth, glossy finish.

Variations:

* Bakewell Tart: This is the traditional version, featuring all the components mentioned above.

* Bakewell Pudding: This is a smaller, individual version of the tart, often served as a dessert.

* Bakewell Slice: A rectangular version of the tart, often sold in slices from bakeries.

Taste: Bakewells are known for their rich, buttery taste, the sweet almond filling, and the tartness of the raspberry jam.

Fun Fact: The origin of the Bakewell dates back to the 18th century, with various stories surrounding its creation. One popular story involves a local innkeeper accidentally creating the treat by adding almonds to a pastry intended for a visiting duke.