Mini Cherry Bakewell Tartlets

Introduction

Mini Cherry Bakewell Tartlets are an elegant and flavorful take on the classic British Bakewell tart. These bite-sized treats combine a crisp pastry base with a layer of cherry jam, topped with a light almond frangipane filling and finished with a drizzle of icing and a cherry on top. Perfect for tea parties, holiday desserts, or an afternoon indulgence, these tartlets are sure to charm anyone who tries them.

I remember baking these for a family gathering, and they were gone in minutes. The combination of the buttery pastry, sweet-tart cherry jam, and soft, nutty frangipane filling is simply irresistible. The icing drizzle and cherry on top give them that traditional, polished look—almost too pretty to eat!

What’s great about Mini Cherry Bakewell Tartlets is how adaptable they are. You can swap out the cherry jam for raspberry or apricot for a different twist, or add a touch of citrus zest to the frangipane for a fresh pop of flavor. Plus, their mini size makes them perfect for portion control… if you can stop at just one! Whether you’re impressing guests or treating yourself, these tartlets will always hit the sweet spot.

Perfect for:

• Afternoon tea
• Holiday desserts
• Party platters
• Gift-giving
• Almond and cherry lovers

Why You’ll Love This Mini Cherry Bakewell Tartlets

Here’s why Mini Cherry Bakewell Tartlets will become your new favorite treat:

• Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The sweet cherry jam complements the rich almond frangipane filling perfectly.
• Bite-Sized Delights: These mini tarts are easy to serve and eat—no forks needed!
• Crisp and Tender Pastry: The pastry shells provide a satisfying crunch that contrasts with the soft filling.
• Elegant Presentation: The glossy cherry on top and drizzle of icing give these tartlets a polished, bakery-quality look.
• Customizable: You can switch the jam flavor or experiment with different toppings.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
• Servings: 12 tartlets
• Calories per serving: Approximately 180-200 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 3g, Carbs: 20g, Fat: 10g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Mini Cherry Bakewell Tartlets:

For the Pastry:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 large egg yolk
• 2-3 tablespoons cold water

Filling:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• ¾ cup ground almonds (almond flour)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon almond extract

For Assembly and Decoration:

• ½ cup cherry jam
• 12 glacé cherries
• Icing sugar (for the glaze)
• 1-2 tablespoons water

Ingredient Highlights

• Ground Almonds: Ground almonds give the frangipane filling its signature texture and nutty flavor.
• Cherry Jam: Adds a fruity contrast to the almond filling. Raspberry or blackcurrant jam works well too if you want to switch it up.
• Pastry Base: Homemade shortcrust pastry creates a buttery, flaky base for these tartlets.
• Almond Extract: Enhances the almond flavor of the frangipane, giving it that classic Bakewell taste.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Mini Cherry Bakewell Tartlets:

Prepare the Pastry:

1. Make the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour and sugar. Rub the cold butter into the flour mixture until it resembles breadcrumbs. Add the egg yolk and cold water, mixing until a dough forms. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for 20 minutes.
2. Roll and Cut: Roll out the chilled pastry on a lightly floured surface to about ⅛-inch thickness. Use a round cutter to cut 12 circles and press them into a greased muffin tin or tartlet tin. Prick the bottoms with a fork.
3. Pre-Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place parchment paper in each tartlet and fill with baking beans or rice. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove the parchment and bake for another 5 minutes until lightly golden. Let cool slightly.

Make the Filling and Assemble:

4. Prepare the Frangipane: Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time. Fold in the ground almonds, flour, and almond extract until well combined.
5. Add the Jam: Spoon 1 teaspoon of cherry jam into the bottom of each pastry shell.
6. Fill with Frangipane: Pipe or spoon the frangipane mixture over the jam, filling each tartlet just below the top of the pastry. Smooth the tops.

Bake and Decorate:

7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the frangipane is golden and set. Let cool completely.
8. Decorate: Mix icing sugar with water to make a thick glaze. Drizzle over each tartlet and top with a glacé cherry.

How to Serve Mini Cherry Bakewell Tartlets

Mini Cherry Bakewell Tartlets are perfect for any occasion:

• Afternoon Tea: Serve alongside tea or coffee for an elegant afternoon snack.
• Dessert Spread: Include these tartlets on a dessert platter with other small pastries.
• Holiday Treats: Perfect for Christmas or Easter celebrations.
• Gift-Giving: Package them in a decorative box for a thoughtful homemade gift.
• Ice Cream Pairing – Pair with a scoop of vanilla or cherry ice cream for a more indulgent treat.
• Holiday Dessert Table – Include on your holiday dessert table with mince pies and fruitcake.
• Gift Box Treat – Package in a gift box lined with parchment paper for a homemade gift.
• Brunch Spread – Add to a brunch spread with croissants, muffins, and fresh fruit.
• Espresso Companion – Serve with a shot of espresso for a quick, sweet indulgence.

Additional Tips for Mini Cherry Bakewell Tartlets

• Chill the Pastry: Chilling the pastry dough prevents it from shrinking while baking.
• Avoid Overfilling: Leave a little space at the top of each tartlet to prevent the filling from overflowing.
• Use a Piping Bag: For a more polished look, pipe the frangipane into the tartlets.
• Check for Doneness: The frangipane should be golden and slightly springy to the touch when done.
• Experiment with Jams: Raspberry, apricot, or blackcurrant jam also pair wonderfully with the almond filling.

Recipe Variations for Mini Cherry Bakewell Tartlets

Here are 10 variations you can try for Mini Cherry Bakewell Tartlets:

1. Raspberry Bakewell Tartlets: Swap cherry jam for raspberry jam for a tart twist.
2. Chocolate Almond Tartlets: Add a layer of melted chocolate under the frangipane for a richer flavor.
3. Lemon Almond Tartlets: Add lemon zest to the frangipane for a citrusy variation.
4. Pistachio and Cherry Tartlets: Replace ground almonds with ground pistachios for a unique flavor.
5. Gluten-Free Bakewell Tartlets: Use a gluten-free pastry and almond flour for a gluten-free option.
6. Mini Bakewell Pies: Use a pie crust instead of shortcrust for a heartier base.
7. Hazelnut Cherry Tartlets: Replace ground almonds with ground hazelnuts for a nutty twist.
8. Coconut Cherry Tartlets: Add shredded coconut to the frangipane mixture for a tropical flavor.
9. Orange Almond Tartlets: Add orange zest and a splash of orange liqueur to the filling.
10. Vanilla Almond Tartlets: Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract along with the almond extract for extra flavor depth.

Freezing and Storage for Mini Cherry Bakewell Tartlets

• Freezing: These tartlets can be frozen for up to 3 months. Let them cool completely, then place in an airtight container. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week.

Special Equipment for Mini Cherry Bakewell Tartlets

Here are some items that will make preparing your Mini Cherry Bakewell Tartlets easier:

• Muffin Tin or Tartlet Tin: Essential for shaping the tartlets.
• Pastry Cutter: For cutting out uniform circles of pastry.
• Electric Mixer: To cream the butter and sugar for the frangipane filling.
• Piping Bag: For a neater filling application.
• Cooling Rack: Allows the tartlets to cool evenly.
• Microplane or Zester: If you add citrus zest to the recipe.
• Icing Bag or Spoon: For drizzling the icing on top.

Frequently Asked Questions for Mini Cherry Bakewell Tartlets

1. Can I make the pastry in advance?
   Yes, the pastry can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
2. Can I freeze the tartlets?
   Absolutely. These tartlets freeze well. Just ensure they’re cooled and stored in an airtight container.
3. Can I use store-bought pastry?
   Yes, shortcrust pastry from the store works fine if you’re short on time.
4. Can I use a different jam?
   Of course! Raspberry, apricot, or blackcurrant are great alternatives.
5. How do I prevent a soggy bottom?
   Pre-baking the pastry shells helps prevent soggy bottoms.

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Conclusion

Mini Cherry Bakewell Tartlets are a delightful combination of rich almond frangipane and sweet cherry jam in a buttery pastry shell. These perfectly bite-sized treats are bursting with flavor and charm, making them ideal for tea parties, holiday gatherings, or whenever you crave a classic British dessert with a modern twist.

Serve them warm or at room temperature, topped with a drizzle of icing or a sprinkle of flaked almonds for an extra touch of elegance. Whether you’re sharing with friends and family or enjoying one (or two!) with a cup of tea, these tartlets are guaranteed to impress.

Can’t wait to see how your Mini Cherry Bakewell Tartlets turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and tag me—I’d love to see your delicious creations! Enjoy baking!