The Bakewell Tart is a classic English dessert, with its origins traced back to the picturesque town of Bakewell in Derbyshire, England. The creation of this beloved tart is often shrouded in culinary legend, with the most popular story suggesting it was the result of a happy accident in the early 19th century. To learn more about the history of this historic dessert, see below recipe.
Tiger Nuts Bakewell Tart
Ingredients:
For the crust:
1 ¼ cups Tiger Nuts Flour
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, chilled and diced
2 tablespoons sugar
A pinch of salt
2-4 tablespoons ice water
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For the filling:
¾ cup Tiger Nuts Flour
¾ cup sugar
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup raspberry jam
For the topping:
¼ cup sliced Tiger Nuts
Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
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Instructions:
Prepare the crust: In a food processor, pulse together the flour, butter, sugar, and salt until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, pulsing until the dough just comes together. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface and press it into a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom. Prick the base with a fork, line with parchment paper, fill with baking beans, and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the beans and paper and bake for another 5 minutes until golden. Let cool.
Make the filling: Beat together the Tiger Nut flour, sugar, softened butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Spread the raspberry jam evenly over the cooled crust, then top with the Tiger Nut mixture.
Sprinkle sliced Tiger Nuts over the filling. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until set and golden. Let the tart cool in the pan before removing.
Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.
Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 8 servings):
Calories: 490
Fat: 31g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Cholesterol: 120mg
Sodium: 45mg
Carbohydrates: 52g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 32g
Protein: 6g
 This information is an estimate and can vary depending on specific ingredients used. Tiger Nuts are known for their high fiber, vitamins, and minerals, contributing additional nutritional benefits compared to traditional almonds. Enjoy this unique take on the classic Bakewell Tart!
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About the Bakewell Tart
According to lore, around 1820, a cook at the White Horse Inn (now called the Rutland Arms) was instructed to make a jam tart. However, instead of stirring the almond paste mixture into the pastry, the cook spread it on top of the jam. The result was a delightful, layered tart, featuring a short crust pastry base, a layer of jam (traditionally strawberry or raspberry), frangipane (almond-flavored filling), and a topping of flaked almonds. This mistake proved to be a delicious success, giving rise to the Bakewell Tart we know today.
Over the years, the Bakewell Tart has evolved and inspired various versions, including the Bakewell Pudding, which is another delicacy claimed by the town of Bakewell. While both desserts share similar ingredients, the pudding version predates the tart and has a flakier pastry base and a more custard-like filling. The exact origins and the relationship between the tart and pudding are subjects of local debate, with each having its ardent supporters.
The Bakewell Tart has become a staple of British tea times and has enjoyed popularity far beyond the borders of Derbyshire. It's simple yet delightful combination of flavors and textures has made it a favorite in bakeries and households across the UK and around the world.
