Cherry Bakewell traybake

A golden, buttery pastry base meets a luscious layer of strawberry jam, crowned with moist almond sponge, juicy glacé cherries, and a sweet, crisp icing. Each bite of this Cherry Bakewell traybake offers a delightful contrast of textures and a nostalgic burst of cherry-almond flavour.

This Cherry Bakewell traybake is a treat for the senses, but it is best enjoyed in moderation. With a generous amount of butter, sugar, and icing, it provides a rich, indulgent dessert experience. The inclusion of almonds adds some nutritional value, while the fruit and jam bring a touch of natural sweetness.

Kenwood QuickMix Lite, Lightweight Hand Mixer Twin Beaters with Slow Speed Start, SureEject Tool, Cord Wrap, HMP10.00WH, 300W Motor, Dishwasher Safe, White

£19.75   £24.99

See details

Ingredients

• sweet shortcrust pastry 500g/1lb 2oz
• strawberry jam 10 tbsp, good-quality
• unsalted butter 200g/7oz, softened
• caster sugar 200g/7oz
• free-range eggs 4 medium
• ground almonds 100g/3½oz
• almond extract 1 tsp
• lemon 1, zest only
• self-raising flour 100g/3½oz, plus extra to dust
• glacé cherries 30, roughly chopped
• icing sugar 300g/10½oz, plus extra for dusting
• flaked almonds 40g/1½oz, toasted

Method

Prepare the Base

1. Preheat your oven to 220C/200C Fan/Gas 7. Line a 32x22cm baking tray with greaseproof paper.
2. Lightly dust a clean work surface with flour. Use a rolling pin to roll out the sweet shortcrust pastry to a 1cm thickness. Carefully drape the pastry into the lined tray, pressing gently into the corners.
3. Spread the strawberry jam evenly over the pastry base using a spatula for a generous layer of fruity flavour.

Make the Almond Sponge

4. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and caster sugar together with an electric whisk until light and fluffy.
5. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition to create a smooth mixture.
6. Fold in the ground almonds, almond extract, lemon zest (use a zester), and self-raising flour. Stop mixing as soon as everything is combined to keep the sponge light.

Assemble and Bake

7. Spoon the almond sponge mixture over the jam layer and spread evenly.
8. Scatter the chopped glacé cherries on top, gently pressing them into the surface so they remain visible.
9. Bake for about 40 minutes until golden and set. Allow the traybake to cool completely in the tin.

Finish and Serve

10. Mix the icing sugar with a little water in a mixing bowl to make a thick, pourable icing. Drizzle liberally over the cooled traybake.
11. Scatter toasted flaked almonds over the icing. Finish with a dusting of icing sugar, then use a sharp knife to cut into 16 slices and serve.

Additional Notes

For a neater finish, chill the traybake before slicing. Store in an airtight container for up to three days.

What can you serve with this

1. Clotted cream – Its luxurious texture and subtle sweetness pair perfectly with the almond and cherry flavours.
2. Fresh berries – Add a vibrant, tart contrast that cuts through the richness of the traybake.
3. Vanilla ice cream – A scoop of creamy ice cream melts into the warm sponge, enhancing every mouthful.
4. Crème fraîche – Its tangy profile balances the sweetness of the icing and jam.

Nutri-score Health Check

This recipe receives a Nutri-score of D. The calculation reflects the high content of butter, caster sugar, and icing sugar, which contribute significant saturated fat and sugar. The use of ground almonds and eggs adds protein and healthy fats, while lemon zest and glacé cherries introduce some micronutrients and fibre. However, the overall balance leans towards indulgence rather than health.

Positive Factors

• Ground almonds supply vitamin E, healthy fats, and protein.
• Eggs offer high-quality protein and essential nutrients.
• Lemon zest adds vitamin C and freshness.

Negative Factors

• Butter and icing sugar increase saturated fat and sugar content.
• Glacé cherries and strawberry jam contribute added sugars.
• Shortcrust pastry is high in refined carbohydrates and fat.

This Nutri-score has been automatically calculated from the ingredients in the recipe and is only a guide. Enjoy this Cherry Bakewell traybake as an occasional treat within a balanced diet.