Delectable Bakewell Slice: A Step-by-Step Guide to Baking Perfection
Bakewell Slice, a delightful cousin of the Bakewell Tart, offers a perfect blend of crumbly pastry, sweet jam, and almondy frangipane, all topped with a glossy icing. This recipe provides a detailed, step-by-step guide to creating this irresistible treat in your own kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this guide will help you achieve Bakewell Slice perfection.
## Why Bakewell Slice? A Slice of History and Flavor
The Bakewell Tart, from which the Bakewell Slice is derived, has a charming origin story. Legend has it that in the Derbyshire town of Bakewell, a cook accidentally spread jam on top of a pastry base instead of mixing it into the filling. The result was a happy accident that led to the creation of this beloved dessert.
The Bakewell Slice offers a convenient and equally delicious alternative to the tart. Its rectangular shape makes it easy to cut into neat slices, perfect for sharing or enjoying as a personal treat. The combination of textures – the crisp pastry, the soft jam, and the moist frangipane – creates a truly satisfying experience. The almondy flavor, intensified by the icing, provides a delightful warmth that makes this slice a comforting and elegant dessert.
## Ingredients: Your Shopping List for Success
Before you embark on your Bakewell Slice baking adventure, gather all the necessary ingredients. This recipe is divided into three main components: the shortcrust pastry, the jam filling, and the frangipane topping, followed by the icing.
**For the Shortcrust Pastry:**
* 225g (8oz) plain flour, plus extra for dusting
* 110g (4oz) cold unsalted butter, cubed
* 50g (2oz) icing sugar
* 1 large egg yolk
* 1-2 tablespoons cold water
**For the Jam Filling:**
* 150g (5oz) raspberry jam (or your preferred flavor)
**For the Frangipane Topping:**
* 110g (4oz) unsalted butter, softened
* 110g (4oz) caster sugar
* 2 large eggs
* 110g (4oz) ground almonds
* 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
* A handful of flaked almonds (optional, for decoration)
**For the Icing:**
* 200g (7oz) icing sugar
* 2-3 tablespoons cold water
## Equipment: Tools of the Trade
Having the right equipment will make the baking process smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s a list of essential tools:
* Large mixing bowl
* Pastry blender or food processor (optional)
* Rolling pin
* 9×13 inch rectangular baking tin
* Baking paper
* Electric mixer (optional, but recommended for frangipane)
* Spatula
* Small bowl for icing
* Fork or spoon for applying icing
## Step-by-Step Instructions: Baking Your Bakewell Slice
Now, let’s dive into the detailed instructions for creating your homemade Bakewell Slice. Follow these steps carefully for the best results.
**Step 1: Preparing the Shortcrust Pastry**
1. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a large mixing bowl, sift together the plain flour and icing sugar. This helps to prevent lumps and ensures a smooth pastry.
2. **Add the Butter:** Add the cubed cold butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. The key is to work quickly and keep the butter cold to prevent it from melting. If you’re using a food processor, pulse the mixture until it reaches the breadcrumb consistency.
3. **Add Egg Yolk and Water:** In a separate small bowl, lightly beat the egg yolk. Add the egg yolk to the flour and butter mixture. Gradually add the cold water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overwork the dough, as this can result in a tough pastry.
4. **Form and Chill the Dough:** Gently bring the dough together into a disc. Wrap the disc in cling film and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough allows the gluten to relax, resulting in a more tender pastry.
**Step 2: Baking the Pastry Base**
1. **Preheat the Oven:** Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F/Gas Mark 4). Ensure your oven is properly preheated for even baking.
2. **Roll Out the Pastry:** On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled pastry to a thickness of about 3-4mm. It should be large enough to line the base and sides of your 9×13 inch baking tin.
3. **Line the Baking Tin:** Carefully lift the rolled-out pastry and place it into the baking tin. Gently press the pastry into the corners and up the sides of the tin. Trim any excess pastry from the top edges.
4. **Prick the Base:** Using a fork, prick the base of the pastry several times. This prevents the pastry from puffing up during baking.
5. **Blind Bake the Pastry:** Line the pastry case with baking paper and fill it with baking beans or dried rice. This weighs down the pastry and helps it maintain its shape during baking. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
6. **Remove Baking Beans and Bake Further:** Remove the baking paper and baking beans. Return the pastry case to the oven and bake for a further 5-10 minutes, or until the pastry is lightly golden brown. This ensures the pastry is fully cooked and crisp.
7. **Cool the Pastry:** Remove the pastry case from the oven and let it cool completely in the tin before adding the filling.
**Step 3: Preparing and Adding the Filling**
1. **Spread the Jam:** Once the pastry case has cooled completely, spread the raspberry jam evenly over the base. Ensure the jam covers the entire surface of the pastry to create a sweet and fruity layer.
**Step 4: Making the Frangipane Topping**
1. **Cream Butter and Sugar:** In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and caster sugar until light and fluffy. Use an electric mixer for best results, but you can also do this by hand.
2. **Beat in Eggs:** Gradually beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. If the mixture starts to curdle, add a spoonful of flour.
3. **Add Almonds and Extract:** Gently fold in the ground almonds and almond extract until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough frangipane.
**Step 5: Assembling and Baking the Bakewell Slice**
1. **Pour Frangipane over Jam:** Carefully pour the frangipane mixture over the jam-covered pastry base, spreading it evenly to the edges.
2. **Sprinkle with Flaked Almonds (Optional):** If desired, sprinkle the top of the frangipane with flaked almonds for added texture and visual appeal.
3. **Bake the Bakewell Slice:** Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the frangipane is golden brown and set. A skewer inserted into the center should come out clean.
4. **Cool Completely:** Remove the Bakewell Slice from the oven and let it cool completely in the tin before icing. This is important to prevent the icing from melting.
**Step 6: Preparing and Applying the Icing**
1. **Make the Icing:** In a small bowl, gradually add the cold water to the icing sugar, mixing until you achieve a smooth and glossy icing. The consistency should be thick enough to coat the slice but thin enough to spread easily.
2. **Ice the Bakewell Slice:** Once the Bakewell Slice has cooled completely, spread the icing evenly over the top. You can use a fork or a spoon to create a decorative pattern if desired.
3. **Set the Icing:** Allow the icing to set completely before cutting the Bakewell Slice into squares or rectangles. This will take about 30 minutes to an hour.
## Tips for Bakewell Slice Perfection
* **Use Cold Ingredients:** For the shortcrust pastry, using cold butter and cold water is crucial for achieving a flaky and tender texture. Keep your ingredients chilled until you’re ready to use them.
* **Don’t Overwork the Pastry:** Overworking the pastry develops the gluten, resulting in a tough and chewy texture. Mix the dough just until it comes together.
* **Blind Bake Properly:** Blind baking the pastry case ensures that it is fully cooked and crisp before adding the filling. This prevents a soggy bottom.
* **Use Good Quality Jam:** The quality of the jam will significantly impact the flavor of the Bakewell Slice. Choose a high-quality raspberry jam or your favorite flavor.
* **Don’t Overbake the Frangipane:** Overbaking the frangipane can result in a dry and crumbly texture. Bake until it is golden brown and set, but still slightly moist in the center.
* **Cool Completely Before Icing:** Ensure the Bakewell Slice is completely cool before icing to prevent the icing from melting and becoming runny.
* **Adjust Icing Consistency:** Adjust the amount of water you add to the icing sugar to achieve the desired consistency. It should be thick enough to coat the slice but thin enough to spread easily.
## Variations: Customize Your Bakewell Slice
While the classic Bakewell Slice is a delightful treat in itself, there are several ways to customize it to your liking.
* **Jam Variations:** Experiment with different flavors of jam, such as strawberry, blackcurrant, or apricot. Each jam will add its unique flavor profile to the slice.
* **Citrus Zest:** Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the frangipane for a bright and zesty twist.
* **Chocolate Chips:** Fold a handful of chocolate chips into the frangipane for a chocolatey indulgence.
* **Cherry Bakewell Slice:** Decorate the iced Bakewell Slice with glace cherries for a classic Cherry Bakewell variation.
* **Nutella Swirl:** Swirl a spoonful of Nutella into the frangipane before baking for a hazelnut-chocolate flavor.
## Serving and Storing Your Bakewell Slice
The Bakewell Slice is best served at room temperature. It can be enjoyed as a dessert, a snack, or as part of an afternoon tea spread. It pairs well with a cup of tea or coffee.
To store any leftover Bakewell Slice, keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The pastry may soften slightly over time, but the flavor will remain delicious. You can also freeze the Bakewell Slice for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in cling film and then in foil. Thaw it completely at room temperature before serving.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate, per slice)
* Calories: 350-400
* Fat: 20-25g
* Saturated Fat: 10-15g
* Carbohydrates: 40-45g
* Sugar: 30-35g
* Protein: 5-7g
*Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*
## Conclusion: A Slice of Happiness
The Bakewell Slice is a truly delightful treat that is sure to impress. With its combination of crumbly pastry, sweet jam, and almondy frangipane, it offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures. This step-by-step guide provides everything you need to create this irresistible dessert in your own kitchen. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to bake a slice of happiness!
Enjoy your homemade Bakewell Slice, and happy baking!