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Bakewell Slices

A delightful union of crumbly pastry and soft almond sponge topped with fruity jam and crunchy flaked almonds, perfect for gatherings or a sweet end to any meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 10 slices
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: British
Calories: 215
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the pastry
  • 175 g plain flour
  • 75 g cold butter, cubed
  • 2-3 tablespoons cold water
For the almond sponge
  • 100 g butter, softened
  • 100 g caster sugar
  • 175 g self-raising flour
  • 1 level teaspoon baking powder
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • ½ teaspoon almond extract
For the topping
  • 4 tablespoons blackcurrant jam
  • Flaked almonds, for sprinkling
  • Icing sugar, for dusting

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan). Grease and line a 30 × 23cm traybake tin with baking parchment.
  2. Rub the plain flour and cold butter together using your fingertips until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Add enough cold water to bring the dough together.
  3. Wrap the pastry and chill in the fridge for 15 minutes.
  4. Roll out the pastry and press it evenly into the prepared traybake tin. Prick lightly with a fork.
Baking the pastry
  1. Bake for 10–12 minutes until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly.
Assembling the slices
  1. Spread the blackcurrant jam evenly over the pastry base.
  2. In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and caster sugar until pale and fluffy.
  3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then fold in the self-raising flour, baking powder, milk, and almond extract until smooth.
  4. Carefully spoon the sponge mixture over the jam layer and spread gently.
  5. Sprinkle generously with flaked almonds.
Baking the slices
  1. Bake for 30–35 minutes until golden brown and firm to the touch.
  2. Leave to cool completely in the tin. Dust lightly with icing sugar, then slice into neat rectangles.

Notes

These Bakewell Slices are best served fresh but are equally delightful enjoyed the next day. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days or freeze wrapped tightly for longer storage. Don't skimp on the almond extract for best flavor.