Cherry Bakewell slice recipe

138 ratings

A twist on a British favourite, this summer treat is quick and easy to make, plus you can transport it to your picnic in its baking tin. See method

Ingredients

Tesco cherries
Plump, sweet cherries selected for their deep red colour

No self-raising flour? Add 2 tsp baking powder for every 150g plain flour

of the reference intake
Carbohydrate 58g Protein 7g Fibre 2g

Grease the base and sides of a rectangular tin, about 20 x 30 x 4cm (8 x 12 x 2in). Lift the pastry into the tin and press into the corners. Prick the base with a fork and chill in the fridge for 20 mins. Preheat the oven to gas 6, 200°C, fan 180°.
Line the pastry case with nonstick baking paper and fill with baking beans. Bake the pastry for 10 mins until just cooked but not coloured. Remove the beans and baking paper and return to the oven for 2 minutes to crisp up the base. Leave the pastry to cool slightly while you make the sponge. Turn the oven down to gas 3, 170°C, fan 150°.
Put the butter, sugar, ground almonds, flour, baking powder, almond extract and eggs in a large bowl and beat until combined. Spread the jam over the cooled pastry in an even layer then top with the sponge mixture.
Scatter the flaked almonds over the top of the sponge. Bake in the oven for 35-40 mins or until firm and just golden. Remove from the oven and leave to cool completely.
Mix the icing sugar with 1½ tsp of cold water to make a stiff mixture. Drizzle the icing over the sponge. Top with the cherries and leave to set. Sift over icing sugar. Using a sharp knife, cut in half lengthways and then into 12 rectangular pieces. Take to the picnic in the tin.