Name: Bakewell Traybake Recipe
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 375g ready-made shortcrust pastry; 200g unsalted butter, softened; 200g caster sugar; 3 eggs; 2 tbsp plain flour, plus extra for dusting; 100g ground almonds; 150g desiccated coconut; 1 tbsp whole milk; 6 tbsp black cherry jam; 10-12 fresh whole cherries, pitted and halved; 60g toasted desiccated coconut for decoration

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 34 reviews

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that combines buttery shortcrust, nutty almond flavor, and the sweet burst of cherries in every bite, this Bakewell Traybake Recipe will quickly become your new favorite. It’s a beautiful twist on a classic Bakewell tart but easier to prepare and perfect for sharing with friends and family. The layers of crunchy pastry, fruity jam, and the soft, coconut-studded almond sponge create an irresistible harmony of textures and flavors that you’ll want to make over and over.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white marbled surface with various baking ingredients neatly arranged in small white bowls and white plates. There are three brown eggs placed directly on the surface. One bowl holds light beige oats, another has a thick dark brown syrup, and others contain white flour and sliced almonds. A small white spoon filled with a white powder, a small bottle with yellow liquid, and a block of butter wrapped in white paper are also visible. A small bowl in the center holds red dried fruit pieces, adding a pop of color. The scene is clean and organized, with all items spaced evenly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering these straightforward ingredients is the first step to a stunning Bakewell Traybake Recipe. Each item serves a purpose: the shortcrust pastry forms a crispy base, butter and sugar create a luxuriously soft filling, and cherries add a fruity pop of color and flavor.

375g ready-made shortcrust pastry: Using pre-made pastry saves time and ensures a perfect buttery crust every time.
200g unsalted butter softened: Adds richness and moisture to the almond filling.
200g caster sugar: Sweetens the recipe with a fine texture that blends smoothly.
3 eggs: Bind the filling and give it a delicate structure.
2 tbsp plain flour plus extra for dusting: Provides stability and prevents the filling from being too wet.
100g ground almonds: The signature component that delivers that classic nutty Bakewell flavor.
150g desiccated coconut plus 60g toasted to decorate: Adds a wonderful texture contrast and tropical nuance.
1 tbsp whole milk: Loosens the mixture slightly for a smooth spread.
6 tbsp black cherry jam: Brings a fruity, slightly tart layer beneath the almond topping.
10-12 fresh whole cherries pitted and halved: Fresh cherries stud the traybake and marry beautifully with the jam.

How to Make Bakewell Traybake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Pastry Base

Start by lining a 25cm x 20cm rectangular brownie tin with baking paper. Roll out your shortcrust pastry on a floured surface until it’s about 3mm thick, making it slightly bigger than your tin. Then carefully line the tin with the pastry, trimming off excess edges. Prick the base with a fork to stop bubbling and place it in the fridge to chill for 30 minutes. This rest helps the pastry keep its shape during baking.

Step 2: Blind Bake the Pastry

Preheat your oven to 180C (160C fan or gas mark 4). Once chilled, line the pastry base with another sheet of baking paper and fill with baking beans or rice to prevent the pastry from puffing up. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the beans and top paper to continue baking for a further 5 minutes, or until the pastry looks sandy and cooked through. Allow the base to cool while you prepare the filling.

Step 3: Make the Almond and Coconut Filling

Beat together the softened butter and caster sugar until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy — this airiness gives the filling its lovely texture. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition for a smooth batter. Stir in the flour to bind the mixture, then fold in the ground almonds and desiccated coconut very gently to preserve the fluffiness. Finish by adding the milk, which slightly loosens the mixture, making it easier to spread evenly over the pastry.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake Your Traybake

Spread a thin layer of your black cherry jam evenly over the cooled pastry base. Next, pour over the almond and coconut filling, smoothing it out for an even top. Press the halved cherries gently into the surface, spacing them so they peek through the filling. Sprinkle the toasted coconut generously on top for that golden crunch. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the filling is set and lightly golden at the edges. Let your Bakewell Traybake Recipe cool completely in the tin before slicing into wonderfully satisfying squares.

How to Serve Bakewell Traybake Recipe

Five rectangular pieces of crumb cake with a golden brown top layer of toasted shredded coconut and dark red cherries inside, placed in a row on a gray metal tray. Each piece shows three main layers: the light golden crust at the bottom, a moist middle layer with visible cherries, and a crispy, textured coconut topping sprinkled with crumbs. The background is a white marbled surface, and there are some crumbs scattered around the tray. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

When it comes to finishing touches, a light dusting of icing sugar makes the traybake look beautifully elegant. You can also scatter a few extra toasted coconut flakes or arrange some fresh cherries on top to keep the presentation fresh and inviting.

Side Dishes

This Bakewell Traybake Recipe pairs wonderfully with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. If you want to keep it more traditional, serve alongside a pot of afternoon tea or your favorite black tea for the ultimate cozy indulgence.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting the traybake into rustic square slices and stacking them on a pretty cake stand for a stunning tea table display. Alternatively, serve individual slices with a drizzle of warm cherry compote or a light drizzle of melted dark chocolate for an irresistible twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Bakewell Traybake Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The flavors actually mature nicely overnight, making it ideal to prepare a day ahead of your gathering.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy this traybake later, slice it first and freeze individual portions wrapped tightly in plastic and foil. They will keep well for up to one month. When ready to indulge, simply thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

For a freshly baked feel, warm slices gently in a low oven (150C) for about 10 minutes or microwave them briefly. Just be careful not to overheat, as the almond filling can dry out.

FAQs

Can I use homemade pastry for this Bakewell Traybake Recipe?

Absolutely! While ready-made shortcrust pastry is convenient and reliable, a homemade pastry will work beautifully and add a personal touch to the traybake. Just make sure it’s rolled evenly and well chilled before blind baking.

What can I substitute for black cherry jam?

If black cherry jam isn’t available, raspberry or strawberry jam make excellent alternatives that complement the almond filling well without overpowering the other flavors.

How do I prevent the pastry from getting soggy?

Blind baking the pastry with baking beans is key to keeping the base crisp. Also, spreading a thin layer of jam before adding the filling creates a barrier that helps avoid sogginess.

Can I make this recipe nut-free?

This recipe relies on almonds for its characteristic flavor and texture, so making it completely nut-free would require significant changes. However, you could experiment with sunflower seed flour or oat flour blends, but the result won’t be a traditional Bakewell Traybake Recipe.

Is it possible to use frozen cherries?

Frozen cherries can work but be sure to thaw and drain them well before pressing into the mixture, so excess moisture doesn’t affect the texture of the traybake.

Final Thoughts

Whipping up this Bakewell Traybake Recipe is a wonderfully rewarding way to bring a slice of classic British baking into your home with minimal fuss but maximum flavor. Whether you’re serving it to friends, family, or simply enjoying a quiet slice with your afternoon tea, it’s bound to become a go-to crowd-pleaser. Give it a try and watch how a humble traybake can fill your kitchen with warm memories and sweet satisfaction.

Bakewell Traybake Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need