Description
Bake up a true British classic with these Traditional Bakewell Slices! This easy traybake recipe layers buttery homemade shortcrust pastry, sweet raspberry jam, and a rich almond frangipane filling, all topped with flaked almonds and a light glaze. Perfect for afternoon tea, special gatherings, or just a cozy snack at home. Simple to make, full of flavor, and irresistibly delicious!
Ingredients
For the Pastry:
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200g plain flour
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100g unsalted butter, cold and cubed
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2–3 tbsp cold water
For the Filling:
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150g raspberry jam
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100g unsalted butter, softened
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100g caster sugar
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2 eggs, beaten
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100g ground almonds
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25g plain flour
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1 tsp almond extract
For the Topping:
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2 tbsp flaked almonds
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100g icing sugar (optional, for glaze)
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2–3 tsp water or lemon juice
Instructions
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Make the pastry: Rub the cold butter into the flour with your fingertips until it resembles breadcrumbs. Add cold water little by little until a dough forms. Wrap in cling film and chill for 20 minutes.
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Preheat the oven: Set to 180°C (fan). Grease and line a 20×30 cm rectangular baking tin.
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Roll and bake the base: Roll out the chilled pastry and press it into the tin. Prick all over with a fork. Bake for 12–15 minutes until lightly golden. Allow to cool slightly.
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Spread the jam: Evenly spread the raspberry jam over the cooled pastry base.
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Make the frangipane: Cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the almond extract. Fold in the ground almonds and flour.
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Assemble and bake: Spoon the frangipane over the jam layer, smoothing it out. Sprinkle with flaked almonds. Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden and set.
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Cool and glaze (optional): Once cooled, mix icing sugar with a little water or lemon juice to create a drizzle and flick it over the top.
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Slice and serve: Cut into squares or fingers and enjoy with a hot drink!
Notes
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Lemon Zest Twist: Add a teaspoon of fresh lemon zest to the frangipane for a bright, zesty flavor.
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Jam Swap: Try cherry, apricot, or blackberry jam for a fun flavor variation.
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Make-Ahead Tip: Bake and store in an airtight container — the flavor deepens after a day or two!
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Storage: Keep in a sealed container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or freeze for longer storage.
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No Almond Extract? You can skip it, but the almond flavor won’t be as strong. Add extra ground almonds if needed.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes