Bakewell Slice

Teatime treats and desserts are my favourite. I feel like I cannot have a cup of tea in the evenings without a little snack. And you know I have got to make something special myself. This Bakewell slice reminds me of the Mr. Kipling’s Bakewell slices from when I was a kid. This Bakewell slice is best served with a dollop of warm vanilla custard. You won’t want to stop at just one slice. 

Preparation Time 20 minutes 

Chill Time 30 minutes 

Cook Time 50 minutes 

Serves 8 

Ingredients

Pastry Base 

1 1/2 cup flour 

2 tablespoons icing sugar 

7 tablespoons butter- cold and cubed 

2 tablespoons ice water 

Sponge Topping

8 tablespoons/ 1/2 cup butter- softened 

1/2 cup flour 

3/4 cup almond flour 

1/2 cup sugar 

1 teaspoon baking powder 

1/4 teaspoon almond extract 

2 eggs 

Other Ingredients 

1/2 cup raspberry jam 

2 tablespoons almond flakes 

Instructions 

1. Preheat the oven to 190c. Line a 9x9 inch square pan with parchment paper. Set it aside. 

2. For the base: place the flour and sugar in a food processor. Pulse 2 or 3 times to mix it in. Add the butter and pulse until pea sized crumbs form. Add a couple tablespoons of ice water until the dough begins to clump together. 

3. Dump the dough out onto a clingfilm lined counter top. Bring the dough together with your hands and wrap it in the cling film. Chill the dough for 30 minutes 

4. After 30 minutes, roll the dough out between 2 sheets of parchment paper. Roll it out until the thickness of a one pound coin. Press the base into the prepared tin. Make sure the base comes up the sides too. 

5. Prick the base with a fork and freeze 5 minutes. 

6. Place a sheet of parchment paper in the base and add baking beads. Bake the base at 180c for 10 minutes. 

7. Remove the baking beans and parchment paper. Spread the jam over the pastry base. Set it aside. 

8. Combine all the sponge topping ingredients. Spread the sponge topping over the jam. Spread the batter over the jam. Top with flaked almonds. 

9. Bake at 180c for 35-40 minutes. Cool to room temperature before serving.