CHERRY ALMOND SLICES, Skinnier, A lower-sugar Indulgence

Enticing skinnier Bakewell with cherries but no pastry or jam... 

Cherry Bakewell Slices - no pastry or jam, lower fat/sugar but still tastes fab
'Absolutely gorgeous; the sweet of my dreams!' Taster

67's take on Bakewell tarts dispenses with pastry and jam and replaces raspberries with fresh fat English cherries.  

This recipe takes half the usual time to prepare, focusing on the gloriously light and fine crumbed frangipane filling.  The classic filling has been modified to produce an airy but moist cake firm enough to stand on its own.  

Classic Bakewell tarts are a delightful mix of butter, sugar, almonds, eggs, pastry and jam.  They are found everywhere in the UK, in bakeries and supermarkets, in various permutations.  

But nothing beats home-made - even if the pastry and jam are missing - and the heady scent of almonds and fruit.  Even better the best of the Bakewell is produced in half the time.

67's recipe cuts sugar and fat without affecting the beauty of the sponge. It's designed for small households, providing 10 good sized bars but multiplies easily.  

Cost: £1.75
Makes: 10, but is easily doubled.

Ingred:
   75gm/2.7oz softened butter
   75gm/2.7oz sugar
   75gm/2.7oz ground almonds
   1 egg
   1/2 tsp vanilla
   zest of one lime (or lemon)

   75gm/2.7oz plain flour
   1/2 tsp baking powder

   2 tbsp milk

   generous handful fresh cherry halves
   generous handful flaked almonds

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 190c/170fan/375f
2. Line a 24x13cm/9.5x5in pan or equiv (7in/17cm square or circle) with greaseproof paper
3. Beat butter and sugar until light and pale - 2-3 mins
4. Add ground almonds; blend
5. Beat in egg and vanilla
6. Stir in lime zest until well distributed
7. Stir flour and baking powder together; add to mix; beat until just blended
8. Add milk; blend
9. Scrape into tin and smooth the top
10. Press cherry halves lightly into the surface, then generously scatter flaked almonds 
11. Bake 20-25 mins in centre of oven until brown or a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean
12. Cool on a rack 10 mins, then remove from pan and cool completely
13. Dust with icing sugar or drizzle with melted white baker's chocolate*

Comments:  
'Absolutely gorgeous; the sweet of my dreams! And I loved the cherries.' Retired writer 

Tips:

• A generous handful of finely chopped cherries stirred through the batter will add to the slices' general cherry-ness.
• Ground almonds are not the most frugal ingredient at £2+ for 200gr/7oz but are an important ingredient in any baker's cupboard.  Used occasionally, they take treats to another level.  They are also gluten-free.
• Bakewell tarts originated in the picturesque Peak district of Derbyshire; they were a popular treat in Tudor times, often served to noblemen.

*Morrisons £1

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This recipe has been developed by B  Lee/ Bright Sun Enterprises and may not be reproduced, in any form, without the author's written permission.