Cherry Bakewell Blondies are a delightful fusion of the classic British Bakewell tart and the rich, chewy texture of blondies. These bars feature layers of almond-infused blondie batter, swirls of tangy cherry jam, chunks of white chocolate, and a sprinkle of sliced almonds, all topped with a light almond glaze. Perfect for dessert or a sweet snack, they bring together the comforting flavors of almond and cherry in every bite.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Cherry Almond Blondies:

• 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup almond flour
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup superfine granulated sugar
• ½ cup light brown sugar, firmly packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon almond extract
• 3 oz white chocolate chips or chunks
• ½ cup cherry jam
• 1 oz sliced almonds

For the Almond Glaze:

• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• ¼ teaspoon almond extract
• 1 teaspoon water

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, superfine sugar, and light brown sugar. Whisk until well combined and emulsified, about 2 minutes.
4. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat until fully incorporated.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring with a spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
6. Fold in the white chocolate chips or chunks.
7. Spoon about two-thirds of the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.
8. Dollop the cherry jam over the batter and gently spread it into an even layer.
9. Spoon the remaining batter over the jam layer in small dollops, then gently spread to cover the jam.
10. Sprinkle the sliced almonds evenly over the top.
11. Bake in the preheated oven for about 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out mostly clean.
12. Allow the blondies to cool in the pan for about 2 hours to set properly.
13. For the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, almond extract, and water until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled blondies.
14. Once the glaze has set, cut into squares and serve.

Nutritional Facts (per serving, based on 16 servings)

• Calories: 293 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 41g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
  • Monounsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0.4g
• Cholesterol: 44mg
• Sodium: 105mg
• Potassium: 67mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 30g
• Vitamin A: 297 IU
• Vitamin C: 1mg
• Calcium: 45mg
• Iron: 1mg

The History and Origins of the Bakewell Tart

The Bakewell tart has a rich history that dates back to the early 19th century in the town of Bakewell, Derbyshire, in the UK. It is believed that the tart was created by accident at the Bakewell Arms Hotel, where a cook misunderstood the instructions for a jam tart and added a layer of almond-flavored sponge instead. The result was a delicious combination of shortcrust pastry, raspberry jam, almond sponge, and a glaze, which became known as the Bakewell tart.

The tart quickly gained popularity in the UK and became a beloved staple in British bakeries. Its signature flavor is the sweet, nutty taste of almonds, which pairs beautifully with the tartness of the jam. Over time, the Bakewell tart inspired various adaptations, including the Bakewell pudding, and eventually, the Cherry Bakewell Blondie.

Blondies themselves have an interesting history as well. They are a cousin of brownies but differ in flavor. While brownies are made with cocoa powder to give them a rich chocolate flavor, blondies omit the chocolate and are instead made with brown sugar, butter, and vanilla, resulting in a sweet, buttery taste. The addition of cherries and almond flavors gives these blondies a fresh and contemporary spin on the classic Bakewell tart.

Why Choose Cherry Bakewell Blondies?

There are many reasons why Cherry Bakewell Blondies have gained such popularity. One of the main reasons is the sheer simplicity of the recipe. Unlike the traditional Bakewell tart, which requires more intricate preparation with its layers of pastry, almond sponge, and jam, Cherry Bakewell Blondies are far quicker and easier to make, without compromising on flavor.

Another reason for the blondies’ popularity is their versatility. They can be served as a delicious treat for an afternoon tea, as part of a dessert spread, or even as a quick snack for a cozy night in. Their delicate balance of flavors makes them an ideal choice for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a birthday celebration, or just a casual dessert to share with friends.

The combination of cherry and almond is timeless, and the addition of white chocolate adds a modern twist. These ingredients not only create a mouthwatering dessert but also deliver on texture, with the chewy blondie base providing the perfect contrast to the smooth cherry jam and the crunchy almond topping.

Key Ingredients that Make Cherry Bakewell Blondies Special

One of the highlights of Cherry Bakewell Blondies is the use of almond flour, which gives them a distinct nutty flavor. Almond flour adds richness and depth to the texture, contributing to the chewy nature of the blondie. Almond extract is also used to enhance the almond flavor, giving these blondies a fragrant, nutty aroma.

The cherry jam is another key ingredient that sets these blondies apart from other desserts. The tartness of the cherries complements the sweetness of the blondie base, creating a balanced flavor profile. This fruity element is what makes the dessert reminiscent of the Bakewell tart, where the fruity filling is an essential part of the overall experience.

The white chocolate chips or chunks are an essential addition, providing a creamy, indulgent texture that elevates the blondies. The rich sweetness of the white chocolate complements the almond and cherry, creating a harmonious dessert that is both comforting and satisfying.

Finally, the sliced almonds on top of the blondies not only enhance the flavor but also add an appealing visual element. Their crunchiness provides a contrast to the soft, chewy blondie base, making every bite a delightful textural experience.

How to Customize Cherry Bakewell Blondies

Although the classic version of Cherry Bakewell Blondies is delicious as is, there are many ways to customize the recipe to suit various preferences or dietary restrictions. Here are a few ideas for how you can make these blondies your own:

1. Gluten-Free Version

If you’re looking to make Cherry Bakewell Blondies gluten-free, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to choose a high-quality blend that works well in baked goods. Additionally, you can use almond flour in place of some of the flour for extra richness and flavor.

2. Vegan Option

To make a vegan version of Cherry Bakewell Blondies, substitute the butter for a plant-based butter or coconut oil. Replace the eggs with a flaxseed egg (mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water and let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens). Ensure that the white chocolate used is dairy-free, and you can even use dairy-free almond milk instead of regular milk if needed.

3. Add More Fruit

While cherries are the star of this dessert, feel free to experiment with other fruits. Raspberry jam or mixed berry jam can provide a different fruity flavor, which pairs wonderfully with the almond and white chocolate.

4. Experiment with Toppings

You can get creative with the toppings. Try adding a drizzle of dark chocolate or even a dusting of powdered sugar once the blondies are fully cooled. For an extra indulgent treat, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Storage and Shelf Life of Cherry Bakewell Blondies

Cherry Bakewell Blondies are a great make-ahead dessert. After they have cooled and been drizzled with almond glaze, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. If you need to store them for longer, you can freeze them for up to three months. Be sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before freezing to maintain their freshness.

Conclusion

Cherry Bakewell Blondies are an excellent twist on the traditional British Bakewell tart, offering all the familiar flavors of almond, cherry, and white chocolate in a simple, easy-to-make blondie format. With their chewy texture, fruity jam filling, and crunchy almond topping, they’re a crowd-pleasing dessert that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.