Bakewell Slices | Easy Cherry Bakewell Traybake with Almond Sponge

Bakewell slices
Bakewell slices
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These Bakewell slices are a simple, delicious traybake inspired by the classic Bakewell tart. Made with a buttery base, a layer of fruity jam, and a light almond sponge, they’re perfect for afternoon tea, lunchboxes, or weekend baking. Easy to make and reliably tasty, they’re a great option if you’re looking for a traditional British bake that always delivers. And because they’re at their best when you’re generous with the jam, each slice is wonderfully moreish — a truly irresistible treat for any occasion.

Serving Suggestions for Bakewell Slices

  • Fresh Raspberries Tart, juicy berries complement the sweet almond and jam flavours beautifully
  • Clotted Cream Rich, creamy indulgence that pairs perfectly with the buttery sponge base
  • Lightly Whipped Cream A soft, airy topping that keeps the dessert feeling light
  • Vanilla Ice Cream Cool, creamy ice cream creates a delicious contrast to the almond filling
  • Crème Fraîche A gentle tanginess that balances the sweetness of the Bakewell slices
  • Cherry Compote Sweet-tart cherries echo the traditional fruit flavours found in Bakewell bakes
  • Strawberry Sauce A fruity drizzle that complements both the almond and jam layers
  • Fresh Strawberries Juicy berries add freshness and colour to each serving
  • Toasted Flaked Almonds Extra crunch that enhances the nutty flavour of the frangipane
  • Hot Custard Warm, silky custard transforms the slices into a comforting dessert
  • Coffee or Espresso Rich coffee notes pair wonderfully with the almond sweetness
  • A Pot of Tea A classic afternoon tea accompaniment for this traditional bake
  • Poached Pears Soft, delicate pears add an elegant fruity contrast
  • Berry Fruit Salad A refreshing mix of berries that keeps the dessert feeling bright and balanced

Variations: Bakewell Slices

  • Cherry Bakewell Slices — add extra glacé cherries for a sweeter, more traditional Bakewell flavour.
  • Raspberry Bakewell Slices — use raspberry jam for a classic sweet‑tart contrast to the almond sponge.
  • Strawberry Bakewell Slices — swap in strawberry jam for a sweeter, fruitier variation.
  • Black Cherry Bakewell Slices — use black cherry jam for a richer, deeper fruit flavour.
  • Apricot Bakewell Slices — replace the jam with apricot preserve for a lighter, golden fruit flavour.
  • Mixed Berry Bakewell Slices — use mixed berry jam for layers of fruity sweetness and colour.
  • Chocolate Bakewell Slices — drizzle melted chocolate over the top for an indulgent twist on the classic.
  • Cherry & Chocolate Bakewell Slices — combine cherries and chocolate for a Black Forest‑inspired variation.
  • White Chocolate Bakewell Slices — decorate with melted white chocolate for extra sweetness and richness.
  • Orange Bakewell Slices — add orange zest to the sponge for a bright citrus flavour that complements the almonds.
  • Lemon Bakewell Slices — add lemon zest for a fresh, zesty contrast to the sweet filling.
  • Almond & Raspberry Bakewell Slices — increase the almond extract and use raspberry jam for a more pronounced Bakewell flavour.
  • Bakewell Slices with Flaked Almonds — scatter flaked almonds on top for extra crunch and nuttiness.
  • Coconut Bakewell Slices — add desiccated coconut to the sponge for extra texture and sweetness.
  • Pistachio Bakewell Slices — replace some of the almonds with pistachios for colour and a subtle nutty flavour.
  • Bakewell Slices with Fresh Raspberries — scatter fresh raspberries over the jam layer for bursts of fruit throughout.
  • Honey Bakewell Slices — replace some of the sugar with honey for a softer sweetness and moist texture.
  • Mini Bakewell Slices — bake in a smaller tray and cut into bite‑sized pieces for parties and afternoon teas.
  • Festive Bakewell Slices — add cranberries and orange zest for a Christmas‑inspired flavour combination.
  • Bakewell Blondie Slices — combine a blondie base with cherries, almonds and jam for a chewy twist on the classic recipe.
Bakewell slices

Bakewell Slices

Bakewell slices with layers of buttery pastry, sweet raspberry jam and almond sponge, creating a classic teatime treat that looks golden, nostalgic and inviting.
Cook Time 25 minutes
Course Cake, Pudding
Cuisine British
Servings 6 people

Equipment

  • Baking tin

Ingredients
  

Pastry ingredients

  • 175 g plain flour
  • 75 g butter
  • 2-3 tbsp cold water

Sponge ingredients

  • 100 g margarine
  • 100 g caster sugar
  • 175 g self-raising flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 2 eggs, lightly beaten
  • 2 tbsp milk
  • ½ tbsp almond extract
  • seedless jam
  • flaked almonds for sprinkling

Instructions
 

To make the pastry

  • Add the flour and butter into the bowl and rub with your fingertips until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. 
  • Gradually add 2-3 tbsp. cold water, mixing to form a soft dough.
  • Preheat the oven to 180ºc/Gas 4.  Roll the dough out on a lightly floured work surface and use to line a tin.

To make the sponge

  • Add all the sponge ingredients into a bowl and beat until mixed.  Set aside.
  • Spread the jam generously over the pastry.  Top with the sponge mixture.  Sprinkle with almond flakes.
  • Place in the oven for about 25mins or until springs back when pressed gently in the centre.
  • Leave to cool in the tin, remove and cut into squares and enjoy with a cuppa tea.