Bakewell Slices | Easy Cherry Bakewell Traybake with Almond Sponge

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 with layers of buttery pastry, sweet raspberry jam and almond sponge, creating a classic teatime treat that looks golden, nostalgic and inviting.
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.
