Cherry Bakewell Blondies
If you're a fan of cherry bakewells, you'll love these cherry bakewell blondies. These sweet treats are a delicious twist on the classic bakewell tart, with a soft and chewy blondie base, topped with a layer of jam and finished off with a crunchy almond topping.
The beauty of these blondies is that they're incredibly easy to make - you don't need any fancy equipment or ingredients. All you need is a mixing bowl, a baking tin, and a few simple pantry staples.
The combination of sweet cherry and nutty almond flavours is what makes cherry bakewell such a beloved classic, and these blondies capture that same charm. The addition of white chocolate chips adds a touch of creaminess to the mix, making each bite a delight for your taste buds.
✔️ Why you'll love this recipe!
Whether you're hosting a tea party, looking for a dessert for a family dinner, or simply craving something sweet, bakewell blondies fit the bill perfectly.
The recipe doesn't require any complex techniques or hard-to-find ingredients, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
Taking the traditional elements of a Cherry Bakewell tart and combining them with the texture of a blondie, this recipe offers a novel take on well-loved flavours.
๐ Ingredient notes
- Sugar - use a combination of granulated sugar and light brown sugar for the best texture.
- Butter - Unsalted butter is the best choice for this recipe, as it allows you to control the amount of salt in your blondies.
- Egg - one large egg at room temperature.
- Almond Extract - essential for creating the classic bakewell flavour..
- Plain Flour - plain white flour is best.
- Ground Almonds - adds moisture and nuttiness to the blondies.
- Baking Powder - lightens the blondies.
- Salt - for flavour.
- White Chocolate Chips - adds a sweet creaminess to the blondies.
- Glace Cherries - halved with a sharp knife.
- Cherry Jam - you could also use raspberry jam
- For the topping:
- White Chocolate - for drizzling.
- Flaked Almonds - adds crunch and texture.
๐ช How to make bakewell blondies
One: Preheat the oven to 180 °C (160 °fan/ Gas 4). Line and grease a 20cm (8" square baking tin).
Two: In a large mixing bowl beat together the sugars and melted butter.
Three: Mix in the egg and almond extract.
Four: Fold in the plain flour, ground almonds, baking powder and salt. Mix until combined.
Six: Spoon the batter into the prepared tin. Warm the jam in the microwave for 10 seconds then swirl it into the top of the blondie batter with a skewer. Bake in the oven for 30-35 minutes until a skewer comes out clean.
๐ญ Expert tips
Ensure that your butter and eggs are at room temperature before you begin.
When combining your ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to blondies that are too dense or tough. You want them to be soft and slightly chewy.
When adding the cherry jam, dollop it in small spoonfuls over the batter and then gently swirl it with a knife or skewer. This ensures an even distribution of that tart cherry flavour throughout each blondie.
Bakewell Blondies should be removed from the oven when they are just set. They will continue to cook a little as they cool in the pan. A toothpick inserted in the centre should come out mostly clean, with perhaps a few moist crumbs.
Resist the temptation to cut into your blondies as soon as they come out of the oven. Let them cool in the pan, as this helps them set properly and makes cutting them into neat squares much easier.
๐ด Serving suggestions
Cherry bakewell blondies are a quintessential match for a traditional British afternoon tea. Serve them alongside a pot of your favourite tea – Earl Grey or English Breakfast make excellent choices. The subtle bitterness of the tea contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the blondies.
For a decadent dessert, serve these blondies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.
๐ Variations
Raspberry Bakewell Blondies: Substitute the cherry jam with raspberry jam for a slightly different fruity tang. Raspberry pairs beautifully with the almond flavour, offering a delightful variation.
Lemon Almond Blondies: For a zesty twist, add lemon zest to your blondie batter and use lemon curd in place of cherry jam. The freshness of lemon will give a bright flavour contrast to the sweet almond base.
Gluten-Free Bakewell Blondies: Make the recipe accessible for those with gluten sensitivities by using a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure to check that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
Nutty Bakewell Blondies: Enhance the nutty flavour by adding chopped almonds or pecans into the blondie batter. This will add a lovely texture and deepen the almond flavour profile.
Orange Almond Blondies: Incorporate orange zest into your batter and use a marmalade layer instead of cherry jam. The orange will add a citrusy note that complements the almond flavour.
Marzipan Studded Blondies: For almond lovers, add small chunks of marzipan throughout the blondie mixture. This will create pockets of almond flavour, enhancing the Bakewell essence.
Salted Caramel Bakewell Blondies: Drizzle salted caramel over the top of your blondies before baking. The caramel will add a decadent touch, and the hint of salt will balance the sweetness beautifully.
Lemon Almond Blondies: For a zesty twist, add lemon zest to your blondie batter and use lemon curd in place of cherry jam. The freshness of lemon will give a bright flavour contrast to the sweet almond base.
Gluten-Free Bakewell Blondies: Make the recipe accessible for those with gluten sensitivities by using a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure to check that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
Nutty Bakewell Blondies: Enhance the nutty flavour by adding chopped almonds or pecans into the blondie batter. This will add a lovely texture and deepen the almond flavour profile.
Orange Almond Blondies: Incorporate orange zest into your batter and use a marmalade layer instead of cherry jam. The orange will add a citrusy note that complements the almond flavour.
Marzipan Studded Blondies: For almond lovers, add small chunks of marzipan throughout the blondie mixture. This will create pockets of almond flavour, enhancing the Bakewell essence.
Salted Caramel Bakewell Blondies: Drizzle salted caramel over the top of your blondies before baking. The caramel will add a decadent touch, and the hint of salt will balance the sweetness beautifully.
๐ฅก Storage
Freeze - the blondies can be frozen for up to 3 months.
❓ Frequently asked questions
Can I use a different type of jam?
Certainly! While cherry jam is traditional for the Bakewell flavour, you can experiment with other jams like raspberry, blackberry, or apricot for a different twist.
How do I know when the blondies are done baking?
The blondies are done when they are golden brown around the edges and set in the middle. A toothpick inserted into the centre should come out mostly clean, with a few moist crumbs.
Why are my blondies too dry or too gooey?
This could be due to overbaking or underbaking. Make sure to check the blondies a few minutes before the recommended baking time as oven temperatures can vary.
Can these blondies be made ahead of time?
Yes, they can be made a day or two in advance. Just store them in an airtight container until you're ready to serve.
๐ More baking recipes
More blondie recipes
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Pin for later!
Calling all cherry bakewell fans! Skip the tarts and indulge in chewy blondie bliss with these easy treats. Almond crunch, jam swirl, and creamy white chocolate chips – it's pure heaven in every bite. No fancy tools needed, just a bowl, a pan, and pantry staples. Craving sunshine on your plate? Fuel your next San Antonio adventure with the Best Mexican Breakfast in San Antonio the city has to offer! 58 words, bakewell goodness guaranteed.
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