Cherry Bakewell Traybake

A cherry bakewell traybake

Serves 20

Ingredients

For the Cake Base:

• 1 1/2 cups (180g) all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups (180g) ground almonds
• 1 1/2 cups (300g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• A pinch of salt

For the Cherry Filling:

• 1 cup (150g) fresh or frozen cherries, pitted and halved
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons water

For the Almond Glaze:

• 1 1/2 cups (180g) powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar)
• 2-3 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• Slivered almonds for garnish (optional)

Preparation

For the Cake Base:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking tray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the almond extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, ground almonds, baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until well combined. The batter will be thick.
6. Spread the cake batter evenly into the prepared baking tray.

For the Cherry Filling:

1. In a small saucepan, combine the halved cherries, granulated sugar, and water.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cherries become soft and release their juices, and the mixture thickens slightly (about 5-7 minutes).
3. Remove from heat and let the cherry filling cool.
4. Once cooled, spread the cherry filling evenly over the cake base in the baking tray.

Baking:

1. Place the baking tray in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30-35 minutes or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. Remove the traybake from the oven and allow it to cool in the tray.

For the Almond Glaze:

1. In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, almond extract, and enough milk to make a smooth, pourable glaze.

Assembly:

1. Once the traybake has cooled, drizzle the almond glaze evenly over the top.
2. Optionally, sprinkle slivered almonds on top of the glaze for added texture and flavor.
3. Allow the glaze to set before cutting the Cherry Bakewell Traybake into 20 portions.

Enjoy your homemade Cherry Bakewell Traybake! It’s a delightful treat with the classic flavors of almond and cherry that’s perfect for sharing with friends and family.