Bakewell Delights: Unraveling the Legacy of Puddings and Tarts
Nestled in the heart of the Peak District, Bakewell Pudding and Bakewell Tart stand as iconic symbols of British culinary heritage. As you embark on this gastronomic journey, you’ll discover the intriguing history behind these delectable treats and unravel the subtle yet significant distinctions between them.
The Origins: A Culinary Tapestry Unfurls
The first chapter of our story begins with the Bakewell Pudding, tracing its roots back to the 19th century. The air is filled with the sweet aroma of baking, and the cobblestone streets echo with the whispers of a culinary revolution. Legend has it that the accidental creation of this delicacy occurred in the kitchen of the White Horse Inn (now the Rutland Arms), where a miscommunication between the cook and the housemaid led to the birth of something extraordinary. The inexperienced cook had been asked to make a strawberry tart but, instead of stirring the egg mix into the pastry, poured it over the strawberry jam instead, and the result was a non-sweet pastry – the first of the now famous puddings.
The outcome garnered such acclaim that it led to the recipe being designated as the Bakewell Pudding. Mrs Wilson, the spouse of a Tallow Chandler who resided in the cottage that is presently recognised as The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop and was formerly occupied by the Tallow Chandler, recognised the potential for selling the puddings and acquired the aforementioned recipe in order to launch her own enterprise.
This version of the origins is pooh-poohed by many historians who have traced the pudding’s existence back to medieval times. Either way it is not to be confused with the tart version, which comprises a shortcrust pastry shell, spread with jam and covered with a sponge-like filling enriched with ground almonds. AND… please don’t make the mistake of describing the mouth-watering almond paste and puff pastry delicacy a ‘tart’ when you are in Bakewell. Here it is a pudding, made to a recipe which remains a closely-guarded secret known, allegedly, only to certain bakers in the town.
The Rutland Arms Hotel, Bakewell
This stunning 19th-century coaching inn is situated in the centre of Bakewell’s historic market town. With 32 stunningly refurbished bedrooms, they cater for all your needs to make for an ideal luxury stay with easy access to the Peak District.
The Eatery Restaurant offers exciting menus, and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. The hotel has its own Coffee House serving a variety of coffees and specialist teas for all tastes.
Intriguingly, Bakewell Pudding’s distinctive feature is its egg-rich puff pastry base, encasing a luscious layer of raspberry jam and almond filling. This unique amalgamation of flavors catapulted the humble pudding into the limelight, securing its place in the annals of culinary history.
Unraveling the Bakewell Pudding: A Symphony of Flavours
The Puff Pastry Ballet: At the heart of the Bakewell Pudding lies its ethereal puff pastry. A meticulous dance of flour, butter, and water, rolled and folded to create layer upon layer of flaky perfection. This intricate process ensures a delicate foundation that cradles the succulent filling within.
The Raspberry Resonance: Central to the Bakewell Pudding’s charm is the raspberry jam that weaves a sweet melody throughout. Carefully selected raspberries, simmered to perfection, lend a vibrant burst of flavour that complements the richness of the almond filling.
The Almond Sonata: The almond filling, a symphony of ground almonds, sugar, and butter, adds a layer of decadence to the ensemble. Baked to golden perfection, it creates a velvety, nutty undertone that harmonises with the flaky pastry and tart raspberry notes.
Harmony in Simplicity: What sets the Bakewell Pudding apart is its simplicity. With a handful of high-quality ingredients, this culinary masterpiece elevates the essence of each component, allowing them to shine individually while creating a harmonious flavour profile.
The Bakewell Tart Emerges: A Sibling Rivalry Unfolds
As time marched on, the Bakewell Pudding found itself amid a delightful dispute that birthed its close relative, the Bakewell Tart. Enterprising bakers in the 20th century sought to adapt the original recipe, substituting the puff pastry with a more manageable shortcrust base. This modification not only simplified the baking process but also introduced a distinct texture, setting the Bakewell Tart on its own trajectory of popularity.
Unlike its predecessor, the Bakewell Tart often features a layer of frangipane – a sweet almond filling – atop the jam, creating a delightful marriage of textures and flavours. This divergence marked the beginning of a friendly rivalry between the two, each vying for the affection of discerning palates.
To confuse matters even further, there is also a Cherry Bakewell, a small cake covered with a top layer of icing and a single central half-cherry! To some extent, the terms cake and tart are used interchangeably, though most insist the names are recipe specific. Modern commercial examples of the Bakewell Tart are to be found in most cake shops and on every supermarket shelf.
A Modern Twist to Tradition
The Shortcrust Prelude: Unlike its puff pastry predecessor, the Bakewell Tart opens with a shortcrust prelude. A buttery, crumbly base that provides a sturdy foundation for the layers that follow. This adaptation makes the tart more accessible to both bakers and enthusiasts, simplifying the artistry without compromising on taste.
Frangipane Flourish: The Bakewell Tart introduces a layer of frangipane, a decadent almond-based filling that takes center stage. This addition elevates the tart’s texture, infusing it with a luxurious, nutty character that complements the sweet-tartness of the jam beneath.
Textures in Tandem: What sets the Bakewell Tart apart is its dynamic play of textures. The crispness of the shortcrust, the velvety richness of frangipane, and the gooey sweetness of the jam coalesce into a symphony that delights the senses with every bite.
10 Frequently Asked Questions about Bakewell Pudding and Bakewell Tart
Q1: Can I use any type of jam in Bakewell Pudding?
While tradition favours raspberry jam, experimentation is encouraged. However, the classic raspberry jam offers the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness.
Q2: Can I freeze Bakewell Pudding and Bakewell Tart?
Yes, both can be frozen, ensuring you wrap them tightly to preserve their freshness. Reheat in the oven for a revived flakiness.
Q3: What’s the secret to a perfect puff pastry in Bakewell Pudding?
The key lies in patience. Allow ample time for chilling between folds to achieve those coveted layers.
Q4: Are there regional variations of Bakewell Pudding?
While the core components remain consistent, regional bakers may add their own twists. Some opt for different nuts in the filling or experiment with alternative jams.
Q5: Can I make Bakewell Tart with a puff pastry base?
Absolutely! The choice between puff pastry and shortcrust is a matter of personal preference. Experiment to discover your favourite variation.
Q6: Is Bakewell Pudding always served warm?
Traditionally, yes. The warmth enhances the flavours and textures, but personal preference prevails.
Q7: Can I substitute almonds in the frangipane with other nuts?
While almonds are classic, feel free to experiment with other nuts like pistachios or hazelnuts for a unique twist.
Q8: What’s the shelf life of Bakewell Pudding and Bakewell Tart?
Ideally, consume within a few days for peak freshness. Refrigeration can extend their lifespan.
Q9: Are there savoury versions of Bakewell Pudding or Bakewell Tart?
The traditional recipes are sweet, but creative cooks have explored savoury adaptations with ingredients like cheese and vegetables.
Q10: Can I make mini versions of Bakewell Pudding and Bakewell Tart?
Absolutely! Miniatures are a charming way to serve these delights, perfect for gatherings or individual indulgence.
Where To Stay in Bakewell
Hotels, Guest Houses and Self-catering in Bakewell
Why not make your visit to Bakewell extra special by spending one or two nights in the gateway to the Peak District.