Name: Bakewell Loaf Cake!
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-485750H28M22S
Total time: PT-485750H28M22S
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 150g Butter, softened; 150g Castor Sugar; 3 Eggs; 1 tsp Almond Extract; 100g Ground Almonds; 150g Self-Raising Flour; 4 tbsp Cherry Jam; 25g Flaked Almonds

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If you’re craving a delightful British treat that’s perfect for your afternoon tea or a cozy gathering, look no further than the Bakewell Loaf Cake! This moist, nutty loaf combines the classic flavors of the traditional Bakewell tart, blending almond essence, cherry jam, and buttery sponge in an easy-to-slice loaf form. Whether you’re serving friends or just treating yourself, the Bakewell Loaf Cake! offers a wonderful balance of sweet, tart, and nutty notes that everyone will adore.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simply Irresistible Flavor: Combines almond and cherry flavors that create a uniquely delicious taste experience.
Moist and Tender Texture: The loaf is perfectly soft, ensuring each bite melts in your mouth without being crumbly or dry.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s tea time, a snack, or a dessert, this bake is an all-round crowd-pleaser.
Easy to Make at Home: Uses straightforward ingredients and simple steps that anyone can follow.
Versatile Presentation: Can be sliced and served with a variety of accompaniments to suit your mood or guest list.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating your own Bakewell Loaf Cake! is hassle-free because it calls for simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that work together to deliver incredible texture and flavor. Each component plays its role to give the cake the perfect crumb, sweetness, and almond aroma.

Butter: Provides richness and moisture, ensuring a tender crumb.
Castor Sugar: Sweetens the loaf gently without overpowering the almond flavor.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add structure for the loaf’s soft texture.
Ground Almonds: The star ingredient that adds nutty depth and crunch.
Self-Raising Flour: Helps the loaf rise while keeping it light and fluffy.
Almond Extract: Enhances the almond flavor for that classic Bakewell taste.
Cherry Jam: Adds a delightful tart sweetness contrasted by the nutty base.
Flaked Almonds: Sprinkled on top for a crunchy, decorative finish.

Variations for Bakewell Loaf Cake!

One of the best things about the Bakewell Loaf Cake! is how easily you can make it your own. Whether you want to accommodate dietary needs or just explore different flavors, small tweaks can add a special touch.

Gluten-Free Option: Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend to keep it accessible for everyone.
Vegan Variation: Replace butter with plant-based margarine and eggs with flaxseed meal to make a vegan-friendly version.
Berry Boost: Mix in fresh or frozen raspberries or blueberries to add extra fruity brightness.
Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the cooled loaf for an indulgent twist.
Citrus Kick: Add grated lemon or orange zest to complement the almond and cherry flavors beautifully.

Bakewell Loaf Cake Recipe for Afternoon Tea

How to Make Bakewell Loaf Cake!

Step 1: Prepare Your Loaf Tin

Start by greasing your loaf tin with butter or lining it with parchment paper to ensure the cake doesn’t stick and comes out cleanly after baking.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and castor sugar together until pale and fluffy, which helps create a light and airy texture in the final loaf.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Almond Extract

Beat in the eggs one at a time, allowing each to fully incorporate before adding the next; then stir in the almond extract for that authentic Bakewell flavor.

Step 4: Fold in Dry Ingredients

Gently fold ground almonds and self-raising flour together into the wet mixture. Be careful not to overmix to keep the batter tender and light.

Step 5: Layer and Fill with Jam

Pour half the batter into the prepared loaf tin, then spoon on a thin layer of cherry jam. Cover the jam with the remaining batter to keep the fruity surprise in the center.

Step 6: Add Topping

Sprinkle flaked almonds over the top of the batter to add crunch and a beautiful golden finish once baked.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake the loaf in a preheated oven at 170°C (340°F) for about 50-60 minutes. Use a skewer to test; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Allow the Bakewell Loaf Cake! to cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This helps it set properly and makes slicing easier.

Pro Tips for Making Bakewell Loaf Cake!

Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature to help the batter blend smoothly.
Gentle Folding: Folding ingredients softly maintains air in the batter, resulting in a lighter loaf.
Don’t Overfill: Fill your loaf tin no more than three-quarters full to prevent overflow while baking.
Test for Doneness: Insert a skewer into the center about 10 minutes before the end of baking to avoid overbaking.
Cool Completely: Let the loaf cool fully before slicing to keep slices neat and prevent crumbling.

How to Serve Bakewell Loaf Cake!

Garnishes

Add a dusting of icing sugar or a light drizzle of white icing to enhance the sweet almond aroma and give the loaf an elegant finish.

Side Dishes

Serve slices with clotted cream or whipped cream for a luscious creaminess, or enjoy it alongside fresh berries for extra color and freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the loaf thinly and arrange on a tiered cake stand for a classic tea party setup, or wrap slices individually for a charming homemade gift.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Bakewell Loaf Cake! wrapped tightly in cling film or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to retain freshness and moisture.

Freezing

You can freeze the loaf whole or in slices by wrapping in plastic wrap and foil; it will keep well for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

Warm slices gently in a low oven or microwave for a few seconds to bring back the tender softness and fresh-baked aroma.

FAQs

Can I use raspberry jam instead of cherry jam?

Absolutely! Raspberry jam pairs wonderfully with the almond flavor and makes a delicious alternative to cherry jam.

Is Bakewell Loaf Cake! gluten-free?

The traditional recipe is not, but you can easily substitute regular flour with a gluten-free mix to make it suitable for gluten intolerance.

How long does the Bakewell Loaf Cake stay fresh?

When stored properly in an airtight container, the cake remains fresh for about 3 days at room temperature.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, swap the butter with a plant-based alternative and use a suitable egg substitute to make a dairy-free version.

Does the Bakewell Loaf Cake freeze well?

It freezes beautifully, retaining flavor and texture when properly wrapped and thawed before eating.

Final Thoughts

Give the Bakewell Loaf Cake! a try next time you want to treat yourself or impress guests with a classic British delight. With its perfect balance of almond and cherry flavors, moist texture, and easy preparation, this loaf cake is bound to become one of your go-to recipes for afternoon tea and beyond.