Christmas in London! Such a brilliant notion. Those powder-dusted cobbled lane pics in my Instagram feed seduced me. Granted, we have just a week to plan, yet our passports are current, we know where we want to go, what we want to do – and we’re both quite experienced travelers. All we really need is a London hotel and a cheap, last minute flight. But, alas, there’s the rub – nothing less than $1800 per person, even with a layover. Sigh, Christmas in London – again, not this year.
I console myself, as I decorate the tree, with these British-inspired confections – bite-sized Cranberry Bakewell Tarts. At least my taste buds can travel there.
Cranberry Bakewell Mini Tarts
Ingredients
- Shortbread Crust
- 6 Tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 Tablespoons sugar
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla
- ¾ cup flour
- 1/8 teaspoon salt Frangipane (Almond Crème)
- 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 6 Tablespoons confectioner’s sugar
- 1 egg
- ¾ cup almond flour
- 1 Tablespoon cornstarch
- 3 Tablespoons smooth cranberry sauce or cranberry jelly Glaze
- 1/3 cup confectioner’s sugar
- 1 Tablespoon water
- 16 sliced almonds, toasted
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease 16 mini muffin cups. Make crust by beating together 6 Tablespoons butter and sugar. Add vanilla, flour and salt and combine until fully blended. Divide dough into 16 equal pieces, pressing dough along bottom and up sides of each muffin cup. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until just beginning to brown. If crust rises too much after baking, gently press back down into cups.
- While crusts are baking, make frangipane by whisking together 4 Tablespoons butter, confectioner’s sugar, egg, almond flour and cornstarch. Spoon frangipane into a piping bag with a ¼ to ½” tip.
- Dollop about ½ teaspoon of cranberry sauce in the bottom of each cup. Pipe frangipane over cranberry sauce, covering sauce completely. Bake tarts for an additional 20-25 minutes until tops are puffed and slightly golden brown. Cool completely
- To make glaze, mix 1/3 cup confectioner’s sugar with water. Drizzle over cooled tarts. Garnish each with a sliced almond.
Two-Bit Tart 
Love to taste your yummy recipe. 🙂
LikeLike
OMG we my hubby loves Bakewell tarts. His grandparents were from England. This look fantastic. I just might have to make him a batch and surprise him.
LikeLike
Had to pin this one. I never thought of making Bakewell tarts. This would be awesome for Christmas.
LikeLike
Pingback: Cranberry-Almond Sandwich Biscotti | Two-Bit Tart
I’ve never heard of Bakewell tarts, but they look delicious and easy to make. Will have to try these out
LikeLike
Yumminess. Cranberry in tarts sounds like a fantastic idea. Perfect for the holidays.
LikeLike
What cute little desserts! Simple and delicious!
LikeLike
These look delicious and reasonably easy to make. Have to give them a try!
LikeLike
What a shame you couldn’t go to London! I’ve never been there during the Christmas time but I’ve heard it is quite an event, I’d also love to go see it in person! These tarts look awesome! I think I’ll have mine with hot chocolate!
LikeLike
These are so cute! They’d be super popular over here.
LikeLike
I’ve heard of bakewell tarts but never have had them! I guess this is my chance 🙂
LikeLike
Sorry about your Holiday travel plans. These desserts are so cute, I cannot wait to try. I absolutely love anything almond flavored so I am sure these will be a favorite 🙂
LikeLike
Mmmm, these look so delicate and beautiful! I love frangipane too but have never paired it with cranberry sauce, I bet that is delicious together!
LikeLike
This is my favorite kind of pie! Almond paste for the win!
LikeLike
Oh my, my Mother would LOVE these. I think I am going to make them for her birthday!
LikeLike
Oh with frangipane!! Reminds me of the 3 Kings day when we make something like that. Your mini tart look awesome, I am in love! 😀
LikeLike
Such a cute dessert!
LikeLike
These are delicious and cute, Cranberry in baked goodies can’t go wrong. I can eat few at a stretch.
LikeLike