Today, I’m going to share with you a delicious recipe for Hairy Bikers Manchester Tart, a classic British dessert that combines a crispy pastry base, a layer of raspberry jam, a creamy custard filling, and a sprinkle of coconut and cherries on top. Sounds tempting, right? Let me show you how to make this easy and satisfying treat in a few simple steps.
What is Hairy Bikers Manchester Tart Recipe?
Hairy Bikers Manchester Tart is a traditional British dessert that brings together a delightful blend of flavors and textures. This recipe consists of a crispy shortcrust pastry base, topped with a layer of sweet raspberry jam and fresh raspberries. The heart of the tart is a rich and creamy custard filling, finished with a sprinkle of toasted desiccated coconut and maraschino cherries for decoration. It’s a well-balanced mix of sweetness and tartness, making it a delightful treat for any occasion.
Why You Love this Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Commonly available ingredients make this recipe accessible to everyone.
- Versatile Dessert: Perfect for various gatherings, from family dinners to tea parties.
- Balance of Flavors: The combination of tart raspberries and sweet custard creates a delightful taste experience.
- Textural Delight: The crispy pastry against the smooth custard offers a pleasing contrast.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable with different fruits or toppings.
Ingredients Needed to Make Hairy Bikers Manchester Tart
For this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
- Butter, for greasing the tart tin
- 75g of desiccated coconut
- 500g of ready-made shortcrust pastry
- Plain flour, for dusting
- 200g of raspberry jam
- 300g of fresh raspberries
- 500ml of full-fat milk
- 1/2 tsp of vanilla essence
- 5 egg yolks
- 100g of caster sugar
- 4 tbsp of cornflour or custard powder
- Icing sugar, for dusting
- 300ml of double cream
- Maraschino cherries, for decoration
Useful Equipment
You will also need the following equipment:
- A 22cm round loose-bottomed tart tin
- A baking sheet
- A medium frying pan
- A rolling pin
- A fork
- A sheet of baking parchment
- Baking beans
- A saucepan
- A whisk
- A bowl
- A palette knife
- A wire rack
Instructions to Make Hairy Bikers Manchester Tart
Now that you have everything ready, let’s get started with the method:
Preparing the Oven and Tart Tin
- Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 200°C (180°C if using a fan oven) or gas mark 6.
- Grease the Tart Tin: Lightly grease a 22cm round loose-bottomed tart tin with butter and set it aside for later use.
Toasting the Coconut
- Toast Coconut: In a medium frying pan over medium-high heat, add half of the desiccated coconut. Toast for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until it turns golden and fragrant. Then transfer it to a plate and let it cool.
Preparing the Pastry
- Roll Out Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out your ready-made shortcrust pastry to a thickness of about 5mm.
- Line Tart Tin: Carefully line the greased tart tin with the rolled-out pastry, trimming off any excess around the edges.
- Blind Bake: Prick the base of the pastry with a fork. Cover it with a sheet of baking parchment and fill with baking beans. Place the tart tin on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
Baking the Pastry Base
- Finish Baking Pastry: After 20 minutes, remove the baking beans and parchment. Return the tart tin to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the pastry is pale golden and crisp. Once done, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly on a wire rack.
Adding the Jam and Raspberries
- Spread Jam: Spread the raspberry jam evenly over the cooled pastry base, leaving a small border around the edge.
- Add Fresh Raspberries: Scatter half of the fresh raspberries over the jam layer, gently pressing them into the jam.
Making the Custard
- Heat Milk: Pour the full-fat milk into a saucepan, adding the vanilla essence. Heat over medium-high heat until it’s just below boiling.
- Mix Egg Yolks and Sugar: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and caster sugar until the mixture is thick and creamy.
- Add Cornflour: Whisk in the cornflour or custard powder into the egg mixture until smooth and well combined.
- Combine and Cook Custard: Gradually pour the hot milk over the egg mixture, constantly whisking. Then, return this combined mixture to the saucepan. Cook over low-medium heat, stirring continuously, until the custard thickens and begins to bubble. Remove from heat and transfer to a clean bowl. Dust with icing sugar to prevent skin formation and let it cool slightly.
Adding the Custard Layer
- Whip Cream: In another bowl, whip the double cream until soft peaks form.
- Combine Cream and Custard: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cooled custard until the mixture is smooth.
- Layer Custard over Tart: Spoon this custard mixture over the jam and raspberry layer in the tart tin. Spread evenly with a palette knife.
Final Touches and Chilling
- Add Final Layers: Sprinkle the remaining fresh raspberries and toasted coconut over the custard. Decorate with maraschino cherries and, if desired, dust with more icing sugar.
- Chill the Tart: Place the tart in the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, until the tart is fully set.
Serving
- Serve: Once set, remove the tart from the fridge, cut it into slices, and serve. You can accompany it with extra cream if desired. Enjoy your delicious Hairy Bikers Manchester Tart!
What Do I Serve With Hairy Bikers Manchester Tart?
This tart pairs well with:
- Light Whipped Cream: Adds a creamy texture without overpowering the tart’s flavors.
- Fresh Berries: Enhance the fruitiness of the tart.
- Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream complements the warm tart excellently.
- Hot Beverages: Tea or coffee makes a great accompaniment, balancing the dessert’s sweetness.
Pro Tips to Make Perfect Hairy Bikers Manchester Tart
- Pastry Perfection: Ensure the pastry is rolled evenly for consistent baking.
- Prevent Soggy Base: Blind bake the pastry base to keep it crisp.
- Smooth Custard: Whisk the custard thoroughly for a lump-free texture.
- Chill Adequately: Allow the tart to set in the fridge to enhance the flavors and texture.
- Fresh Toppings: Use fresh raspberries and coconut for the best taste and presentation.
Variations of Hairy Bikers Manchester Tart
- Chocolate Twist: Add a layer of melted chocolate under the jam for a rich flavor.
- Seasonal Fruits: Substitute raspberries with seasonal fruits like strawberries or blueberries.
- Nutty Flair: Include chopped nuts in the topping for added crunch.
- Lemon Infused: Add lemon zest to the custard for a citrusy tang.
How do I store Hairy Bikers Manchester Tart Leftovers?
In the Fridge
- Cool Completely: Ensure the tart is at room temperature before refrigerating.
- Airtight Container: Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- Consume Within: Best consumed within 3-4 days.
Freezing Tips
- Freeze Individual Slices: Wrap slices individually for easy thawing.
- Thaw Overnight: Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
How do I reheat Hairy Bikers Manchester Tart Leftovers?
- Oven Method: Preheat to 150°C. Warm the tart for about 10 minutes.
- Avoid Microwave: Microwaving can make the pastry soggy.
- Room Temperature: Alternatively, serve the tart at room temperature for a softer texture
The nutrition value (1/12 of the tart):
- Calories:Â 508 kcal
- Fat:Â 31.3 g
- Saturated fat:Â 18.6 g
- Carbohydrates:Â 51.5 g
- Sugar:Â 28.8 g
- Protein:Â 7.9 g
- Salt:Â 0.4 g
FAQs
Can I make the Hairy Bikers Manchester Tart in advance?
Yes, you can prepare this tart in advance. It’s actually recommended to make it ahead of time as chilling it for at least 4 hours, or overnight, allows the flavors to meld together beautifully and the custard to set properly.
Is it possible to use store-bought custard instead of making it from scratch?
Absolutely. While homemade custard is recommended for its rich flavor, you can use store-bought custard for convenience. Just ensure it’s of good quality to maintain the dessert’s taste.
Can I substitute the raspberries with other fruits?
Yes, raspberries can be substituted with a variety of fruits like strawberries, blueberries, or even mixed berries. The key is to use fruits that complement the sweet and creamy flavors of the tart.
How do I prevent the pastry base from becoming soggy?
To prevent a soggy base, blind-bake the pastry first by lining it with baking parchment and filling it with baking beans. This process helps to set the pastry before adding the wet ingredients.
Can the Hairy Bikers Manchester Tart be frozen for longer storage?
Yes, you can freeze the tart. Wrap individual slices in cling film or store them in an airtight container. When ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator. However, be aware that the texture of the custard and pastry might change slightly after freezing and thawing.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed this recipe for Hairy Bikers Manchester Tart, a classic British dessert that is easy to make and delicious to eat. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a picnic, or a tea party. It’s also a great way to use up any leftover pastry, jam, or cream you have in your fridge. If you try this recipe, let me know how it turned out in the comments below. And don’t forget to share it with your friends and family.
Happy baking!