Cherry Bakewell Flapjacks
Lesley's inspired Cherry Bakewell flapjacks This signature challenge creation achieves real Bakewell flavor through almond extract and ground almonds while reducing sweetness from Paul Hollywood's critique of thick glassy icing and really sweet cherries. Proper timing mastery prevents disasters through complete cooling before icing, balanced sweetness allows cherry and almond flavors to shine without sugar overload, honoring original concept while fixing technical issues that led to cutting problems.
- Time: 70 min
Source: Relaxed Recipes
Ingredients
- MAKE THE FLAPJACK BASE
- Preheat oven to 350°F . Line 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving o
- In large bowl, combine oats, flour, ground almonds, both sugars, and salt, mixin
- In small saucepan, melt butter with golden syrup over medium heat, stirring unti
- Remove from heat and stir in almond extract and vanilla extract
- Pour warm butter mixture over oat mixture and stir thoroughly until all ingredie
- PREPARE THE CHERRY JAM LAYER
- In small bowl, stir cherry jam with lemon juice until smooth and well combined
- Roughly chop dried cherries into quarter-sized pieces for even distribution
- ASSEMBLE AND BAKE
- Press half of the oat mixture firmly and evenly into prepared pan using back of
- Using offset spatula, spread cherry jam mixture evenly over oat base, leaving sm
- Sprinkle chopped dried cherries evenly over jam layer
- Distribute remaining oat mixture over cherries and jam, pressing gently to seal
- Bake 22-25 minutes until golden brown on top and edges are set
- Cool completely in pan on wire rack for at least 2 hours before icing
- MAKE THE BALANCED ICING
- In medium bowl, sift powdered sugar to remove lumps
- Gradually whisk in milk, starting with 3 tablespoons, until smooth and pourable
- Whisk in almond extract and vanilla extract until well combined
- If desired, add 2-3 drops pink food coloring for traditional Bakewell appearance
- FINAL ASSEMBLY
- Test that flapjacks are completely cool to touch before icing
- Using spoon or squeeze bottle, drizzle icing evenly over surface in thin, decora
- While icing is still wet, arrange fresh cherries or dried cherries decoratively
- Sprinkle sliced almonds over icing for authentic Bakewell appearance and added t
- Using small spoon, add tiny dots of additional cherry jam around cherries for co
- Allow icing to set completely, about 30 minutes at room temperature, before cutt
- CUTTING AND SERVING
- Remove from pan using parchment overhang and place on cutting board
- Using sharp knife, cut into 16 even squares, wiping knife clean between cuts for
- Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer st
- SERVING NOTES
- Best served at room temperature for optimal texture
- Can be made 1 day ahead without icing; add icing and garnish on day of serving f