How to Make a Delicious Manchester Tart: A Step-by-Step Guide

Manchester Tart, a classic British dessert, evokes a sense of nostalgia with its vibrant yellow custard and sweet raspberry jam encased in a crisp pastry shell. This delectable treat is easier to make than you might think, and with our comprehensive guide, you’ll be impressing your family and friends with this bakery-style delight in no time!

What is a Manchester Tart?

This beloved tart, hailing from—you guessed it—Manchester, England, features a wonderfully crumbly shortcrust pastry base filled with a generous layer of raspberry jam, followed by a smooth vanilla custard and a sprinkling of toasted coconut flakes. While its exact origins are shrouded in the mists of time (some say it emerged from Victorian-era tea rooms), its enduring popularity speaks volumes about its delightful flavor and comforting appeal.

Ready to embark on a baking adventure? Let’s gather our ingredients and preheat those ovens!

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Pastry:

• 225g plain flour
• 50g icing sugar
• 125g cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 1 large egg yolk
• 2-3 tbsp cold water

For the Filling:

• 4 tbsp raspberry jam
• 1 tbsp custard powder
• 50g caster sugar
• 200ml milk
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

For the Topping:

• 3 tbsp desiccated coconut

Equipment:

• 9-inch loose-bottomed tart tin
• Baking beans (or uncooked rice)
• Mixing bowls
• Saucepan
• Whisk
• Baking tray

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pastry:

1. Combine the flour and icing sugar in a large bowl. Add the cold butter cubes and rub them into the flour using your fingertips until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
2. Add the egg yolk and 1 tablespoon of cold water. Mix well, adding another tablespoon of water if needed, until the dough comes together.
3. Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it in clingfilm, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

2. Blind Bake the Pastry:

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan/350°F/Gas Mark 4).
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pastry to a circle slightly larger than your tart tin. Carefully transfer the pastry to the tin, pressing it into the base and sides. Trim any excess pastry.
3. Prick the base of the pastry with a fork. Line the pastry case with baking paper and fill with baking beans.
4. Bake for 15 minutes. Remove the beans and baking paper and bake for another 5-7 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and cooked through.

Golden Brown Pastry

3. Make the Custard Filling:

1. While the pastry bakes, prepare the custard. In a saucepan, whisk together the custard powder, sugar, and a little of the milk until smooth. Gradually whisk in the remaining milk.
2. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the custard thickens and boils. Remove from the heat and cool slightly.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg and vanilla extract. Gradually pour the warm custard mixture into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent curdling.

4. Assemble the Tart:

1. Spread the raspberry jam evenly over the base of the baked pastry case.
2. Pour the custard mixture over the jam layer. Sprinkle the desiccated coconut evenly over the custard.
3. Place the tart on a baking tray and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the custard is set and the coconut is lightly golden.

Layering the Tart

5. Cool and Serve:

1. Let the tart cool completely in the tin before slicing and serving.

Sliced Manchester Tart

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Manchester Tart:

• Chilling the pastry dough is crucial to prevent it from shrinking during baking.
• Blind baking the pastry case ensures a crispy base that won’t become soggy from the fillings.
• Use good quality raspberry jam for the best flavor.
• Don’t overbake the tart, or the custard may crack.
• Serve the tart slightly warm or at room temperature.

FAQs about Manchester Tart:

Can I use a different type of jam?

Absolutely! While raspberry jam is traditional, feel free to experiment with other flavors like strawberry, blackberry, or apricot.

Can I make Manchester Tart ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the tart a day ahead. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature.

Can I freeze Manchester Tart?

It’s not recommended to freeze Manchester Tart, as the custard may separate upon thawing.

Conclusion:

There you have it—your passport to baking a scrumptious Manchester Tart! With its satisfying combination of textures and flavors, this classic treat will surely become a favorite in your household. So gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and enjoy the sweet reward of baking this British classic. Don’t forget to share your baking triumphs with us in the comments below!