What's the difference between a Bakewell Pudding and a Bakewell Tart?

Bakewell Pudding (pictured) is the older cousin of Bakewell Tart which is all the more scrumptious when enjoyed warm with custard Photo The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop

You should never use the names of these treats interchangably

People who love a sweet treat may not care about a pastry’s specifics, as long as it tastes good.

However fans of history and all things Bakewell may beg to differ.

Bakewell is known for its association with two baked treats, the Bakewell Tart and the Bakewell Pudding.

However for the uninitiated, these two bakes are very different from each other and the names should never be used interchangeably.

So, to ensure you never make a baked good faux pas again, we’ve got the lowdown on all their differences.

Origins

The Bakewell Pudding can be traced back to the 1800s.

The Bakewell Tart was based on the pudding and is a 20th-century creation.

What is the difference between Bakewell Tart and Bakewell Pudding

According to The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop nestled on The Square in Bakewell, it is the most popular question they get asked.

At the heart of both sweet treats is a pastry shell, filled with jam. It is the topping that is the big differentiator.

What’s in a Bakewell Pudding?

This is a puff pastry case with a layer of strawberry jam, topped with a baked almond custard mixture.

What’s in a Bakewell Tart?

A sweet shortcrust pastry has a layer of strawberry jam, topped with frangipane sponge (made with egg and almond) and finished off with fondant icing and a glacé cherry.

Bakewell Pudding was a happy accident

To those who are not great cooks, the origins of the Bakewell Pudding will bring a smile to your face.

It was made after a cook at a Derbyshire inn misread the recipe for strawberry tart.

Read more: What's On in Derby?

The poor cook topped the tart with an almond custard but as it turned out to be very well received, the recipe stuck.

The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop say they use this recipe to make their traditional handmade Bakewell Puddings today.

Both the Bakewell Pudding and Bakewell Tart has its fans and the debate continues today about which one is better.

Bakewell Pudding served warm with lashings of custard is considered to be a hot favourite in all seasons.

Bakewell Tart on the other hand, is the Bakewell Pudding’s more delicate cousin which can also be enjoyed sliced at afternoon teas.

Which one do you prefer? We would love to know.