Cherry Bakewell Cupcakes with Almond Buttercream

Bakewell Cupcakes with Cherry Jam Filling

A traditional Bakewell tart in cupcake form? Yes, please! These little gems combine the classic flavours of sweet almond and cherry jam, all tucked inside a soft, golden sponge. Simple to bake and seriously impressive, they’re ideal for homemade gifts or bake sales.

The almond sponge is light and fragrant, with just the right hint of nuttiness from ground almonds and almond essence. And just when you think it can’t get better — boom — there’s a cherry jam surprise in the centre, topped with a swirl of almond buttercream, a cherry, and flaked almonds for good measure.

Ingredients

(Makes 12 cupcakes)

For the cupcakes:

• 200g caster sugar (1 cup)

• 200g unsalted butter, softened (7 oz / ¾ cup + 2 tbsp)

• 4 large eggs

• 200g self-raising flour (1⅔ cups)

• 50g ground almonds (½ cup)

• 2 tsp almond essence

For the filling:

• Cherry jam (about 4 tbsp, homemade or shop-bought)

For the almond frosting:

• 130g unsalted butter, softened (½ cup + 1 tbsp)

• 500g icing sugar, sifted (4 cups)

• 1 tsp almond essence

• 1–2 tbsp milk

To decorate:

• Glacé cherries

• Flaked almonds

To Make:

Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 180°C / 350°F and line a 12-hole cupcake tray with paper cases.

Mix the Batter: Cream the butter and sugar together until pale and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well. Stir in the almond essence.

Add Dry Ingredients: Sift the flour and ground almonds together, then gently fold into the wet mixture until just combined.

Bake: Divide the mixture between the cases (¾ full) and bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and springy. Cool completely.

Fill with Jam: Use a small knife or spoon to core each cupcake and fill with a little cherry jam.

Make the Frosting: Beat the butter, icing sugar, almond essence, and milk until light and fluffy. Pipe or spoon onto cupcakes.

Decorate: Add a glacé cherry and a sprinkle of flaked almonds to each for the perfect Bakewell finish.

Enjoy :)

Why You’ll Love These Bakewell Cupcakes

They’re deceptively simple:

These cupcakes look fancy but are easy enough for a casual weekend bake. No complicated techniques — just a classic sponge with a flavour twist.

Almond lovers, rejoice:

The sponge and buttercream are full of almond flavour, which pairs beautifully with the sweet cherry jam in the centre. It’s like a Bakewell tart in disguise!

Perfect for gifting or parties:

These cupcakes hold up well and look lovely — ideal for birthdays, bake sales, or a sweet thank-you gift.