Dish

Manchester Tart

Manchester Tart is a sweet and creamy dessert that is popular in the United Kingdom. The dessert is made with a buttery shortcrust pastry base, which is then filled with a layer of raspberry jam and a layer of creamy custard. The tart is then topped with a generous amount of sweetened coconut flakes. The resulting dessert has a sweet and slightly tangy flavor, with a crunchy texture from the coconut flakes.

European cuisine› Northern European cuisine› Cuisines of the [[Islands of the North Atlantic]] (IONA)› British cuisine

Dessert› Tart

Origins and history

Manchester Tart is believed to have originated in the city of Manchester in the 19th century. The dessert quickly became a popular dish in the United Kingdom and is often served during special occasions such as holidays and celebrations.

Dietary considerations

Suitable for vegetarians. Contains dairy and gluten.

Variations

There are many variations of Manchester Tart, some of which include using different types of jam such as strawberry or blackberry, or adding fresh fruit to the filling. Some recipes also call for topping the tart with whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Presentation and garnishing

To prevent the custard from becoming runny, it is important to let the tart cool completely before slicing and serving. Additionally, it is recommended to refrigerate the tart for at least an hour before serving to allow the custard to set. Manchester Tart can be presented on a decorative plate or platter and garnished with fresh fruit or a dusting of coconut flakes.

Tips & Tricks

When making the shortcrust pastry, it is important to keep the ingredients cold and handle the dough as little as possible to prevent it from becoming tough. To make the custard, use a heavy-bottomed saucepan and stir constantly to prevent lumps from forming. If the custard does become lumpy, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve before using.