Banbury Tarts

Banbury Tarts is a traditional British recipe (from Oxfordshire) for classic tarts of figs, sugar, candied peel, raisins and walnuts baked on a sweet shortcrust pastry shell. The full recipe is presented here and I hope you enjoy this classic British version of: Banbury Tarts.

prep time

20 minutes

cook time

70 minutes

Total Time:

90 minutes

Additional Time:

(+6 weeks maturing)

Makes:

Rating:

Tags : Baking Recipes British Recipes

Named after Banbury in Oxfordshire, where this recipe is purported to have originated this is an excellent traditional tea-time tart. Though you can make a large tart I think that individual ones are better, especially if you're serving them at tea-time

Ingredients:

enough sweet short-crust pastry to line a dozen 12cm tart shells
200g chopped semi-dried figs
1 egg
145g brown sugar
60g chopped candied peel
70g raisins, chopped
30g walnuts, chopped

Method:

Roll the pastry on a floured surface and use to fill 12 tart shells (there's no need to blind bake).

Meanwhile, chop the figs as finely as possible and place in a heat-proof bowl. Pour just enough boiling water over them to cover then set aside for 45 minutes.

Drain the figs as well as possible then beat together the egg and butter until creamy. Stir-in the figs, chopped candied peel, chopped raisins and chopped nuts. Stir to thoroughly combine the mixture then spoon to fill the tart shells about 3/4 full.

Transfer to an oven pre-heated to 180°C (350°F/Gas Mark 4) and bake for about 25 minutes, or until the filling is set and the pastry is golden. Allow to cool completely on a wire rack before serving.

Decorate with a dollop of whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon then serve

These make an excellent alternative to more traditional Christmas Recipes for minced pies.