Traditional Manchester Tart: A Classic British Dessert 🍒🥧

Manchester Tart is a beloved British classic, featuring a buttery shortcrust pastry, a sweet layer of raspberry jam, creamy custard, and a sprinkle of coconut and maraschino cherries. This retro dessert has been a staple in school dinners and family gatherings for generations, bringing back nostalgic memories with every bite!

🛒 Ingredients

For the Pastry:

✔ 200g plain flour (for a crisp, buttery crust!)
✔ 100g butter, cubed and chilled 🧈
✔ 2–3 tablespoons cold water (helps bind the dough!)
✔ A pinch of salt 🧂

For the Filling:

✔ 3 tablespoons raspberry jam (the signature tart base!) 🍓
✔ 2 tablespoons desiccated coconut (adds texture & sweetness!) 🥥

For the Custard:

✔ 500ml whole milk (for a rich, creamy custard!) 🥛
✔ 2 tablespoons custard powder (or cornstarch as an alternative!)
✔ 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for sweetness!)
✔ 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (enhances the flavor!) 🌿
✔ 2 egg yolks (makes the custard extra silky!) 🥚

For Garnish:

✔ 1 tablespoon desiccated coconut (extra for the topping!) 🥥
✔ Glacé cherries or maraschino cherries, halved 🍒