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A Two-Layer Bakewell Cake with Almond Sponges, Cherry Jam, Almond Buttercream Frosting and more!
If you have never experienced something ‘bakewell’ flavoured, then you are missing out. Bakewell anything is just so tasty, and I am completely in love with it. My Bakewell Blondies are one of my favourite recipes on my blog, and you all seem to adore them too.
I have some older bakewell recipes on my blog, such as my Bakewell Cupcakes, and my Bakewell Cheesecake, but it’s been a while since I posted something like this. The most similar thing, if you wanted something stuffed with fruit is my Berry Bakewell Cake!
Bakewell is typically almond, with cherry – or raspberry/strawberry etc depending on what you fancy. For this cake, I decided to make a two layer cake (Sorry three layer lovers) as it was for my friends birthday, and they didn’t want a massive cake.
I used a standard Victoria sponge style recipe, but with the addition of ground almonds. I tried substituting some of the flour for ground almonds, completely substituting and so on – but just the addition worked far better in my opinion. So much almond goodness.
The cake mix looks different obviously because of the ground almonds, but it’s still lovely and thick and perfect. It bakes slightly more solid than a Victoria sponge, but you will forgive that because of the delicious texture that is created after the almonds.
Because of the almond flavour being there, but in my opinion, not quite strong enough – I used almond extract in the buttercream frosting. This is completely optional, but I just loved it. Marrying that with the cherry jam or converse in the middle, it creates the best flavour ever.
You can use any other flavour you want if you prefer like I’ve said – my usual alternative is raspberry, but that’s up to you. You could entirely leave out the jam if you just wanted an almond cake too! I love recipes that are adaptable, to whatever my readers prefer.
If for example you did want to make this into a three layer cake, I would use 350g butter/sugar/flour/almonds and 7 medium eggs. Bake this into three 8″/20cm tins for about 30-35 minutes! Then you can use 1.5x the jam and buttercream!
I love to decorate my cakes ever so slightly as I just love the look of it, and it only seemed right to have some glacé cherries. You can, obviously, use real cherries – but I was trying to stick to the bakewell theme a bit with the glacé cherries.
Some toasted flaked almonds give a little texture and act like sprinkles, and a drizzle more of your jam or converse to finish off the cake. It’s easy, it’s simple, but it’s a delicious way to get a Bakewell Cake for all the bakewell fans in your life.
So! I hope you love this recipe as much as I do (this is becoming my most commonly used phrase, sorry…!) but honestly – I hope you do!! Any questions, let me know in the comments! x

Bakewell Cake!
Ingredients
Cake
- 250 g Unsalted Butter
- 250 g Caster Sugar
- 250 g Self Raising Flour
- 250 g Ground Almonds
- 5 medium Eggs
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1 tsp Almond Extract
Filling
- 200 g Jam (I used cherry)
Buttercream
- 150 g Unsalted Butter
- 300 g Icing Sugar
- 1 tsp Almond Extract
Decoration
- 25 g Toasted Flaked Almonds
- Glacé Cherries
- 50-100 g Jam (I used cherry)
Instructions
Cake
- Preheat your oven to 180C/160C Fan/Gas Mark 4 - grease and line two 8”/20cm cake tins with parchment paper.
- Beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add in the flour, ground almonds, vanilla extract, almond extract and eggs and beat again until combined.
- Split the mixture evenly between the two tins, and bake.
- Bake the cakes for about 30-35+ minutes.
- Let the cakes cool in the tin for about 10 minutes, and then let them cool fully on a wire rack.
Buttercream
- Beat the butter on it’s own for about 5 minutes to make it nice and smooth.
- Add in the icing sugar a half at a time, beating in fully both times.
- Add in the almond extract and beat again until smooth.
Decoration
- Spread half of the buttercream to the top of the first sponge, and add on the jam.
- Add on the second sponge, and spread the rest of the buttercream on top.
- Sprinkle over some flaked almonds, add on an extra drizzle of jam if you fancy, and some glacé cherries.
Notes
- You can leave the ground almonds out of the sponge mix you prefer. The baking time will decrease by a few minutes.
- You can use any flavour jam you like, such as cherry, raspberry or strawberry.
- This cake will last for 3+ days, at room temperature.
ENJOY!
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J x
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62 Comments
Laura Burnett
February 21, 2021 at 9:49 amMade this for my sisters birthday cake. She loved it. She said it was like a Bakewell intensified! Even my husband enjoyed it and he doesn’t really like the traditional Bakewells. Brilliant recipe!
Stephanie Challinor
February 6, 2021 at 7:47 pmThis recipie is amazing. It was very easy to make and tasted amazing. Had very good comments from everyone who ate it. Would recommend this recipe and I will be making it again.
Jennifer
January 30, 2021 at 9:34 pmJust tried this cake today. It’s the first time I have ever baked a cake I’m embarrased to say as was never taught when was a child but now I have one of my own I want to start learning her how to bake at a young age. I felt a bit intimidated by it at first as the photos look so good and wasn’t sure if I could do it but the recipe was so easy to follow. Only had one 8 inch cake tin so had to make it twice and so will invest in another cake tin as it Is now extremely tall( not that I am complaining as it’s more cake!!!). We had so much fun learning how to bake together and will most definitely be picking a recipe every weekend From here to learn together . Thankyou so much for making this blog and for all the recipes. My 6 year old daughter has already picked out a load she want to try and has spent the whole day watching your videos
Emma
January 25, 2021 at 9:30 pmHi Jane, how can I make this into muffins or cupcakes please? My nan loves cakes with ground almonds but the cake would be too big x
Jane's Patisserie
January 27, 2021 at 8:10 pmYou could use half and it should work for 12 cupcakes!! x
Kelly
January 13, 2021 at 6:29 pmHi Jane! This is the first recipe I’ve made of yours – I’m a new baker and was quite nervous but your instructions made it so easy to follow! I made it for my nans birthday and she absolutely loved it!
Amanda Turner
January 9, 2021 at 9:05 pmOoh lovely! I adapted it a little, but adding slight less almonds. 110gs in actual fact that I ground myself. Considering Everyone turned their noses up when I said what I was making, they all wanted a bit and said yum when they finished. 5* all round
Diane Francis
December 7, 2020 at 8:25 pmI have baked many of these recipes, including the bakewell cake. They are so easy to follow & I have had some amazing results. Love the site & have recommended it to lots of people. I’ve made occasion cakes as well as trying something different most weeks!!
Claire Davies
December 7, 2020 at 8:17 pmFab cake. It’s absolutely delicious 🤤
Kiran
November 27, 2020 at 2:54 pmHi, how can I make this vegan? My family don’t eat eggs but I’m not sure of how to create this cake using your vegan recipe. Thanks
Jane's Patisserie
November 28, 2020 at 11:19 amI am not 100% sure – you could try following my vegan Victoria sponge recipe and adding the ground almonds into that, but I haven’t tested it!
Bex
November 20, 2020 at 11:59 amHi would it be possible to put cherries in the cake mixture ?
Thanks
Jane's Patisserie
November 20, 2020 at 1:40 pmI don’t see why not! They may sink slightly, but should still be tasty!
Maryam
November 5, 2020 at 9:45 amHi Jane!
I’m planning on baking this cake this weekend and making the ground almonds myself. Should I skin them before grinding them ?
Thank you
Jane's Patisserie
November 5, 2020 at 3:33 pmI would say yes, but I have never done that myself before!
Joanna Howell
November 3, 2020 at 10:29 amWhich piping nozzle have you used as it doesn’t look like your normal 2D star – is it just a plain one?
Jane's Patisserie
November 3, 2020 at 2:28 pmIt’s just a round tip – I often use it! x
Jane Hall
October 13, 2020 at 12:30 pmHi, would love to make this in a 6x3inch deep tin, what would the measurements be for this please x
Jane's Patisserie
October 15, 2020 at 10:13 amI would use the recipe as it is, as this only makes two layers (and a 6″ recipe I usually say yes 2/3)
Gillian Jagger
October 6, 2020 at 4:25 pmHi Jane, this cake is amazing. I would like to make mini Bakewell cakes for an afternoon tea. Could I follow the measurements for your mini Victoria sponges? and add the same measurement for the ground almond ? Thank you
Jane's Patisserie
October 7, 2020 at 2:23 pmHey! Yes I would do exactly that! X
Sarah
October 5, 2020 at 9:22 amHi Jane, I’m really looking forward to making this for my husbands birthday at the weekend! Just wondering where you get your cherry jam from? I can only find black cherry in Tesco, would that be good or should I look elsewhere for red cherry? Thanks, Sarah x
Jane's Patisserie
October 5, 2020 at 12:12 pmBlack cherry jam would work well! Some brands sell cherry conserve which would also work! X
Caz
September 23, 2020 at 3:41 pmAs soon as I saw this on your Instagram I knew I just had to make this for my Mum’s birthday this weekend – looks amazing! I am going to do the 3 layer version, but I was just wondering if you think doing this with buttercream all over and a chocolate drip would work? Or would the flavour be a bit much? Thanks so much!!
Jane's Patisserie
September 24, 2020 at 9:12 amYeah I think that would work well!! Xx
Lorraine
September 20, 2020 at 4:23 pmDid you use a deep tin as I had to trim my cake quite a bit
Jane's Patisserie
September 20, 2020 at 4:39 pmAll of my tins are 2.5″ or deeper – any shallower for me is considered a sandwich tin which wouldn’t work x
Monica
September 19, 2020 at 8:28 pmI made this yesterday and the smell while baking was unbelievable, made me drool 🤤 my partner and parents have nearly finished it. Its absolutely gorgeous. Thank you for another hit bake x
Katie
September 14, 2020 at 9:33 amIs there any way of adapting this into a loaf cake tin?
Jane's Patisserie
September 14, 2020 at 10:02 amI would reduce the recipe by 50g for the main ingredients, so 50g less butter/sugar/flour/almonds and one less egg, and it should nicely fit a 2lb loaf tin!
Caroline Burnish
October 24, 2020 at 5:07 pmThis sounds delicious and I’m going to make it for my parents Birthdsy next week. What piping nozzle have you used for the buttercream?
Thank you x
Jane's Patisserie
October 24, 2020 at 8:10 pmA 2d closed star!!
Pauline
September 7, 2020 at 11:01 amHi, I’d love to make a smaller version of this cake using 6” cake tins. What quantities of ingredients would I need for this? Thanks in advance 😊
Jane's Patisserie
September 7, 2020 at 2:23 pmUsually it’s about 2/3 of a recipe for a 6″ tin x
Marianne
September 5, 2020 at 1:43 pmHi Jane
Can you freeze this cake? Looking forward to trying it after seeing one of my friends bake it! But it would be way too much for me and my bf!
Cheers
Marianne
Jane's Patisserie
September 5, 2020 at 7:56 pmYes you can! X
Simon
September 5, 2020 at 9:55 amJust spent the morning making this for a birthday cake and the smell was so good as it was baking that I doubt it will last long enough to hand over!
Jane's Patisserie
September 5, 2020 at 10:27 amAhh yay! Amazing!!
Holly
September 1, 2020 at 6:40 pmHi Jane, I made this cake for my dad’s birthday last week and he loved it! I was just wondering, which cake tins do you use? I’ve been thinking of getting some new ones and I thought you’d be the best person to ask. Thanks 😊
Jane's Patisserie
September 1, 2020 at 9:23 pmI’m writing a blog post about that – its taken time where so many cake tins sold out throughout lockdown!! And I’m so glad he loved it! x
Carole Jones
August 31, 2020 at 4:56 pmHi Jane, I recently started baking your cakes and recipes and have to say how fabulous they are the whole family love me following your new recipes. I haven’t tried the Bakewell cake yet but will do so over the next few days.
Can I be very cheeky and ask have you ever made or tried a Courgette and Lime cake and do you have a recipe for one? Thank you so much in anticipation of you helping me.
Jane's Patisserie
August 31, 2020 at 7:45 pmHey! Ahh thank you so much! I haven’t yet, but it’s on my list to do!! X
Rachel
September 20, 2020 at 5:17 pmThere is a nigella recipe that is very good (although Jane is usually m go to for everything!)
Ryan
August 31, 2020 at 2:34 pmProbably a silly question but how does the cake not squash the piped gems around the edge?
I’ve only ever done single layers and not much of a decorator
Jane's Patisserie
August 31, 2020 at 3:13 pmIf buttercream is made correctly, it won’t squash!
Laura
August 30, 2020 at 6:10 pmJust made this, absolutely delicious and amazing recipe as always, thank you! x
Jane's Patisserie
August 31, 2020 at 9:43 amAhh yay! So glad you liked the recipe!
Kay
August 30, 2020 at 3:23 pmI plan on making this for my book group soon. x
Jane's Patisserie
August 30, 2020 at 3:55 pmYay!
Alison
August 30, 2020 at 10:51 amOh wow this looks delicious! Will definitely be making this 😁 another fab recipe Jane 😊
Jane's Patisserie
August 30, 2020 at 10:53 amAhh thank you so much – I hope you love it!!
Sarah
August 29, 2020 at 10:07 pmLove cherry bake, this was very yummy definitely will make again n again
Sophie
August 29, 2020 at 2:31 pmHi Jane, forgive me for asking a silly question but how do you drizzle jam???
Jane's Patisserie
August 29, 2020 at 2:51 pmI literally just use a spoon! If it’s thick, just mix it in a bowl a little bit and then just drizzle with a spoon!
Wendy
August 29, 2020 at 10:24 amOK, I love bakewell anything, but I don’t have cherry jam, I do have frozen cherries and maraschino, is there any way I could use those instead?
Jane's Patisserie
August 29, 2020 at 10:56 amYou could make a cherry coulis type thing – but you can use any flavour jam or conserve x
Wendy
August 29, 2020 at 4:22 pmOkay I cheated, used a can of cherry pie filling, I drained a lot of the goo off, but oh blimey, the result is absolutely sublime, I’ve never had a fail from you yet Janet girl, so thank you xx
Holly
August 29, 2020 at 9:49 amWow this recipe looks so yummy! Can’t wait to make, can you use stork in the sponge instead of unsalted butter?
Jane's Patisserie
August 29, 2020 at 9:55 amYes for the sponge, just not the buttercream! X
Claire Ingram
August 29, 2020 at 8:53 am5 star for presentation but not made it yet! Which piping tip is this please? I’m working on my piping skills currently.
Jane's Patisserie
August 29, 2020 at 9:56 amThank you! Just a round piping tip – if you have disposable bags you can also just cut the end off and not use a tip! x
Colleen
August 29, 2020 at 8:08 amJane, this bakewell cake looks amazing. Cherry bakewell tarts are my favourite sweet treat so I will definitely be making this cake. Thank you for creating this recipe.