Manchester Tart is a delightful British dessert that combines a rich custard filling with a layer of raspberry jam, all encased in a buttery pastry shell. Topped with coconut flakes and glace cherries, this tart is a perfect blend of sweet, creamy, and fruity flavors that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of England. It's a classic dessert that's both elegant and comforting, making it a favorite for any occasion.

Ingredients

• For the pastry:
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and diced
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1 egg yolk
• 2 tablespoons ice-cold water
• For the filling:
• 1/2 cup raspberry jam
• 1 1/2 cups full-fat milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup desiccated coconut
• For the topping:
• Glace cherries, halved, for garnish
• Additional desiccated coconut, for sprinkling

Directions

1. Start by making the pastry crust:
   a. In a food processor, combine the flour, cold diced butter, and powdered sugar. Pulse until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
   b. Add the egg yolk and ice-cold water, and pulse until the dough comes together.
   c. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it briefly to form a smooth ball. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
   d. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. Roll out the pastry:
   a. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled pastry into a circle large enough to fit a 9-inch tart pan.
   b. Carefully transfer the rolled-out pastry into the tart pan, pressing it into the edges and trimming any excess dough. Prick the bottom with a fork to prevent it from puffing up while baking.
   c. Blind bake the pastry shell for 15 minutes or until it's lightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool slightly.
3. Prepare the filling:
   a. Spread the raspberry jam evenly over the cooled pastry shell.
   b. In a saucepan, heat the milk and cream over medium heat until it just starts to simmer. Remove from heat.
   c. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract.
   d. Slowly pour the warm milk mixture into the egg mixture, whisking constantly.
   e. Pour the custard mixture over the raspberry jam in the pastry shell.
   f. Sprinkle the desiccated coconut evenly over the custard.
4. Bake the tart:
   a. Return the tart to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the custard is set and slightly golden on top.
   b. Once done, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely in the tart pan.
5. Garnish and serve:
   a. Once the Manchester Tart has cooled, remove it from the tart pan and transfer it to a serving plate.
   b. Decorate the top with halved glace cherries and a sprinkle of additional desiccated coconut.
   c. Slice and serve your delightful Manchester Tart, and enjoy the sweet taste of England!