Cherry Bakewell tarts are a beloved teatime treat across many British households. This classic English dessert is said to have originated by accident at a pub in Bakewell, Derbyshire, during the 19th century. What began as a ‘Bakewell pudding’ evolved into the tart we know today around 1900.
Curious to see if supermarket own brands could rival Mr Kipling’s iconic Cherry Bakewells, I bought boxes from Asda, Tesco, M&S, Aldi, Lidl, Sainsbury’s, and Morrisons. With my son’s help, we conducted a thorough taste test, assessing flavour, appearance, shelf life, sugar content, and price.
Mr Kipling Cherry Bakewells cost £2 for six (33p each) with a four-week shelf life. Containing 11% plum and raspberry jam, each cake has 202 calories, 3.4g saturated fat, and 17.4g sugars. While the combination of icing and jam was balanced and the almond sponge had a pleasant texture, we felt the cakes looked rather synthetic and less homemade. The cherry was small and off-centre. We rated them 4 out of 5 stars.
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Tesco’s tarts were £1.35 for six (23p each), lasting five weeks with 12% jam. Each tart had 215 calories and 22g sugars. The cherry topping was shrivelled, and the jam seemed less flavoursome despite the higher jam content. Although the almond sponge was enjoyable, these scored only 3 out of 5 stars.
Morrisons offered a £1.35 box (23p each), with a four-week shelf life and 8% jam. At 181 calories and 15.7g sugars, these tasted traditional and homemade, with soft, crumbly pastry reminiscent of classic recipes. The cherry was small but flavourful. We awarded 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Sainsbury’s Bakewells cost just £1.19 for six (20p each), four-week shelf life, 8% jam, and 183 calories. Featuring a large but overly sweet glace cherry and a sharp, tangy jam, the almond sponge was good, though the pastry was somewhat soft and cloying. We rated them 3 out of 5.
Lidl’s tarts were priced £1.19 for six (20p each) but had a shorter two-week shelf life. With 11% jam and 192 calories, the tart combined a flavourful almond sponge and good icing, but the dry pastry let it down. We gave it 3.5 out of 5 stars.
Aldi’s ‘Cherished’ Bakewells were also £1.19 for six (20p each) with a four-week shelf life and 11% jam. Containing 189 calories and balanced sugars, these featured superbly crumbly pastry that wasn’t overly sweet, just the right amount of icing and jam, and the largest cherry on top. We rated them a full 5 out of 5 stars.
M&S’s premium ‘Bite of the Cherry’ Bakewells cost £3 for four (75p each) with an 11-day shelf life — much shorter than the rest. Made with 17% jam and 192 calories, they stood out for darker pastry and cherries but lacked the almond flavour entirely. The overly sweet thick icing and jam overwhelmed the cake, and even my cherry Bakewell-loving son couldn’t finish his. They scored 2 out of 5.
Our favourites, outperforming Mr Kipling both in taste and value, were Morrisons for its authentic homemade flavour and Aldi for overall excellence in pastry, sponge, jam, icing, and appearance — plus the longest shelf life and lowest price at just £1.19 a box compared to Mr Kipling’s £2.
For everyday teatime or lunchbox treats, Aldi’s Cherished Cherry Bakewells are a delicious, affordable choice we’ll definitely be buying again.