The neenish tart is a sweet little mystery wrapped in pastry: no one is entirely sure who invented it, though the most popular story places its origin in rural New South Wales around the turn of the 20th century, named after a person called Neenish. What is certain is that it has been a fixture of Australian and New Zealand bakery displays for over a century, instantly recognisable by its distinctive two-tone icing — one half chocolate, one half white or pink.
What makes it great is the perfect balance packed into one small tart: crisp, buttery shortcrust, a slick of sharp raspberry jam, a light lemon buttercream, and that sweet, crackling icing crown. The flavours are bright and lemony against the rich chocolate, the textures range from crunchy to creamy, and its charming, old-fashioned looks make it impossible to resist.
