There’s something utterly delightful about tarts, isn’t there? They remind me of rosy-cheeked summers spent in my grandmother’s kitchen, the aroma of almonds and butter wafting through the air as she would pull out her prized recipes. One of my absolute favorites was her Apricot Frangipane Tart. A sweet symphony of buttery crust, luscious frangipane, and bright, tender apricots that brought sunshine into every bite.
This tart has a certain magic that makes it perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a fancy brunch or just need a little something sweet after a long day. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into making this gorgeous Apricot Frangipane Tart together, shall we?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Decadent yet easy to make—perfect for both novice and veteran bakers.
- Elegant presentation that will impress your friends and family.
- Bright apricot flavor with a sweet almond twist.
- Can be made ahead of time and tastes even better the next day!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for this delightful tart:
- For the pastry:
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2-3 tablespoons cold water
- For the frangipane filling:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- Pinch of salt
- For the topping:
- 6-8 fresh apricots, halved and pitted
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Note: Using fresh apricots is a must! Their natural sweetness and tang make this tart sing. If apricots aren’t in season, peaches or pears are lovely substitutes as well.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to bask in the delightful aromas that will soon fill your kitchen? Let’s go!
- Prepare the pastry. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and granulated sugar. Add in the chilled butter. Using your fingertips, rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. It’s a tactile, comforting task!
- Add the egg yolk. Mix in the egg yolk and just enough cold water until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overwork it; we want a tender crust!
- Chill the dough. Wrap the dough in cling film and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax and that buttery flavor to set in.
- Make the frangipane filling. Cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well between each addition. Stir in the almond flour, almond extract, and a pinch of salt until combined.
- Preheat the oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Let’s get that heater working!
- Roll out the pastry. On a lightly floured surface, roll out your chilled pastry to fit a 9-inch tart pan. Don’t worry if it tears a bit; just patch it up with your fingers. It’s a rustic tart, after all!
- Blind bake the crust. Line the pastry with parchment paper and fill with pastry weights or dried beans. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove weights and parchment and bake for another 5-10 minutes until lightly golden. Keep an eye on it—you don’t want a burned crust!
- Fill the tart shell. Once the crust is cool, spread the frangipane filling evenly over the base. Then, arrange the halved apricots prettily over the top, cut side up. Go ahead, be artistic!
- Bake. Pop the tart in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the frangipane is puffy and golden brown.
- Cool and serve. Let the tart cool slightly before dusting it with powdered sugar. It’s like adding a sprinkle of fairy dust!
Pro Tips & Variations
Want to customize your Apricot Frangipane Tart? Here are some fun twists!
- Spice it up. Try adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the frangipane for an extra layer of warmth.
- Nutty variations. Substitute half of the almond flour with hazelnut flour or pistachio flour for a unique flavor experience.
- Glam it up. Consider a drizzle of dark chocolate or a sprinkle of chopped nuts on top before serving for a lovely crunch.
- Fruit swaps. As mentioned earlier, you can easily switch out apricots for peaches, nectarines, or plums. Get adventurous with seasonal fruits!
Serving Suggestions
This tart is perfect on its own, but if you want to elevate your serving experience, consider pairing it with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. The contrast of warm tart against cold cream is nothing short of dreamy! A cup of herbal tea or a glass of dessert wine makes for a cozy afternoon treat or an elegant dessert at a dinner party.
Storage Tips
Once you’ve shared or enjoyed your tart, you might find yourself with some leftovers (though I doubt it!). Here’s how to store your treasure:
- Refrigeration: Cover the tart with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld delightfully, making the tart even more scrumptious!
- Freezing: To freeze, wrap the cooled tart tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just remember to let it thaw in the fridge before enjoying.
- Reheating: To rewarm, place slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This will soften the frangipane and bring back that fresh-out-of-the-oven bakey goodness!
FAQs
Can I make the pastry dough in advance?
Absolutely! You can make the pastry dough a day or two ahead of time and keep it wrapped in the fridge. Just be sure to let it sit at room temperature for about ten minutes before rolling it out.
What if I can’t find almond flour?
No worries! You can make your own almond flour by blitzing blanched almonds in a food processor until it reaches a fine crumb. Just be cautious not to over-process, or you’ll end up with almond butter!
Can I use canned apricots instead of fresh?
While fresh apricots are ideal for flavor and texture, if you’re in a pinch, canned apricots will work too! Just be sure to drain them well and pat them dry before using to avoid excess moisture.
Is this tart gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check that other ingredients, like the baking powder, are also gluten-free.
Conclusion
And there you have it—your very own Apricot Frangipane Tart! I can almost feel the warmth and the love you’ll bring to your kitchen as you bake this lovely dessert. I’d love to hear how yours turns out! Did you try any of the variations? What did your friends and family think? Don’t hesitate to drop a comment and share your experience. Happy baking!
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Irresistible Apricot Frangipane Tart Recipe A MustTry Delight
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Discover the perfect Apricot Frangipane Tart recipe combining rich flavors and textures for an unforgettable dessert experience Treat yourself today
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
A delightful Apricot Frangipane Tart featuring a buttery crust, luscious frangipane, and tender apricots.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 servings
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 12g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
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