French Almond Tart

This French Almond Tart is a delightful dessert that combines a buttery Pâte Sucrée crust with a rich almond cream frangipane filling. Topped with sliced almonds, this tart is perfect for celebrations or a sweet treat after dinner. Its nutty flavor and elegant presentation make it a standout dessert that will impress your guests on any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of almond flour and fresh butter creates a rich, nutty taste that delights the palate.
• Elegant Presentation: This tart looks stunning when served, making it an ideal dessert for special occasions and gatherings.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create this gourmet dessert in your own kitchen.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it plain or with a dollop of whipped cream or fresh fruit for added flair.
• Make Ahead Friendly: This tart can be made in advance, allowing you to enjoy more time with your guests.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking, gather your tools to ensure a smooth process. Having everything ready will help you focus on making the best French almond tart.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Rolling pin
• Tart pan
• Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients smoothly without spills.
• Rolling pin: Helps in evenly rolling the dough for the crust, ensuring uniform thickness.
• Tart pan: Provides the necessary shape and structure for your tart while allowing easy removal after baking.

Ingredients

This French almond tart features a classic Pâte Sucrée crust complemented by a luscious frangipane filling.

For the Crust

• 1 1/2 cups Flour (AP, plain, or pastry flour)
• 1/4 tsp Kosher salt
• 2/3 cup Powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup Almond flour
• 1/2 cup Butter (cold!)
• 1 Egg

For the Frangipane Filling

• 2/3 cup Butter (soft, unsalted)
• 2/3 cup Granulated sugar
• 1/2 tsp Kosher salt
• 3 Eggs
• 1 1/3 cups Almond flour
• 3 tbsp Flour

Topping

• 1/2 cup Sliced almonds

How to Make French Almond Tart

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, powdered sugar, and almond flour.
2. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Mix in the egg until the dough comes together.
4. Form into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Roll Out the Dough

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a circle about 12 inches in diameter.
3. Carefully transfer it to your tart pan and press it into the edges. Trim any excess.

Step 3: Make the Frangipane Filling

1. In another mixing bowl, beat together soft butter and granulated sugar until creamy.
2. Add in salt and eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
3. Gradually mix in almond flour and all-purpose flour until fully combined.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

1. Pour the frangipane filling into the prepared crust.
2. Evenly sprinkle sliced almonds on top.
3. Bake in preheated oven for about 50 minutes or until golden brown and set.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

1. Allow the tart to cool completely before removing from the pan.
2. Slice into pieces and serve as desired!

How to Serve French Almond Tart

This delightful French almond tart can be served in various ways to enhance its flavor and presentation. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet evening, these serving suggestions will make your dessert shine.

With Fresh Berries

• Fresh strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries add a burst of color and tartness that complements the sweetness of the almond filling.

Whipped Cream

• A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream creates a creamy contrast to the nutty frangipane, making each bite even more indulgent.

Vanilla Ice Cream

• Serve warm slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic combination that melts beautifully with the tart’s texture.

Citrus Glaze

• Drizzle a citrus glaze made from lemon or orange juice over the tart for an extra layer of flavor and brightness.

Chocolate Drizzle

• A simple chocolate drizzle can elevate the dessert, adding richness and an appealing visual touch.

Coffee or Tea Pairing

• Pairing the tart with a cup of coffee or herbal tea enhances the experience, balancing sweetness with warmth and depth.

How to Perfect French Almond Tart

Creating the perfect French almond tart requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your tart turns out magnificent every time.

• Chill Your Dough: Always chill your Pâte Sucrée dough before rolling it out. This helps prevent shrinkage during baking.

• Use Cold Butter: For the crust, ensure your butter is cold. This creates a flaky texture that contrasts well with the creamy frangipane filling.

• Don’t Overmix: When combining ingredients for the frangipane, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough texture.

• Pre-bake Crust: Pre-baking the crust helps avoid sogginess and ensures it stays crisp under the filling.

• Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on your tart while baking. It’s done when golden brown on top and slightly firm in the center.

• Let It Cool: Allow your tart to cool completely before slicing. This helps maintain its shape and makes serving easier.

Best Side Dishes for French Almond Tart

Enhance your dessert experience by pairing your French almond tart with complementary side dishes. Here are some great options:

1. Citrus Salad: A light salad made with mixed citrus fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the tart.

2. Chocolate Mousse: Rich chocolate mousse provides a decadent contrast that pairs beautifully with almond flavors.

3. Pistachio Crumble: A crunchy pistachio crumble adds texture and nutty flavor, enhancing each bite of the almond tart.

4. Fruit Compote: Serve warm fruit compote on the side for an added layer of fruity sweetness that brightens up the dish.

5. Caramel Sauce: Drizzling some homemade caramel sauce over individual slices adds richness and decadence.

6. Cheese Plate: A selection of mild cheeses can offer a savory counterpoint to sweet desserts like this almond tart.

7. Herbal Tea Infusion: A soothing herbal tea infusion can cleanse the palate between bites while adding warmth to your dessert experience.

8. Spiced Nuts: Roasted spiced nuts provide crunch and flavor, making them an ideal pairing alongside slices of almond tart.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a French almond tart can be a delightful experience, but avoiding common mistakes will ensure your tart is perfect.

• Bold crust mistake: Not chilling the Pâte Sucrée crust properly can lead to a soggy bottom. Always chill it for at least 30 minutes before baking.
• Bold almond flour quality: Using low-quality almond flour can affect the flavor and texture. Opt for freshly ground or high-quality almond flour for the best results.
• Bold egg temperature oversight: Adding cold eggs directly from the fridge into the frangipane mixture can cause it to curdle. Use room-temperature eggs for a smoother filling.
• Bold overmixing warning: Overmixing the frangipane can lead to a dense texture. Mix just until ingredients are combined for a light and airy filling.
• Bold baking time error: Underbaking or overbaking can ruin your tart. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean when ready.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Keep it away from strong-smelling foods to prevent flavor transfer.

Freezing French Almond Tart

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing.
• It can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating French Almond Tart

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power in short bursts of 15-20 seconds until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat, covering with a lid for about 5-7 minutes to warm gently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making and enjoying a French almond tart.

What is French Almond Tart?

French Almond Tart is a delicious dessert made with a sweet pastry crust filled with almond cream, creating a rich and nutty flavor profile.

Can I use other nuts instead of almonds?

Yes, you can experiment with other nuts like hazelnuts or pecans, but remember that this will change the flavor of your tart.

How do I know when my French Almond Tart is done?

Your tart is done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Is it possible to make this tart gluten-free?

You can substitute regular flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour, but be sure to adjust the measurements accordingly.

How long does it take to prepare this recipe?

The total time to prepare and bake the French Almond Tart is approximately 135 minutes, including prep and cooking time.

Final Thoughts

This French almond tart is not only visually appealing but also versatile—perfect for any occasion. You can customize it by adding different fruits or flavors according to your taste. Give this delightful recipe a try, and enjoy each bite!