If you are looking for a dessert that beautifully balances sweet, nutty, and fruity flavors, you are going to fall in love with this Apricot Almond Tart Recipe. It’s a stunning combination of tender apricots nestled in a velvety almond custard, all hugged by a buttery, flaky crust. This tart is not only delightful to the palate but also a joy to bake, making it an irresistible choice for any occasion where you want to impress with simplicity and elegance.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Apricot Almond Tart Recipe calls for simple ingredients that come together to create a stunning taste and texture. Each component plays a crucial role: the flour and butter form a flaky crust, apricots bring fresh, lively sweetness, and almonds add a lovely crunch and depth.
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The base for a tender and flaky crust that holds all the delicious filling.
- ½ cup unsalted butter (cold, cubed): Key to creating that perfect buttery crumb in the dough—make sure it stays cold!
- ½ cup granulated sugar (divided): Sweetens both the crust and the filling without overpowering the apricots.
- 4 large eggs: These bind the filling together with a rich, custard-like texture.
- 2 cups fresh apricots (sliced): Fresh and juicy, these are the star fruit that give the tart its vibrant color and tartness.
- ½ cup sliced almonds (toasted): Adds crunch and a lovely toasted flavor, perfect for topping the tart.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Brings a warm, fragrant aroma that complements the apricots beautifully.
- ¼ tsp salt: Enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
How to Make Apricot Almond Tart Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine flour, ¼ cup of the sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold cubed butter until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs—this is the secret to a wonderfully flaky crust. Form the dough into a ball, wrap it tightly, and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to help it firm up for rolling.
Step 2: Slice the Apricots
While the dough chills, take your fresh apricots and slice them into lovely wedges. Fresh apricots ensure the tart has that luscious and juicy flavor that dried or canned fruits just can’t replicate.
Step 3: Roll and Press the Crust
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a circle that fits your tart pan perfectly. Gently press it into the pan, making sure to cover the bottom and sides evenly. This will be the sturdy, buttery canvas for your gorgeous filling.
Step 4: Make the Filling
In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and slightly frothy. Gently fold in the sliced apricots, allowing them to mingle evenly with the custard base before pouring everything into your prepared crust.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Pop your tart into the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. You’ll want to keep an eye on it as the filling sets and the top turns a delicate golden color. Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool completely—it’s tempting to dig in right away, but this cooling step lets the flavors settle perfectly.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Before you slice and serve, sprinkle your tart with the toasted sliced almonds for a delightful crunch and that irresistible nutty aroma.
How to Serve Apricot Almond Tart Recipe
Garnishes
Add a little whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to elevate your tart even further. A light dusting of powdered sugar can add a touch of elegance and a visual pop that makes this dessert look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This apricot almond tart pairs beautifully with fresh berries or a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette if you’re serving it as part of a larger meal. The tartness and crunch offer a lovely balance to lighter sides.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving individual slices on pretty dessert plates adorned with edible flowers or a drizzle of honey or almond syrup. Another fun idea is to layer smaller portions in glass jars for picnics or parties—your guests will be delighted with this charming presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your leftover tart tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days while maintaining its lovely texture and flavor.
Freezing
This tart freezes surprisingly well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge and then bring it to room temperature before serving.
Reheating
To bring leftovers back to life, warm slices gently in a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) for about 10 minutes. This will restore the flaky crust and warm the filling without drying it out.
FAQs
Can I use dried apricots instead of fresh?
Fresh apricots are best for this recipe because they provide juice and freshness, but if you only have dried apricots, soak them in warm water for 20 minutes to plump them up before slicing and using them in the tart.
Is it necessary to toast the almonds?
Toasting the almonds enhances their nutty flavor and adds a crunch that complements the soft apricots perfectly. While optional, toasting is highly recommended for the best taste.
Can I make the crust gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend suited for pastries. Keep in mind the texture may vary slightly, but it will still be delicious.
How long should I chill the dough?
At least 30 minutes is ideal. Chilling helps the butter firm up again, which is essential for a flaky crust that doesn’t shrink during baking.
Can I add other nuts or fruits?
Absolutely! Walnuts or pecans can be great alternatives to almonds, and stone fruits like peaches or plums work well if apricots aren’t in season. Just keep the balance between sweetness and tartness in mind for the best results.
Final Thoughts
Making the Apricot Almond Tart Recipe is like sharing a little piece of sunshine on a plate—it’s simple, inviting, and deliciously charming. Whether you’re baking it for a family gathering or just treating yourself to something special, I hope this recipe brings just as much joy to your kitchen as it does to your taste buds. Give it a try and watch your loved ones swoon over this perfect harmony of fruit and nuts!
Print
Apricot Almond Tart Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Apricot Almond Tart combines a buttery, flaky crust with a luscious apricot and almond filling, creating a delightful dessert that balances sweet and nutty flavors. Perfect for summer gatherings or a refined afternoon treat, this tart offers a delicious way to showcase fresh apricots topped with toasted almonds for added crunch.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter (cold, cubed)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ tsp salt
Filling
- 4 large eggs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups fresh apricots (sliced)
Topping
- ½ cup sliced almonds (toasted)
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, ¼ cup sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold, cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Chill the dough: Form the dough into a ball, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- Slice apricots: While the dough chills, wash and slice the fresh apricots into wedges, preparing them for the filling.
- Roll out the dough: On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to fit your tart pan. Gently press it into the bottom and up the sides of the pan, ensuring an even layer.
- Make the filling: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, remaining ¼ cup sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth and well combined. Fold in the sliced apricots gently.
- Assemble and bake: Pour the apricot and egg mixture evenly over the prepared crust. Place the tart in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, until the filling is set and the top is lightly golden.
- Cool and garnish: Remove the tart from the oven and allow it to cool completely. Before serving, sprinkle the toasted sliced almonds over the top to add texture and a nutty flavor.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is very cold to achieve a flaky crust.
- Chilling the dough is essential for easy rolling and to prevent shrinking during baking.
- Use fresh, ripe apricots for the best flavor and natural sweetness.
- Toast almonds lightly until golden to enhance their nuttiness without overpowering the tart.
- The tart can be served warm or at room temperature and pairs well with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
