If you love the delicate combination of fruity and nutty flavors in a dessert, you are going to adore this Apricot Almond Tart Recipe. Imagine a buttery, flaky crust filled with a luscious apricot custard, topped with crunchy toasted almonds that add the perfect finishing touch. It’s a beautiful, rustic tart that brings a sunny brightness to any table, whether you’re serving it for a casual afternoon treat or impressing guests at a dinner party. Each bite is a bite of pure joy, showcasing how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Apricot Almond Tart Recipe are wonderfully straightforward. Each plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color that makes this tart stand out. With familiar pantry staples and fresh apricots, you’ll be amazed at how easily this dessert comes together.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the crust, providing structure and a tender crumb.
- Unsalted butter (cold, cubed): Essential for creating that flaky, melt-in-your-mouth texture in the crust.
- Granulated sugar (divided): Used both in the crust and filling to add subtle sweetness without overpowering the fruit.
- Large eggs: Give the filling a rich, custardy consistency and help bind the tart together.
- Fresh apricots (sliced): The star ingredient, adding vibrant color, natural sweetness, and juicy freshness.
- Sliced almonds (toasted): Toasting amps up their nutty flavor and adds delightful crunch to the top.
- Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the filling’s flavor profile.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
How to Make Apricot Almond Tart Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, a quarter cup of sugar, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and cut it into the dry ingredients using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. This step is crucial for ensuring your crust will be flaky and tender.
Step 2: Chill the Dough
Gather the crumbly mixture into a dough ball, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps relax the gluten and solidifies the butter, which in turn guarantees a beautifully crisp tart base after baking.
Step 3: Prepare the Apricots
While the dough chills, carefully slice your fresh apricots into wedges. Using fresh, ripe apricots will make a huge difference in your tart’s flavor—sweet and juicy slices will shine through the creamy filling, so choose good-quality fruit.
Step 4: Roll Out the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough until it’s about 1/8 inch thick and large enough to line your tart pan. Gently press the dough into the bottom and sides, making sure to smooth out any wrinkles or bubbles. This creates the perfect casing to hold the custardy filling.
Step 5: Make the Filling and Assemble
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, the remaining half cup of sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is silky smooth. Fold in the apricot slices, then carefully pour this vibrant filling into the prepared crust. The layers of creamy custard and tender apricot will meld perfectly in the oven.
Step 6: Bake and Garnish
Bake the tart for 35 to 40 minutes, until the filling is set and the top has a lovely golden tint. Once out of the oven, let the tart cool completely before sprinkling the toasted sliced almonds on top. These add a toasty crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft filling and crisp crust.
How to Serve Apricot Almond Tart Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Apricot Almond Tart Recipe even further, try dusting it lightly with powdered sugar or adding a dollop of freshly whipped cream on the side. A few fresh apricot slices or edible flowers can add a charming final detail that makes your tart look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This tart pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a simple bowl of fresh berries. For a beverage pairing, a cup of lightly brewed black tea or a glass of crisp white wine can complement the natural sweetness and almond notes perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to wow guests, try slicing the tart into elegant narrow wedges and serving on delicate dessert plates with a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of toasted almonds. You can even turn this recipe into individual mini tarts for personalized servings that look festive and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Apricot Almond Tart can be stored covered at room temperature for up to two days. To ensure it retains its crispness, avoid refrigerating unless your kitchen is very warm, as refrigeration can soften the crust.
Freezing
You can freeze this tart either whole or in slices. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and allow it to come to room temperature before serving to enjoy the best texture.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, warm slices gently in a preheated 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes. This step revives the crispness of the crust and warms the filling just enough to taste freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use canned apricots instead of fresh ones?
While fresh apricots offer the best flavor and texture for this tart, you can use canned apricots in a pinch. Just be sure to drain them well to avoid excess moisture that could make the crust soggy.
Is it possible to make this tart gluten-free?
Yes, by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensuring your other ingredients are gluten-free, you can enjoy a delicious gluten-free version of this Apricot Almond Tart Recipe.
How do I know when the tart is fully baked?
The filling should be set and slightly golden on top after 35-40 minutes baking time. Gently jiggle the pan; the center should have minimal movement like a custard that’s just firmed up.
Can I prepare this tart in advance for a party?
Absolutely! You can bake the tart up to a day ahead and store it covered at room temperature. Add the toasted almonds right before serving to keep them crunchy.
What’s the best way to toast almonds for this recipe?
Toast sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until they turn golden brown and fragrant—usually 3 to 5 minutes. Be careful not to burn them, as that would add bitterness instead of the desired nutty crunch.
Final Thoughts
This Apricot Almond Tart Recipe is one of those recipes you’ll come back to time and again because it delivers comfort and elegance with every bite. It’s simple enough for beginners yet impressive enough for special occasions. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience how those luscious apricots and crunchy almonds combine with a tender crust to make a truly unforgettable dessert.
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
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Apricot Almond Tart combines a flaky, buttery crust with a sweet and tangy apricot filling, topped with crunchy toasted almonds. Perfect for a delightful dessert or afternoon treat, this tart features fresh apricots baked into a silky custard-like base with a hint of vanilla and a crisp almond finish.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter (cold, cubed)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ tsp salt
For the Filling:
- 4 large eggs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups fresh apricots (sliced into wedges)
Topping:
- ½ cup sliced almonds (toasted)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dough: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, ¼ cup granulated sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold, cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, creating the base of your tart crust.
- Chill the Dough: Form the crumbly mixture into a ball, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step helps the dough firm up for easier handling and a better texture after baking.
- Prep Apricots: While the dough is chilling, wash and slice the fresh apricots into wedges, getting them ready for the filling.
- Roll and Fit Crust: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to fit your tart pan. Gently press the dough into the bottom and up the sides of the pan, shaping the crust evenly.
- Make Filling and Assemble: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, remaining ¼ cup sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Fold in the sliced apricots carefully to keep them intact. Pour this mixture evenly into the prepared crust.
- Bake the Tart: Place the tart in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is lightly golden. The custard should be firm to touch but still moist.
- Cool and Garnish: Allow the tart to cool completely before removing from the pan. Once cooled, sprinkle the toasted sliced almonds evenly over the top as a delicious crunchy garnish. Serve and enjoy.
Notes
- For a crispier crust, you can blind bake the dough for 10 minutes before adding the filling.
- Fresh apricots give the best flavor, but you can substitute with well-drained canned apricots if fresh aren’t available.
- Ensure butter is very cold for a flaky crust texture.
- Use a tart pan with a removable bottom for easier serving.
- Toast almonds lightly in a dry pan over medium heat until fragrant to enhance their flavor.
