How to Make a Classic French Apricot Tart with Almond Cream

A classic French apricot tart with almond cream, also known as “Tarte aux Abricots et Crème d’Amande,” is a deliciously elegant dessert combining the bright, tart flavor of apricots with the rich, nutty almond cream. This tart has a buttery, flaky pastry base, topped with a smooth almond cream filling, and finished with fresh apricots arranged beautifully on top. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to make this delightful dessert.

Ingredients:

For the Tart Crust:

• 1 1/4 cups (160g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup (30g) powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
• 1 egg yolk
• 2 tablespoons ice water (more if needed)

For the Almond Cream (Frangipane):

• 1/2 cup (100g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup (50g) almond meal or ground almonds
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• Pinch of salt

For the Topping:

• 10-12 ripe apricots (or more depending on the size), halved and pitted
• 2 tablespoons apricot jam (for glazing)
• 1 tablespoon water (to dilute the jam for glazing)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Tart Crust

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Stir to combine.
2. Add the cold butter to the dry ingredients and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add the egg yolk and mix gently. Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough starts to come together. You may not need all the water.
4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it gently a few times to bring it together. Be careful not to overwork it.
5. Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to chill.

Step 2: Make the Almond Cream

1. In a medium bowl, beat together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and continue beating until smooth and well incorporated.
3. Stir in the almond meal, flour, and a pinch of salt. Mix until the almond cream is smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Roll Out the Tart Crust

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8 inch thick. Fit the dough into a 9-inch tart pan, pressing it into the edges and trimming any excess dough.
3. Use a fork to prick the bottom of the crust several times to prevent it from puffing up during baking.
4. Line the crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans to prevent it from shrinking while baking.
5. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, remove the pie weights and parchment paper, and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes until the crust is golden. Remove the tart shell from the oven and allow it to cool slightly.

Step 4: Assemble the Tart

1. Once the tart crust is slightly cooled, spread an even layer of almond cream over the bottom of the tart shell.
2. Arrange the apricot halves, cut side up, in a circular pattern on top of the almond cream. You can slightly overlap the apricots or space them apart based on your preference.

Step 5: Bake the Tart

1. Return the assembled tart to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the almond cream is set and lightly golden, and the apricots are tender.
2. Once done, remove the tart from the oven and let it cool to room temperature.

Step 6: Glaze the Tart

1. In a small saucepan, heat the apricot jam and water over low heat until it becomes liquid and smooth.
2. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove any pieces of fruit.
3. Using a pastry brush, gently glaze the top of the tart with the apricot jam, giving it a beautiful, glossy finish.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

1. Once the tart has cooled completely, remove it from the tart pan and transfer it to a serving platter.
2. Slice the tart into wedges and serve. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or a glass of dessert wine.

This classic French apricot tart with almond cream is the perfect balance of sweetness, nuttiness, and fruitiness. The tender almond cream filling complements the tart apricots beautifully, creating a dessert that’s as delightful to eat as it is to look at. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just treating yourself, this tart is sure to impress!