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Lindsey Chastain is 1/2 of the husband and wife team that make The Waddle and Cluck run. She is also the founder of The Writing Detective and A Pen and a Page.

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Apricot Almond Tart Recipe: A Delightful Dessert That’s Easy to Make

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If you’re looking for a simple yet elegant dessert that impresses with minimal effort, this Apricot Almond Tart is just what you need. The combination of juicy apricots and a rich almond filling on a flaky puff pastry base is a classic pairing that never disappoints. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just want to treat yourself to something special, this tart is a perfect choice.

In this blog post, I’ll guide you through the steps to make this delicious tart. You’ll learn how to work with puff pastry, create a smooth almond filling, and arrange the apricots to make a beautiful and tasty dessert. Let’s get started!

Why Apricots and Almonds Work So Well Together

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about why apricots and almonds are such a great match. Both of these ingredients have a natural sweetness that complements each other perfectly. Apricots have a tangy flavor that balances the richness of almonds, creating a well-rounded taste experience.

Almonds are a common ingredient in many European desserts, particularly in French and Italian baking. The almond meal in this recipe not only adds flavor but also provides a slightly moist and dense texture to the filling, which contrasts nicely with the flakiness of the puff pastry.

Ingredients Breakdown

Puff Pastry: Puff pastry is the base of this tart. It’s a versatile ingredient that’s perfect for creating a light, flaky crust without much work. You can find puff pastry in the frozen section of most grocery stores. Just make sure to thaw it before you start.
Almond Meal: Almond meal, or ground almonds, forms the base of the filling. It’s different from almond flour in that it’s made with whole almonds, including the skin, giving it a coarser texture. This helps to create a more substantial filling that pairs well with the apricots.
Sugar: Sugar adds sweetness to the almond filling and helps to balance the tartness of the apricots.
Unsalted Butter: Softened butter is mixed into the almond meal to create a rich, creamy filling. The fat from the butter also helps to bind the ingredients together.
Egg: The egg is used to give structure to the almond filling. It helps to bind the ingredients and gives the filling a smooth, custard-like texture when baked.
Vanilla Extract: A little vanilla extract adds depth to the flavor of the almond filling. It’s a subtle addition that makes a big difference.
Apricots: Fresh apricots are the star of the tart. Choose ripe apricots that are firm but not too soft. The natural sweetness of the apricots will intensify as they bake, becoming tender and slightly caramelized.
Apricot Jam: The apricot jam is brushed over the tart after baking to give it a beautiful glaze. This step also enhances the apricot flavor and adds a bit of shine to the tart.
Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness and a nice finish to the tart before serving.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you know what each ingredient brings to the table, let’s go through the steps to make this tart.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the tart from sticking and make cleanup easier.

Step 2: Prepare the Puff Pastry

Once your puff pastry has thawed, roll it out on a lightly floured surface. The goal here is just to smooth out any creases or folds in the pastry. You don’t need to roll it out too thin; the puff pastry should remain thick enough to support the filling and apricots.

After rolling, transfer the puff pastry to your prepared baking sheet. Be gentle to avoid tearing the pastry.

Step 3: Make the Almond Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine the almond meal, sugar, softened butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer or a wooden spoon to mix everything together until the mixture is smooth. This filling should be thick but spreadable.

Step 4: Assemble the Tart

Spread the almond filling evenly over the puff pastry, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edges. This border will be folded over later to create a crust.

Next, arrange the apricot halves on top of the almond filling. Place them cut side down, pressing them gently into the filling. The apricots should be close together but not overlapping.

Step 5: Fold the Edges

Once the apricots are in place, fold the edges of the puff pastry over the apricots to create a border. This step not only helps to keep the filling and apricots in place but also adds a nice, rustic look to the tart.

Step 6: Bake

Place the tart in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. The puff pastry should be golden brown, and the apricots should be tender. The almond filling will puff up slightly as it bakes.

Step 7: Glaze the Tart

While the tart is still hot, brush the warmed apricot jam over the apricots and the pastry edges. This glaze adds a lovely shine and enhances the apricot flavor.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Allow the tart to cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar. This step is optional, but it adds a nice touch to the presentation.

Tips for Success

Use Ripe Apricots: The flavor of the tart depends largely on the quality of the apricots. Choose ripe apricots that are firm but give slightly when pressed. Avoid using overripe apricots, as they can become too mushy when baked.
Work Quickly with Puff Pastry: Puff pastry works best when it’s cold. If it warms up too much while you’re working with it, it can become sticky and difficult to handle. If you find that the pastry is getting too soft, pop it in the fridge for a few minutes to firm it up.
Don’t Skip the Apricot Jam: The jam glaze not only adds flavor but also helps to keep the apricots looking fresh. It’s an easy step that makes a big difference in the final presentation of the tart.
Serve Warm or at Room Temperature: This tart is best served slightly warm or at room temperature. If you make it ahead of time, you can reheat it in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
Pair with Ice Cream or Whipped Cream: For an extra indulgent dessert, serve the tart with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Variations

While this apricot almond tart is delicious as is, there are a few variations you can try if you want to mix things up:

Use Different Fruits: This tart works well with other stone fruits like peaches, nectarines, or plums. You can also try it with berries or figs for a different flavor profile.
Add Spices: For a warm, spiced flavor, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the almond filling. These spices pair well with both apricots and almonds.
Make It Nut-Free: If you have a nut allergy, you can substitute the almond meal with an equal amount of all-purpose flour or a nut-free flour blend. The flavor will be different, but the tart will still be delicious.
Try a Different Jam: If you don’t have apricot jam, you can use any fruit jam or preserve that you like. Peach, raspberry, or even a marmalade would work well in this recipe.

Storing and Reheating

If you have leftovers, you can store the tart in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you prefer to refrigerate it, the tart will keep for up to four days. To reheat, place the tart in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through.

Conclusion

This Apricot Almond Tart is a delightful dessert that’s as easy to make as it is to eat. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a tart that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying it with a cup of tea in the afternoon or serving it as a dessert at a dinner party, this tart is sure to impress.

So next time you’re looking for a sweet treat that’s quick and easy to prepare, give this tart a try. You’ll love the combination of flaky puff pastry, rich almond filling, and juicy apricots. Happy baking!