Easy Apple Frangipane Tart: Your New Favorite Fall Dessert Recipe
Indulge in the comforting flavors of autumn with this exquisite apple frangipane tart. Featuring a surprisingly simple press-in crust and a delicately sweet, nutty almond filling, this dessert is a true celebration of the season’s bounty. It’s perfect for gatherings or a quiet evening at home, offering a sophisticated twist on classic apple desserts.
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Embracing the Flavors of Fall with Apples
For many, the arrival of apple season signals a cherished tradition deeply rooted in autumnal bliss. It’s a time synonymous with crisp air, vibrant foliage, and, of course, the irresistible aroma of freshly baked apple desserts. Growing up, my family’s annual pilgrimage to Île d’Orléans, a picturesque rural island just outside our city, was a highlight of September. We would return home with overflowing bags of apples, which my mom would expertly transform into an array of treats: classic apple pies, hearty crumbles, silky apple butters, and more. This yearly ritual has ingrained the essence of apple season deep within my very being, much like the cherished maple season.
As I’ve grown, I’ve cultivated my own culinary traditions, and among my most beloved creations is the frangipane tart. This elegant dessert offers a delightful alternative to traditional pies, striking a perfect balance between comfort and sophistication. I especially adore using a press-in crust, a technique that significantly cuts down on prep time and effort compared to rolling out traditional pie pastry. The almond-based frangipane filling serves as a wonderfully versatile canvas, allowing for countless fruit pairings. Over the years, I’ve experimented with a variety of toppings, from tart cherries and juicy peaches to tender apricots, sweet pears, zesty oranges, and plump plums. Yet, without fail, I always find myself returning to the timeless combination of apples. There’s an undeniable harmony between the sweet-tart crunch of apples and the rich, nutty notes of almonds – truly a match made in dessert heaven, resulting in a spectacular and unforgettable treat.
The Perfect Pairing: Apples, Almonds, and a Touch of Indulgence
This apple frangipane tart is designed to be a not-too-sweet dessert, making it wonderfully versatile. It’s light enough to enjoy as an afternoon snack with a cup of tea, or even as an elegant addition to a brunch spread. Traditionally, I love serving this tart warm, accompanied by a scoop of luscious vanilla bean gelato (though good quality vanilla ice cream is a perfectly acceptable substitute). However, this year, I discovered a game-changing accompaniment: a generous drizzle of warm homemade butterscotch sauce. The rich, caramel notes of the butterscotch elevate the tart to an entirely new level of decadence, transforming it from a delightful treat into a truly luxurious experience. It’s a combination so irresistible that I’m not sure I’ll ever go back to serving it any other way. On a cool fall night, sometimes, a touch of full-on indulgence is exactly what the soul craves.
Beyond the Recipe: Tips for a Flawless Apple Frangipane Tart
Creating this apple frangipane tart is a rewarding experience, and with a few simple tips, you can ensure a perfect result every time. From selecting the right apples to mastering the simple crust and achieving a velvety frangipane filling, these insights will help you bake a show-stopping dessert that will impress your family and friends. The beauty of this recipe lies in its approachable steps, proving that impressive desserts don’t have to be complicated.
Pin Recipe
Apple Frangipane Tart
Ingredients
For the easy press-in crust
- 2 cups 500 ml almond flour
- 1 cup 250 ml all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup 60 ml cane sugar, or granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp 1 ml kosher salt
- 1/4 cup 60 ml unsalted butter, melted
- 1 egg lightly beaten
For the frangipane and apple filling
- 1/2 cup 125 ml butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup 125 ml cane sugar, or granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 tbsp 30 ml Calvados, or Cognac (optional, but highly recommended for depth of flavor)
- 1/2 tsp 2 ml almond extract
- 1 cup 250 ml almond flour
- 1/4 cup 60 ml all-purpose flour
- 4 apples peeled, cored, and sliced 1/8-inch thick (choose baking varieties that hold their shape well, such as Cortland, Golden Delicious, Honeycrisp, or Gala)
Instructions
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For the crust: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Lightly oil a 9-inch (23 cm) tart pan with a removable bottom. In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together the almond flour, all-purpose flour, sugar, and kosher salt. Pour in the melted butter and the lightly beaten egg, then stir until all the dry ingredients are fully incorporated and the mixture comes together. Transfer this moist crust mixture to your prepared tart pan. Using your hands or the bottom of a glass, firmly press the mixture down evenly over the bottom and up the sides of the pan to form a compact crust. Bake this crust for 25 minutes.
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For the frangipane and apple filling: While the crust bakes, prepare the filling. In the bowl of a stand mixer (or a large mixing bowl with a hand mixer), beat the room temperature butter and sugar together until the mixture is light, creamy, and fluffy, which usually takes about 2 minutes. Add the first egg and beat well until fully incorporated, then add the second egg and mix until smooth. Stir in the Calvados or Cognac (if using) and the almond extract, ensuring they are well blended. Finally, gently spoon in the almond flour and all-purpose flour, mixing just until combined – be careful not to overmix. Transfer the prepared frangipane mixture to the partially baked and cooled tart shell, spreading it into an even layer using an offset spatula. Artfully arrange the thinly sliced apples on top of the frangipane in beautiful, overlapping concentric circles until the entire surface of the tart is covered.
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Bake the tart for approximately 35 minutes, or until the center is puffed, firm to the touch, and the edges are beautifully golden brown. Once baked, allow the tart to cool completely on a wire rack before attempting to slice and serve. This cooling time is crucial for the frangipane to fully set.
Notes
STORAGE: This tart is undeniably best enjoyed on the day it’s baked, when the crust is crisp and the filling is perfectly tender. However, any leftovers can be covered tightly with plastic wrap and stored at room temperature for up to two days. Beyond that, the crust may begin to soften slightly, though the flavors will remain delicious.
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Choosing the Best Apples for Your Frangipane Tart
The success of an apple tart largely hinges on the quality and type of apples you choose. For this frangipane tart, it’s crucial to select baking apples that will retain their shape and offer a good balance of sweetness and tartness after cooking. Varieties like Cortland, Golden Delicious, Gala, Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Fuji are excellent choices. Avoid apples that become too mushy, such as Red Delicious. A blend of two different apple varieties can also add more complexity to the flavor profile. Make sure to slice your apples thinly and uniformly to ensure even cooking and beautiful presentation.
Mastering the Effortless Press-In Crust
One of the beauties of this apple frangipane tart is its simple press-in crust, which eliminates the need for rolling and chilling. The key to a perfect press-in crust is ensuring all ingredients are well combined and then pressing the mixture firmly and evenly into the tart pan. Pay special attention to the corners and sides to create a robust base that won’t crumble. Baking the crust separately before adding the filling, a step known as blind baking, ensures it’s perfectly crisp and golden, providing a delightful contrast to the soft frangipane and tender apples.
The Art of Crafting Perfect Frangipane
Frangipane, a sweet almond cream, is the heart of this tart. Its rich, slightly chewy texture and delicate almond flavor are what make this dessert so special. When preparing the frangipane, ensure your butter is at room temperature for a smooth, airy mixture when creamed with sugar. Incorporate the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to create an emulsion. The addition of Calvados or Cognac is optional but highly recommended as it deepens the flavor and adds a subtle warmth that complements both the apples and almonds beautifully. Finally, fold in the almond and all-purpose flours just until combined to prevent overmixing, which can result in a tough texture.
Arranging Apples for a Show-Stopping Presentation
The visual appeal of this tart is almost as important as its taste. Arranging the thinly sliced apples in concentric circles on top of the frangipane creates a stunning, professional-looking finish. Start from the outer edge of the tart and work your way inward, slightly overlapping each slice. This technique not only looks elegant but also ensures an even distribution of apples in every bite. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the orientation of the slices to create different patterns. A beautifully arranged tart tastes even better!
Elevating Your Serving Experience
While the tart is undeniably delicious on its own, thoughtful pairings can transform it into an unforgettable dessert experience. Beyond vanilla bean gelato or butterscotch sauce, consider a dollop of freshly whipped cream, perhaps infused with a hint of cinnamon or vanilla. For an adult-friendly treat, a small glass of Calvados or an apple cider brandy would be a perfect complement. The contrast of the warm tart with cold accompaniments creates a sensory delight. Remember, allowing the tart to cool completely before slicing is paramount for neat, attractive servings, even if the temptation to dig in immediately is strong!
Why This Apple Frangipane Tart Deserves a Spot in Your Fall Repertoire
This Apple Frangipane Tart is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience. It brings together the warmth and comfort of classic apple desserts with the sophistication of a French-inspired frangipane. Its easy-to-make nature, especially the press-in crust, makes it accessible even for novice bakers, while its exquisite flavor and elegant presentation are sure to impress seasoned gourmands. It’s a dessert that perfectly embodies the spirit of fall – cozy, comforting, and utterly delightful. Make it your go-to recipe this season, and share the joy of homemade baking with those you love.
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