This Almond Tart is a rich, delectable dessert that combines the nutty essence of almonds with a buttery crust for a truly luxurious treat. Perfectly balanced with a hint of citrus from orange zest, this tart promises to surpass any bakery version, especially when made with real animal butter for an incomparable aroma and taste.
Why You’ll Love This
For those who appreciate the finer details in baking, this Almond Tart offers a sophisticated blend of textures and flavors. The crisp, flaky crust filled with a smooth, rich almond cream results in a dessert that is as satisfying as it is elegant. It’s a testament to the beauty of homemade pastries and the depth of flavor they can achieve.
Perfect Occasion
This tart is perfect for special occasions, be it a festive gathering, a formal dinner party, or as a luxurious treat to enjoy on a quiet afternoon. Its impressive presentation and exquisite taste make it an ideal choice for entertaining guests or celebrating significant milestones.
Decoration Tips
Garnish the tart with almond flakes before baking for a beautiful, golden finish that adds crunch and visual appeal. A dusting of powdered sugar and some additional orange zest after baking can enhance the visual appeal and add a fresh zesty note that complements the almond flavor beautifully.
Ingredients:
- For the Crust:
- 100g butter, approx. 5 tablespoons
- 50g fine sugar, about half a cup
- 50g cornstarch, about half a cup
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- A pinch of salt and vanilla
- 1 large egg
- A pinch of baking powder
- 220 to 250g flour, about 2 and a half cups
- For the Almond Cream:
- 150g almonds, equivalent to 1 and a half cups before grinding
- 150g sugar, about 1 cup
- 150g soft butter
- 1 and a half tablespoons flour
- A pinch of salt
- Zest of one orange
- Almond flakes for decoration
Key Notes:
- Almond Preparation: If using whole almonds, grind them yourself and sift for a finer texture. Although ready-made almond powder works, freshly ground almonds with their skins provide a richer flavor.
- Butter Options: For the richest flavor, use animal butter. If looking for a more economical option, regular baking butter can be used, but avoid margarine as it affects the texture and flavor.
- Baking: Bake on medium heat. If your oven has a bottom-only heating option, start there and then finish with top heat to ensure the crust is perfectly cooked without over-browning.
Recipe Instructions:
- Prepare the Tart Shell: Cream together butter and sugar. Add cornstarch, vegetable oil, salt, vanilla, and egg, mixing until smooth. Gradually add flour and baking powder to form a soft dough.
- Form the Tart Base: Press the dough into a tart pan evenly, ensuring it goes up the sides.
- Make the Almond Cream: Cream together the butter, sugar, and flour. Stir in ground almonds, salt, and orange zest. Spread this mixture into the crust.
- Decorate: Sprinkle almond flakes over the top before baking.
- Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at a medium setting for about 10-15 minutes, then finish under the broiler if necessary to brown the almonds.
- Cool: Let the tart cool in the pan before attempting to remove it to prevent breaking.
Enjoy this exquisite Almond Tart, a rich and flavorful dessert that is sure to delight and impress with every bite!
