Apple Frangipane Tart Recipe

The Perfect Apple Frangipane Tart Recipe for Sweet Bakers

My grandmother’s secret apple frangipane tart recipe brings French countryside magic right to your kitchen table.

Whispers of almond cream dance between delicate pastry layers.

Buttery, golden-crusted perfection awaits with each carefully sliced bite.

Delicate aromas will drift through your home, promising warmth and comfort.

Elegant yet simple, this classic dessert connects generations through its timeless charm.

Skilled bakers and curious novices alike can master this delightful treat.

You’ll want to savor every delectable crumb of this irresistible French-inspired delight.

FAQs About Mary Berry Apple Frangipane Tart

  • What is frangipane made of?

Frangipane is a classic French almond cream made with ground almonds, butter, sugar, eggs, and sometimes a touch of flour, creating a rich, sweet, and nutty filling.

  • Can I use different nuts instead of almonds?

While traditional frangipane uses almonds, you can experiment with ground hazelnuts or pistachios for a unique twist, though the flavor and texture will slightly change.

  • How do I prevent my pastry from becoming soggy?

To prevent a soggy bottom, blind bake your shortcrust pastry, cool it completely, and ensure your frangipane isn’t too wet when spreading it into the crust.

Why Mary Berry Apple Frangipane Tart Is A Delight To Bake

Why Mary Berry Apple Frangipane Tart Is A Delight To Bake
  • Craft with Ease: Perfect for bakers of all skill levels, this apple frangipane tart offers a delightful baking experience without overwhelming complexity.
  • Seasonal Showstopper: Celebrate autumn's bounty by transforming simple ingredients into an elegant dessert that impresses family and guests alike.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare components in advance, allowing flexible cooking and serving times that fit seamlessly into busy schedules.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Combines classic French pastry techniques with comforting apple flavors, creating a universally appealing treat for any gathering.

What Ingredients Go In Mary Berry Apple Frangipane Tart

Pastry Base:
  • All-Purpose Flour: A classic ingredient that provides the structure for the tart's delicate crust.
  • Unsalted Butter: Creates a rich, flaky texture in the pastry.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the pastry.
Frangipane Filling:
  • Almond Flour: Delivers a nutty and smooth base for the tart's filling.
  • Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps bind the frangipane mixture.
  • Eggs: Provides structure and helps the frangipane set during baking.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the almond-based filling.
  • Vanilla Extract: Brings a warm and aromatic flavor to the filling.
Fruit and Finishing:
  • Apples: Fresh apples create a beautiful topping and add natural sweetness to the tart.
  • Powdered Sugar: A light dusting provides a delicate and elegant finish.
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness of the tart.

Steps To Prepare Mary Berry Apple Frangipane Tart

Steps To Prepare Mary Berry Apple Frangipane Tart

Step 1: Prepare Shortcrust Pastry

Mix flour, butter, sugar, and salt until crumbly. Knead the dough gently until it comes together. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow the butter to firm up and prevent shrinking during baking.

Step 2: Shape the Pastry Crust

Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness. Carefully transfer the dough to a tart pan, pressing it gently into the corners and sides. Trim excess dough and create a neat edge. Return the crust to the refrigerator for 30 minutes to prevent shrinking.

Step 3: Blind Bake the Crust

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line the chilled crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 15-18 minutes until the edges start to turn golden. Remove weights and parchment, then bake for an additional 3-4 minutes to dry out the base. Let cool completely.

Step 4: Create Frangipane Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine:
  • Ground almonds
  • Softened butter
  • Sugar
  • Eggs
  • Vanilla extract

Whisk until smooth and creamy. Spread the frangipane evenly over the cooled tart crust.

Step 5: Arrange Apple Topping

Peel and thinly slice apples. Arrange the apple slices in a circular or overlapping pattern on top of the frangipane, creating an attractive design.

Step 6: Bake the Tart

Lower the oven temperature to 325°F (160°C). Bake the tart for 45-50 minutes until the frangipane is set and the apples are golden brown.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Allow the tart to cool completely at room temperature. Dust with powdered sugar just before serving. Slice and enjoy the delicate combination of buttery crust, almond cream, and caramelized apples.

Tips For Making Mary Berry Apple Frangipane Tart Perfect

  • Pastry Perfection: Chill the shortcrust pastry for at least 30 minutes to prevent shrinkage and ensure a crisp, flaky texture.
  • Apple Arrangement: Slice apples thinly and overlap them in a circular pattern for an elegant, professional-looking presentation.
  • Frangipane Finesse: Ensure frangipane is smooth and evenly spread to create a consistent, creamy base for the apples.
  • Baking Brilliance: Cover the tart edges with foil if they brown too quickly, protecting the delicate crust from burning.
  • Serving Suggestion: Serve slightly warm with a dollop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a delightful contrast of temperatures.

Tasty Twists On Mary Berry Apple Frangipane Tart

  • Pear Almond Tart: Replace apples with ripe, sliced pears for a silky, elegant variation that maintains the tart's delicate frangipane base.
  • Gluten-Free Version: Swap traditional flour with almond or rice flour for the crust, ensuring those with gluten sensitivities can enjoy this classic dessert.
  • Vegan Adaptation: Use coconut oil instead of butter, replace eggs with flax eggs, and select dairy-free margarine for the frangipane to create a plant-based alternative.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Substitute regular sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, and use fewer apples to reduce overall sugar content while maintaining the tart's rich flavor profile.

What To Serve With Mary Berry Apple Frangipane Tart

  • Pair with Creamy Vanilla Custard: Smooth, rich custard complements the nutty almond frangipane and adds luxurious moisture to each bite.
  • Sip Calvados Apple Brandy: The French apple brandy echoes the tart's apple notes while providing a warming, sophisticated alcohol kick that enhances the dessert's complex flavors.
  • Match with Cinnamon-Spiced Tea: Aromatic tea with hints of cinnamon creates a warming backdrop that beautifully amplifies the tart's sweet and nutty profile.
  • Select Aged Cream Sherry: The wine's caramel and nutty undertones perfectly mirror the frangipane's almond essence and the tart's delicate apple sweetness.

How To Store Mary Berry Apple Frangipane Tart Properly

  • Store leftover tart in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
  • Wrap the tart tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Warm slices at 300F (150C) for 10-15 minutes to restore crispy crust and bring out flavors. Cover loosely with foil to prevent burning.
  • Let chilled tart sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften the frangipane and enhance taste.
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Apple Frangipane Tart Recipe

Apple Frangipane Tart Recipe


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4.7 from 12 reviews

  • Total Time: 82-88 mins
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Indulgent French apple frangipane tart delights with buttery pastry and almond cream nestled between golden caramelized apples. Sweet and nutty layers blend classic French patisserie techniques, offering a delectable dessert sure to impress you at first bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 honeycrisp apples, thinly sliced
  • 94 grams (3.3 ounces) almond flour
  • 113 grams (4 ounces) cold butter

Crust Ingredients:

  • 160 grams (5.6 ounces) all-purpose flour
  • 56 grams (2 ounces) powdered sugar
  • 14 teaspoons salt
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 14 grams (0.5 ounces) whole milk

Filling and Topping Ingredients:

  • 84 grams (3 ounces) butter, room temperature
  • 100 grams (3.5 ounces) sugar
  • 14 teaspoons salt
  • 1 egg
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 teaspoons almond extract
  • 30 grams (1 ounce) all-purpose flour
  • Powdered sugar, to finish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the shortcrust pastry and refrigerate until firm, approximately 30 minutes.
  2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled pastry to fit a tart tin, ensuring even thickness and smooth edges.
  3. Carefully transfer the pastry into the tin, pressing gently into corners and trimming excess. Return to refrigerator for 15 minutes to prevent shrinkage.
  4. Preheat oven to 375F (190C). Line the chilled pastry with parchment paper and fill with ceramic weights or dried beans.
  5. Blind bake for 16-18 minutes until edges turn golden. Remove weights and parchment, then allow crust to cool completely.
  6. Prepare frangipane mixture, ensuring a smooth and creamy consistency without overmixing.
  7. Spread the frangipane evenly across the cooled pastry shell, creating a uniform base layer.
  8. Thinly slice apples and arrange decoratively on top of the frangipane, overlapping slightly for an elegant presentation.
  9. Reduce oven temperature to 325F (160C) and bake for 45-50 minutes until frangipane is set and apples are lightly caramelized.
  10. Remove from oven and let tart cool completely at room temperature.
  11. Just before serving, dust with powdered sugar and slice into wedges.

Notes

  • Swap butter for coconut oil to make the pastry dairy-free and add a subtle tropical hint.
  • Use gluten-free flour blend for the crust to accommodate those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Toast almond meal briefly before mixing into frangipane to enhance its nutty, rich flavor profile.
  • Choose firmer apple varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for better texture and less liquid release during baking.
  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 62-68 mins
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 610 kcal
  • Sugar: 40 g
  • Sodium: 2700 mg
  • Fat: 42 g
  • Saturated Fat: 19 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 55 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 7 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg
Jackson Reid

Jackson Reid

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Single-serving recipe development
  • Global flavor fusion
  • Minimalist cooking techniques
  • Food photography and styling

Education

Holyoke Community College – HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Farm-to-table cuisine, sustainable cooking practices, and hands-on kitchen training


Jackson’s love for cooking began one dish at a time. After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Holyoke Community College’s HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute, he focused on what mattered most: creating recipes that are simple to follow and full of flavor.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Jackson brings together global influences and a less-is-more approach. His recipes reflect his belief that good food doesn’t need to be complicated; it just needs to make sense, taste great, and feel right.
When he’s not testing ingredients or adjusting seasonings, you’ll find him hiking near Asheville, exploring local markets, or chasing the best light for food photos.

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