Apple Frangipane Tart with Cranberries, Orange, and Cardamom

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and flavorful: The almond frangipane filling is creamy and nutty, complementing the tender apples and tart cranberries perfectly.

• Perfect balance of sweetness and spice: The combination of apples, orange zest, and cardamom creates a beautifully aromatic, balanced flavor profile.

• Stunning presentation: This tart looks elegant and sophisticated, making it a fantastic choice for holidays, dinner parties, or any occasion where you want to impress.

• Easy to make: Though it looks complex, this tart is surprisingly simple to put together, with most of the ingredients being pantry staples.

Ingredients

For the crust:

• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into cubes

• 1 egg yolk

• 2-3 tbsp ice water

For the frangipane filling:

• 1 cup almond meal (or finely ground almonds)

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• ½ tsp ground cardamom

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

• 1 large egg

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour

For the topping:

• 2 medium apples (peeled, cored, and thinly sliced)

• 1/2 cup fresh cranberries (or frozen)

• Zest of 1 orange

• 1 tbsp orange juice

• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional, for extra sweetness)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

For the crust:

1. Prepare the dough: In a food processor, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the chilled butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the egg yolk and 2 tablespoons of ice water, then pulse again until the dough begins to come together. If needed, add the remaining tablespoon of ice water, 1 teaspoon at a time.

2. Chill the dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface, shape it into a disc, and wrap it in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

3. Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom.

4. Roll the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to fit your tart pan. Press the dough gently into the bottom and sides of the pan, trimming any excess dough. Place the tart pan in the fridge while you prepare the filling.

For the frangipane filling:

1. Make the frangipane: In a medium bowl, combine the almond meal, sugar, cardamom, and salt. Add the softened butter, egg, vanilla extract, and flour. Mix until smooth and fully combined.

Assembling the tart:

1. Fill the crust: Remove the tart shell from the fridge and spread the frangipane filling evenly over the bottom.

2. Arrange the apples and cranberries: Arrange the thin apple slices in a circular pattern on top of the frangipane, leaving a little space around the edges. Scatter the cranberries over the apples. Drizzle the orange juice over the apples and cranberries.

3. Bake the tart: Place the tart in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the frangipane is golden and set, and the apples are tender. If the tart crust starts to brown too quickly, cover the edges with aluminum foil.

4. Finish with orange zest: Once the tart is out of the oven, let it cool slightly. Drizzle the top with honey or maple syrup, if using, and sprinkle with fresh orange zest for added brightness and flavor.

5. Cool and serve: Allow the tart to cool to room temperature before slicing and serving. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8-10 slices

• Prep Time: 30 minutes

• Cook Time: 40 minutes

• Chill Time: 30 minutes (for the dough)

• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes

Variations

• Pear Frangipane Tart: Replace the apples with pears for a slightly different flavor. Pears pair beautifully with almond and cardamom.

• Nuts in the topping: Add chopped toasted almonds or pecans to the top of the tart before baking for extra texture and flavor.

• Different fruits: Experiment with different fruits like figs, apricots, or even berries for a seasonal twist.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover tart in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Allow the tart to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

• Freezing: You can freeze the tart before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding about 10-15 extra minutes to the baking time.

• Reheating: To reheat, place slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or heat in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought tart dough for this recipe?

Yes, you can use store-bought tart dough for convenience. Just make sure to follow the instructions on the package and bake it according to the recommended time.

What if I don’t have almond meal?

If you don’t have almond meal, you can use finely ground almonds or almond flour. Both work similarly, though almond flour may result in a slightly finer texture.

Can I make this tart gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend in both the crust and frangipane filling. Make sure the almond meal is gluten-free as well.

Can I make this tart ahead of time?

Yes, this tart can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. It’s best served at room temperature or slightly warmed.

How do I know when the frangipane is done?

The frangipane filling is done when it has set, and the top is golden brown. You can insert a toothpick in the center to check for doneness—it should come out clean when the tart is fully baked.

Can I substitute the cranberries with dried fruit?

Yes, you can use dried cranberries, raisins, or even chopped dried apricots if fresh cranberries aren’t available. Just be sure to chop larger dried fruits into smaller pieces.

Can I freeze the tart?

Yes, this tart freezes well. If freezing before baking, make sure to wrap it tightly and bake it from frozen. If freezing after baking, allow the tart to cool completely, then wrap it in plastic and foil before freezing.

What can I serve this tart with?

This tart is delicious on its own, but you can serve it with a dollop of whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra treat.

Can I add a glaze to the top of the tart?

Yes! A light glaze made from powdered sugar and orange juice would be a lovely addition, adding both sweetness and a citrusy note.

Conclusion

This Apple Frangipane Tart with Cranberries, Orange, and Cardamom is the perfect blend of warm, spiced flavors and beautiful, seasonal fruit. The frangipane filling is rich and creamy, while the tart apples and tangy cranberries offer a delightful contrast. With its gorgeous presentation, this tart is sure to impress at any special gathering, but it’s just as enjoyable as a cozy dessert at home. Make this elegant tart for the next holiday or celebration and watch it disappear!