Description
This Apple Frangipane Tart with Cranberries, Orange, and Cardamom is a stunning, flavorful dessert that combines the sweetness of apples with the richness of almond frangipane. The bright citrusy notes of orange and the warming spice of cardamom add complexity to the tart, while cranberries provide a burst of tartness that perfectly balances the sweetness.
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)
- ½ cup fresh cranberries (or frozen)
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 tbsp orange juice
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional, for extra sweetness)
Instructions
- For the crust: 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.
- 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.
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom.
- 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: 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: Fill the crust: Remove the tart shell from the fridge and spread the frangipane filling evenly over the bottom.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Notes
- 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: 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.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
