I’ll never forget the first time I made a frangipane tart. It was one of those spontaneous kitchen moments where everything fell into place. I had a bit of leftover almond meal from baking cookies, and suddenly I found myself scouring the internet for a recipe that could use it up. That’s when I stumbled upon Jamie Oliver’s frangipane tart recipe.
What grabbed me was the simplicity of the recipe, yet the elegance of the tart. The crisp pastry, the rich almond filling, and the subtle hint of fruit all came together beautifully. Ever since, this recipe has become a go-to when I want something that feels special but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen.
If you’re new to frangipane, think of it as an almond cream filling, often paired with fruits like pears or apples. It’s rich, nutty, and perfect for dessert or afternoon tea.
Jamie Oliver’s Frangipane Tart Recipe
Jamie Oliver’s frangipane tart is a great mix of rustic charm and refined flavors. It’s the kind of dessert that feels luxurious without feeling out of reach. The best part? You can customize it with different fruits and even switch up the nuts.
Here’s how you’ll make it:
- Pastry Base: Start with a shortcrust pastry, either homemade or store-bought. The crispness of the pastry works perfectly with the soft filling.
- Frangipane Filling: A simple combination of butter, sugar, almonds, and eggs. It’s baked until golden and beautifully fragrant.
- Fruit Topping: You can add pears, apples, or even raspberries for a burst of freshness that balances the richness of the filling.
I often go for pears because they pair so well with almonds, but this recipe is incredibly adaptable.
Ingredients Needed
Before diving into the process, let’s gather everything you’ll need. Here’s a list that should get you started:
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For The Pastry
- 225g plain flour
- 125g unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
- 1 egg yolk
- 3-4 tablespoons of cold water
- A pinch of salt
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For The Frangipane Filling
- 175g unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 175g caster sugar
- 175g ground almonds
- 3 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon
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For The Topping (optional But Highly Recommended)
- 2 ripe pears or apples (peeled, cored, and sliced)
- A handful of flaked almonds (for crunch)
These ingredients come together to create a beautiful, balanced tart that’s as much about texture as it is about flavor.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Frangipane Tart
Now, let’s talk about the process. You’ll want to take your time with this one, especially with the pastry and the frangipane filling. It’s easy, but the results are spectacular.
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Make The Pastry Base
- Start by mixing the flour and salt in a bowl. Add the cold, cubed butter and rub it in until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
- Add the egg yolk and a bit of cold water, mixing until the dough starts to come together. Don’t overwork it-just enough to form a dough.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill it for at least 30 minutes. This step is essential for that crisp, flaky base.
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Prepare The Frangipane Filling
- In a bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the ground almonds, eggs, vanilla, and lemon zest. Mix until everything is well combined.
- Set this mixture aside while you prepare the pastry shell.
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Assemble The Tart
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Roll out the chilled pastry dough on a lightly floured surface. Line your tart tin, pressing it into the corners and trimming any excess.
- Prick the base of the pastry with a fork and blind bake it for 10 minutes with some baking beans or rice. After 10 minutes, remove the beans and bake for another 5 minutes.
- Once the pastry is cooled slightly, spread the frangipane filling evenly over the base.
- Arrange your pear or apple slices on top, and scatter a few flaked almonds for extra texture.
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Bake The Tart
- Pop the tart in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the frangipane is golden brown and set.
- Let it cool for a bit before slicing and serving.
The smell while it’s baking? Incredible.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
Let’s dive into why this tart works so well. The ingredients might seem simple, but there’s some real science behind them.
- Ground Almonds: They are the heart of the frangipane. The almond meal provides a rich, nutty flavor and adds a tender, moist texture to the filling. The fats in almonds contribute to the richness of the tart, making each bite melt in your mouth.
- Butter: Butter is crucial for creating that flaky, crisp pastry. In the frangipane, it helps to carry the almond flavor and gives a smooth, luscious texture.
- Sugar: Sugar’s role isn’t just sweetness. It helps with caramelization, creating that golden, crispy top. It also helps to balance the nuttiness of the almonds.
- Eggs: Eggs act as a binder in the frangipane, giving it structure while also helping it rise slightly in the oven. They also contribute to the soft, creamy texture.
Expert Tips
- Chill the Pastry Well: Don’t skip the chilling step for the dough. This will ensure that your pastry bakes evenly and doesn’t shrink.
- Blind Baking: This helps ensure your pastry stays crisp. Be sure to use enough baking beans or rice during blind baking to keep the shape intact.
- Add a Glaze: If you want to take your tart to the next level, brush the fruit with a little warmed apricot jam after baking for a shiny, professional finish.
- Use Room Temperature Butter for Frangipane: This will make your frangipane much easier to mix, leading to a smoother texture.
- Test for Doneness: The frangipane should be golden brown and set, but slightly soft in the center. If it’s too wobbly, give it a few more minutes in the oven.
Recipe Variations
This recipe is highly adaptable, and you can switch things up to suit your taste or the season.
- Different Fruits: Swap out pears for apples, apricots, or even plums. Stone fruits work particularly well.
- Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the frangipane for a cozy, autumnal twist.
- Nuts: Try swapping almonds for hazelnuts or pistachios for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Chocolate: Add a layer of dark chocolate ganache under the frangipane filling for an indulgent, rich addition.
Final Words
Whether you’re making this tart for a special occasion or just a weekend treat, it’s one of those recipes that feels impressive yet isn’t too complicated. The combination of crunchy pastry, rich almond filling, and sweet fruit is hard to beat. Plus, it’s a great way to experiment with different flavor combinations based on what you’ve got in your pantry.
FAQs
What Is Frangipane?
Frangipane is a sweet almond cream filling made from butter, sugar, eggs, and ground almonds.
Can I Use A Different Type Of Fruit In The Tart?
Yes, you can replace the fruit with other options like pears, apples, or berries depending on your taste.
How Do I Store The Frangipane Tart?
Store the tart in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days or refrigerate it for longer freshness.