Peach Almond Tarts are a perfect combination of juicy, ripe peaches and rich almond cream, delivering a refreshing yet indulgent dessert that captures the essence of summer. These tarts not only offer a delightful taste but also bring a visual appeal with their golden crust and beautifully arranged peach slices. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or simply want to treat yourself to something sweet, this recipe is bound to impress. Let’s dive into the details of making this scrumptious dessert.
Ingredients
The main components of the Peach Almond Tart are the buttery crust, a smooth almond cream filling, and sweet peaches. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:
For the Crust:
- Flour: All-purpose flour provides the base structure of the crust, ensuring it holds up the filling.
- Butter: Cold butter adds richness and a flaky texture to the crust.
- Sugar: A bit of powdered sugar for sweetness and texture.
- Egg yolk: This helps bind the dough together and contributes to a tender crust.
- Whipping cream or water: For additional moisture, making the dough pliable yet crisp when baked.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a subtle fragrance and flavor.
For the Almond Filling (Frangipane):
- Butter: Creamy butter serves as the base of the almond cream, providing richness.
- Almond flour: The star of the filling, giving it a nutty flavor and smooth texture.
- Eggs: Helps bind the ingredients while giving structure to the cream.
- Sugar: Balances the nuttiness of the almond with sweetness.
- Vanilla extract or paste: Adds depth to the flavor.
- Peaches: Fresh, ripe peaches are essential for the tart, adding natural sweetness and a juicy bite.
Preparing the Tart Crust
Creating the perfect tart crust is the foundation of this dessert. Start by combining the flour, sugar, and salt. Then, mix in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add in the egg yolk and vanilla, followed by the cream, just enough to bring the dough together. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough crust.
Once the dough is formed, it needs to be chilled for about 30 minutes. Roll it out and press it into a tart pan, trimming off any excess dough. Dock the bottom of the crust (poke it with a fork) to prevent it from puffing up during baking, then chill the crust again while you prepare the almond filling.
Making the Almond Cream (Frangipane)
The almond cream, or frangipane, is the heart of the tart. Start by beating softened butter with sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add almond flour, followed by eggs and vanilla. The mixture should be smooth and creamy but not overly whipped, as this could cause it to rise too much during baking.
Spread the almond cream evenly across the chilled tart crust. This rich, nutty layer will puff up slightly during baking, providing a creamy base for the peaches.
Preparing the Peaches
Peaches are the highlight of this tart, and to get the best flavor, make sure to use ripe, sweet peaches. Peel the peaches by blanching them in boiling water for about 1-2 minutes, then immediately transfer them to ice water. The skins should come off easily. Slice the peaches thinly to ensure they cook evenly and arrange them in a spiral or decorative pattern on top of the almond cream.
Baking the Tart
Once the peaches are arranged on the almond cream, it’s time to bake the tart. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 45-50 minutes, until the tart crust is golden brown and the almond cream has puffed up around the peaches. The tart should be set in the center, and the peaches will have softened, releasing their juices into the almond filling.
After baking, let the tart cool completely before removing it from the tart pan.
Finishing Touches: Glaze and Garnish
To give the tart a beautiful shine and extra flavor, prepare a simple glaze using apricot jam, water, and lemon juice. Heat the mixture until it simmers, then brush it gently over the peaches. This not only enhances the look of the tart but also adds a subtle sweetness and tang.
For a bit of crunch, you can sprinkle toasted almond slices on top of the tart, or dust it with powdered sugar for a classic finish.
Serving Suggestions
Peach Almond Tarts can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence. The combination of cold, creamy ice cream with the warm, nutty tart is absolutely irresistible.
Variations
While peaches are the star of this tart, you can easily swap them for other fruits like nectarines, plums, or apricots. Each fruit brings its own unique flavor, allowing you to tailor the tart to the season or your personal preferences.
Conclusion
Peach Almond Tarts are a versatile and elegant dessert that showcases the best of summer fruits with a rich almond filling and a buttery crust. Whether you’re an experienced baker or trying your hand at making tarts for the first time, this recipe is sure to be a hit at any gathering. The combination of textures—from the flaky crust to the creamy almond layer and juicy peaches—makes every bite a delightful experience.
Give this Peach Almond Tart recipe a try, and you’ll find that it’s not only visually stunning but also a perfect way to enjoy the bounty of the summer harvest.
