If you adore the wonderful balance of nutty almond cream paired with the bright, tart burst of fruit, this Sour Cherry Frangipane Tart Recipe will quickly become one of your favorite go-to desserts. This luscious treat combines a perfectly buttery tart shell filled with velvety frangipane and topped with juicy sour cherries that offer a splash of color and a delightful zing. Every bite delivers a harmonious mix of textures and flavors that feel both sophisticated and homey, making it ideal for special occasions or simply indulging your sweet tooth any day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this tart lies in its simple but thoughtful ingredients, each contributing to a texture and flavor that feels just right. Whether it’s the almond flour providing rich nuttiness or the sour cherries lending a fresh tartness, every item plays a key role in making this dessert memorable.
- 1 9-inch tart shell: Choose homemade or store-bought, but make sure it’s pre-baked to a golden crisp for the best base.
- 1 cup almond flour: This gives the frangipane its signature nutty richness and delicate crumb.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds creaminess and moisture to the filling while creating a tender crumb.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling just enough to balance the cherries’ tartness.
- 2 large eggs: Act as the binder, ensuring the filling sets beautifully during baking.
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract: Enhances the almond flavor, making every bite more aromatic.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and elevates all the flavors.
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour: Helps to stabilize the frangipane mixture without weighing it down.
- 1 1/2 cups sour cherries: Fresh or well-drained frozen cherries provide that sharp, fruity contrast to the rich filling.
- 1 tablespoon turbinado sugar (optional): Sprinkled on top for a crunchy, caramelized finish.
How to Make Sour Cherry Frangipane Tart Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Cream Butter and Sugar
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when your tart is assembled. Then, in a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy—this step is essential for creating a smooth, airy filling that bakes to perfection.
Step 2: Incorporate Eggs and Flavorings
Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed mixture, making sure each egg is fully blended in before adding the next. This ensures a uniform texture. Next, stir in the almond extract and salt which bring depth and a subtle contrast that enhances the overall flavor profile.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
Gently fold in the almond flour and all-purpose flour until the mixture is fully combined. The almond flour imparts that rich nuttiness typical of frangipane, while the all-purpose flour adds body so it holds together during baking.
Step 4: Assemble the Tart
Spread the smooth frangipane filling evenly into the pre-baked tart shell, creating a level surface. Then carefully press the sour cherries into the filling in a single layer, so each slice will showcase those vibrant pops of ruby-red fruit. For an extra special touch, sprinkle the turbinado sugar over the cherries to create a caramelized, crunchy top after baking.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop your tart into the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the frangipane is set and has developed a lovely golden color. It should feel firm to the touch but still tender inside. After baking, allow the tart to cool completely – this resting time helps the flavors meld and ensures clean slices when serving.
How to Serve Sour Cherry Frangipane Tart Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar are classic options to complement the tart’s nutty sweetness. For an extra indulgent touch, a scoop of smooth vanilla ice cream offers a cool contrast to the warm, fragrant filling.
Side Dishes
This tart pairs beautifully with simple sides like a crisp green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the dessert’s richness. Alternatively, serve alongside a citrus-flavored sorbet to refresh the palate between bites.
Sour Cherry Frangipane Tart Recipe: Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the tart into small bite-sized squares for a charming dessert platter or festive party offering. You can also serve it with a drizzle of dark chocolate or a spoonful of homemade cherry compote to amplify the fruitiness and add visual appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your tart, wrap any leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 24 hours. This helps preserve the crispness of the tart shell and the fresh flavor of the cherries.
Freezing
The tart freezes beautifully! Wrap it well and freeze for up to one month. When you’re ready to indulge, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving to best enjoy the textures and flavors.
Reheating
If you prefer warm tart, reheat slices gently in a low oven (about 300°F/150°C) for 10–15 minutes. This will refresh the crispness of the crust and warm the frangipane without drying it out.
FAQs
Can I use other types of fruit in this tart?
Absolutely! While sour cherries offer a perfect balance of tartness, you can substitute with fresh berries, apricots, or even peaches. Just make sure they’re not too watery to avoid soggy crust.
Is it necessary to pre-bake the tart shell?
Yes, pre-baking the tart shell ensures it stays crisp and prevents it from becoming soggy once the moist frangipane filling and cherries are added.
Can I make the frangipane filling ahead of time?
To maintain freshness and texture, it’s best to prepare the filling shortly before assembling the tart. However, you can mix the dry ingredients in advance for convenience.
What type of almond flour should I use?
Use finely ground almond flour (not almond meal) for the smoothest, creamiest frangipane texture. Blanched almond flour works beautifully here.
Are frozen cherries okay to use?
Yes, just make sure to thaw and drain the cherries very well to remove excess moisture, as too much can make the tart soggy.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so delightful about making this Sour Cherry Frangipane Tart Recipe from scratch. It’s an impressive yet approachable dessert that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and delivers delicious bites every time. Treat yourself to this beautiful balance of nutty, fruity, and sweet — your taste buds will thank you!
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Sour Cherry Frangipane Tart Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Sour Cherry Frangipane Tart is a delightful French dessert featuring a buttery almond-flavored frangipane filling nestled in a crisp pre-baked tart shell and topped with juicy sour cherries. Perfectly baked to a golden finish, this tart balances nutty richness with tart fruitiness for a sophisticated treat that can be enjoyed on its own or with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
Tart Shell
- 1 9-inch tart shell (homemade or store-bought, pre-baked)
Frangipane Filling
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
Topping
- 1 1/2 cups sour cherries (fresh or frozen, pitted and drained)
- 1 tablespoon turbinado sugar (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the tart.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, use a mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, incorporating air for a tender texture.
- Add Eggs and Flavorings: Beat in the eggs one at a time to fully combine each before adding the next, then mix in the almond extract and salt for flavor enhancement.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Stir the almond flour and all-purpose flour into the wet mixture until fully blended into a smooth frangipane filling.
- Fill Tart Shell: Spread the prepared almond filling evenly inside the pre-baked tart shell, ensuring a uniform layer.
- Add Cherries: Gently press the pitted sour cherries into the surface of the frangipane filling in a single layer for an even fruit topping.
- Optional Sugar Topping: Sprinkle the turbinado sugar on top of the cherries if you desire a slight crunchy sweetness.
- Bake Tart: Place the tart in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the frangipane is golden brown and set in the center, indicating it is fully cooked.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the tart from the oven and allow it to cool completely before slicing to ensure clean cuts and optimal texture. Serve as is or with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Notes
- If using frozen cherries, thaw and drain well to prevent excess moisture from making the tart soggy.
- This tart can be prepared a day in advance and stored at room temperature, making it convenient for entertaining.
- For added indulgence, serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
