Sour Cherry Frangipane Tart

Welcome to a tart that’s as delicious as it is beautiful—this Sour Cherry Frangipane Tart is everything you’ve been dreaming of and more. Picture a buttery, flaky crust, a smooth almond filling, and the vibrant pop of tart cherries—this dessert will transport you straight to pastry heaven. Trust me, you’re going to fall in love with it the moment you take that first bite!

Why You’ll Love Sour Cherry Frangipane Tart

This isn’t just a tart; it’s an experience. Here’s why I know you’ll adore it:

• Vibrant and Flavorful: The sweet-tart burst of cherries paired with the creamy almond frangipane filling creates the perfect balance of flavors. Each bite is an explosion of goodness, with a rich, nutty filling and a fruity tang.
• Impressively Elegant: This tart looks so sophisticated, but it’s deceptively simple to make. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself to something special, it’s guaranteed to be the star of the show.
• Versatile: While it’s fantastic for a special occasion or a weekend treat, it also pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea for an afternoon pick-me-up. It’s like the perfect pastry for any time of day.
• Delightfully Easy: Don’t be intimidated by the fancy name. This tart may sound high-end, but it’s made with basic, easy-to-find ingredients. The crust is simple to prepare, and the filling requires only a few steps.

Ingredients

Let’s break down the ingredients that bring this tart to life. These simple ingredients combine to create something extraordinary:

Crust

• Butter: This is the secret to that melt-in-your-mouth buttery, flaky tart shell.
• Flour: A basic pantry staple that forms the base of your tart crust.
• Sugar: Adds just a touch of sweetness to balance the savory butter.
• Salt: A little salt enhances all the flavors and brings the crust together.
• Water: A little bit of cold water helps bring the dough together without overworking it.

Frangipane Filling

• Ground Almonds: The heart of frangipane. These give the tart its signature nutty flavor and smooth texture.
• Butter: Adds richness and smoothness to the frangipane filling.
• Sugar: Just the right amount of sweetness to balance the tart cherries.
• Eggs: They help bind the frangipane filling together and create a silky texture.
• Almond Extract: A little splash of almond extract deepens the almond flavor for a more authentic taste.
• Flour: Helps bind the filling together and gives it the right consistency.

Topping

• Sour Cherries: The star of the show! Their tartness pairs perfectly with the sweet almond filling.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this delightful tart:

Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your tart cooks evenly and gets that golden finish.

Prepare the Tart Shell:
In a food processor, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the butter and pulse until the mixture resembles fine crumbs. Add just enough water to bring the dough together, then wrap it in plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes.

Roll Out the Dough:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a circle large enough to fit your tart pan. Gently press the dough into the pan, trimming any excess. Chill for another 15 minutes to set the shape.

Bake the Tart Shell:
Place a sheet of parchment paper on the dough and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the parchment and bake for another 5-10 minutes until golden brown. Set aside to cool.

Prepare the Frangipane Filling:
Cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in the ground almonds, almond extract, and flour until well combined.

Assemble the Tart:
Spread the frangipane filling evenly into the cooled tart shell. Top with the sour cherries, arranging them in a beautiful pattern. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the filling is golden and set.

Cool and Serve:
Allow the tart to cool before serving. You can serve it as is or dust it with powdered sugar for a little extra elegance.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 320

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

How to Serve Sour Cherry Frangipane Tart

This tart is perfect for any occasion, but here are some ways to make your experience even better:

• Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light, airy touch that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the frangipane.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: If you’re feeling indulgent, serve a slice with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. The contrast of warm and cold is pure bliss.
• Tea or Coffee: This tart pairs perfectly with a hot cup of your favorite tea or coffee, making it a great option for an afternoon treat.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

• Use Fresh Cherries: Fresh sour cherries make a huge difference in flavor, but frozen can work in a pinch.
• Chill the Dough: Don’t skip chilling the dough—it helps prevent shrinkage while baking and makes for a flakier crust.
• Frangipane Variations: You can play with the flavors of the frangipane by adding a little orange zest or a dash of cinnamon for an extra layer of flavor.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I substitute frozen cherries for fresh ones?
A1: Yes! Frozen sour cherries work just as well, but make sure to thaw and drain them before using to avoid excess moisture in the tart.

Q2: Can I make the tart shell ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! You can make the dough and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days before rolling it out.

Q3: What if I don’t have a tart pan?
A3: You can use a pie dish as an alternative! The shape will be a little different, but the flavor will still shine.

Q4: Can I freeze the tart?
A4: Yes! You can freeze the tart before baking, then bake from frozen. If you freeze after baking, wrap it tightly and store for up to 2 months.

Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A5: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it for up to a week.

Q6: How do I reheat the tart?
A6: You can reheat it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes or enjoy it at room temperature.

Q7: Can I use a different type of fruit?
A7: Definitely! While sour cherries are the star here, you can swap them for other fruits like raspberries, peaches, or apricots for a fun twist.

Q8: How can I make this tart gluten-free?
A8: You can substitute the regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make the crust gluten-free.

Q9: Can I make the frangipane filling without almond extract?
A9: If you’re not a fan of almond extract, you can leave it out and add a little vanilla extract instead.

Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Yes! You can easily double this recipe and use a larger tart pan or make two smaller tarts.

Conclusion

Whether you’re serving it at a special occasion or enjoying a quiet afternoon with a slice, this Sour Cherry Frangipane Tart will steal the show. It’s the perfect balance of buttery, sweet, and tart flavors, with a smooth, creamy filling and a gorgeous presentation. Don’t be intimidated—this tart is simpler than it looks and so, so rewarding. Enjoy every bite, and remember, this recipe is bound to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire!

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