This French Almond Tart is a delightful dessert that combines a buttery Pâte Sucrée crust with a rich almond cream frangipane filling. Its elegant appearance and nutty flavor make it perfect for any gathering, from casual family dinners to sophisticated soirées. The tart’s unique texture and taste make it stand out, ensuring it will be a hit on any dessert table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Deliciously Nutty Flavor: The blend of almond flour and sliced almonds creates a rich, satisfying taste that almond lovers will adore.
- Elegant Presentation: This tart looks stunning when served, making it a show-stopper at parties and celebrations.
- Versatile Dessert: Perfect for holidays, birthdays, or simply as an everyday treat, this French almond tart fits any occasion beautifully.
- Simple Ingredients: With basic pantry items, you can whip up this dessert without needing special equipment or hard-to-find ingredients.
- Make Ahead Option: This tart can be prepared in advance, allowing flavors to meld while saving you time on the day of your event.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking your French almond tart, gather the necessary kitchen tools. Having everything on hand will streamline the process and ensure a smooth baking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Food processor
- Mixing bowls
- Tart pan (9-inch)
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Food processor: Greatly simplifies mixing the crust and almond cream for a smooth texture without much effort.
- Tart pan: Ensures even cooking and helps achieve that perfect pastry shape for your French almond tart.
- Whisk: Essential for incorporating air into the batter, leading to a light and fluffy filling.
- Rubber spatula: Ideal for scraping down bowls and folding ingredients together gently.
Ingredients
This French almond tart is made with a Pâte Sucrée crust, filled with almond cream frangipane filling, and topped with sliced almonds.
For the Crust
- 1 1/2 cups Flour (AP, plain, or pastry flour)
- 1/4 tsp Kosher salt
- 2/3 cup Powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup Almond flour
- 1/2 cup Butter (cold!)
- 1 Egg
For the Filling
- 2/3 cup Butter (soft, unsalted)
- 2/3 cup Granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp Kosher salt
- 3 Eggs
- 1 1/3 cups Almond flour
- 3 tbsp Flour
For Garnish
- 1/2 cup Sliced almonds
How to Make French Almond Tart
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Begin by making the Pâte Sucrée crust:
1. In a food processor, combine the flour, powdered sugar, almond flour, and salt.
2. Add cold butter cubes and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add one egg and pulse until the dough comes together.
4. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 3: Bake the Crust
- Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to fit your tart pan.
- Place it in the pan and trim any excess dough from the edges.
- Prick the bottom with a fork to prevent bubbling during baking.
- Bake for about 15 minutes or until lightly golden.
Step 4: Make the Almond Cream Filling
While the crust is baking:
1. In a bowl, beat together soft butter and granulated sugar until creamy.
2. Add in salt and mix well before adding eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
3. Slowly incorporate almond flour and regular flour until fully combined.
Step 5: Assemble the Tart
Once your crust is baked:
1. Pour the almond cream filling into the crust evenly.
2. Sprinkle sliced almonds on top of the filling.
Step 6: Bake Again
Bake in preheated oven for an additional 35-40 minutes or until golden brown on top.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Let cool for at least an hour before slicing. Enjoy your delicious French almond tart!
How to Serve French Almond Tart
Serving a French almond tart can elevate any dessert occasion. This delightful tart pairs well with various accompaniments that enhance its rich almond flavor.
With Fresh Fruits
- Berries: Serve with fresh strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries for a burst of freshness.
- Sliced Pears: Thinly sliced pears add a sweet and juicy contrast to the tart’s nutty flavor.
With Creamy Accents
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream makes for a light, airy pairing.
- Almond Ice Cream: The nutty ice cream complements the flavors of the tart beautifully.
With Sauces
- Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle warm chocolate sauce over the tart for a decadent touch.
- Caramel Sauce: A drizzle of caramel adds richness and sweetness that balances the tartness.
How to Perfect French Almond Tart
To achieve the best results when making your French almond tart, consider these helpful tips.
- Use cold butter: Ensure your butter is cold for a flaky Pâte Sucrée crust.
- Don’t overmix: Avoid overmixing the almond cream to keep it light and fluffy.
- Chill before baking: Chill your crust to prevent shrinkage during baking.
- Use quality ingredients: High-quality almond flour and butter will significantly enhance flavor.
- Check for doneness: Bake until golden brown; an undercooked tart may not set properly.

Best Side Dishes for French Almond Tart
Pairing side dishes with your French almond tart can create a more rounded dessert experience. Here are some excellent options:
- Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: A classic choice that adds creaminess and complements the almond flavor.
- Fresh Mint Leaves: A sprinkle of mint adds a refreshing touch that’s visually appealing too.
- Citrus Salad: A mix of citrus fruits provides acidity that cuts through the richness of the tart.
- Espresso or Coffee: A strong coffee balances sweetness and enhances the flavors of the almond.
- Pistachio Crumble: Chopped pistachios add crunch and a complementary nutty flavor.
- Honey Drizzle: A light drizzle of honey adds natural sweetness and shine to each slice.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making a French almond tart can be delightful, but there are common pitfalls to steer clear of.
- Skipping the chilling step: Failing to chill the Pâte Sucrée crust can lead to a soggy bottom. Always refrigerate the crust for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- Overmixing the frangipane: Overmixing can cause the filling to become tough. Mix just until combined for a light and fluffy texture.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Using incorrect measurements can affect the tart’s consistency. Always use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precision.
- Ignoring oven temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can result in uneven cooking. Preheat your oven properly and use an oven thermometer if needed.
- Forgetting to toast almonds: Un-toasted almonds may lack flavor. Lightly toast sliced almonds before using them as a topping for enhanced taste.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover French almond tart in an airtight container.
- It will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
- Place parchment paper between layers if stacking, to prevent sticking.
Freezing French Almond Tart
- Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap.
- Use an airtight container or freezer bag for extra protection.
- The tart can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing flavor.
Reheating French Almond Tart
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and reheat the tart for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 30 seconds, checking frequently to avoid overheating.
- Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for about 5 minutes until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions
What is a French almond tart?
A French almond tart is a dessert made with a sweet pastry crust filled with almond cream known as frangipane, topped with sliced almonds.
How do I know when my French almond tart is done?
The tart is ready when it has a golden-brown top and a firm center. You can also insert a toothpick; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Can I make this French almond tart ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the tart in advance. Bake it and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze it for later enjoyment.
What variations can I try with this recipe?
Feel free to add different flavors like vanilla extract or orange zest to the frangipane filling, or mix in fruits such as pears or cherries.
Final Thoughts
This French almond tart is not only delicious but also versatile, making it perfect for any occasion. With its nutty flavor and buttery crust, it’s sure to impress your family and friends. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite toppings or flavors!

French Almond Tart
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately eight people 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful taste of this French Almond Tart, a sophisticated dessert that marries a buttery Pâte Sucrée crust with a luscious almond cream frangipane filling. With its elegant presentation and rich, nutty flavor, this tart is perfect for any occasion—from casual family dinners to festive celebrations. The unique texture makes it a standout choice on any dessert table. Simple ingredients come together seamlessly, allowing you to create a show-stopping treat that can be prepared ahead of time, letting the flavors meld beautifully before serving.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 2/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup cold butter
- 1 egg
- 2/3 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 3 eggs
- 1 1/3 cups almond flour
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
Instructions
- For the crust: In a food processor, combine flour, powdered sugar, almond flour, and salt. Add cold butter and pulse until crumbly. Mix in the egg until dough forms. Chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out dough and fit into a tart pan. Bake for about 15 minutes or until lightly golden.
- For the filling: Beat softened butter and granulated sugar until creamy. Mix in salt and eggs one at a time, then incorporate almond flour and regular flour.
- Pour the filling into the baked crust and top with sliced almonds. Bake for an additional 35-40 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool for at least an hour before slicing.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (105g)
- Calories: 328
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 124mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 72mg
Keywords: Use cold butter for a flaky crust. Don’t overmix the filling to keep it light. Add vanilla extract or orange zest to enhance flavor.