If you’re a fan of elegant French desserts with a nutty, fruity twist, you’re going to adore this Raspberry Almond Frangipane Tart Recipe. It’s a harmonious blend of buttery almond crust, rich frangipane filling, and vibrant fresh raspberries — basically, a little slice of heaven you can share with friends.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I fell in love with this tart during my time at the Institute of Culinary Education, and I’ve kept coming back to it ever since. It’s one of those show-stopping desserts that look fancy but are totally doable in your own kitchen.
- Classic French Technique: The almond frangipane is made with the traditional tant pour tant method, resulting in a wonderfully rich texture.
- Fresh & Bright: Fresh raspberries and a layer of raspberry preserves add the perfect burst of sweetness and brightness to balance the nuttiness.
- Versatile Baking: Whether you want one large tart to impress or smaller individual tarts to share, this recipe works beautifully both ways.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep the filling and tart shell ahead, making it ideal for celebrations or elegant treats anytime.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Shopping for this tart? The ingredient list is pretty simple but packed with quality staples that make all the difference. Use blanched almond flour and fresh raspberries for the best flavor, and don’t skimp on a good raspberry preserve like Bonne Maman.
- Blanched almond flour: Gives the frangipane its signature nutty richness and buttery texture; finely ground for smoothness.
- Sugar: Sweetens the filling while balancing the tartness of the raspberries.
- Butter: Essential for both the frangipane’s creaminess and the crumbly sablé tart shell.
- Almond extract: Enhances and deepens the almond flavors throughout the tart.
- Egg yolks: Provide richness and structure to the frangipane filling.
- Cake flour: Lightens the texture of the frangipane for a tender bite.
- Almond sablé tart dough: The buttery base that’s crisp yet tender, perfectly complementing the creamy filling.
- Raspberry preserves: Adds a vibrant, sweet-tart layer underneath the filling for contrast.
- Fresh raspberries: The stars of the tart, bringing juicy brightness and beautiful color.
- Sliced blanched almonds: Provide a delicate crunch and nutty garnish on top.
Make It Your Way
One of the best things about this Raspberry Almond Frangipane Tart Recipe is how easy it is to add your own personal twist. Whether you want to experiment with different berries or even nuts, there’s room to make it truly yours without losing that classic French charm.
- Berry Swap: I’ve tried swapping raspberries with blackberries or blueberries when raspberries aren’t in season. The tart is just as gorgeous and delicious, with the same beautiful balance of sweet and tangy.
- Nut Variations: While almonds are traditional, pecans or walnuts work nicely if you want a slightly earthier flavor. Just pulse them finely so the texture stays smooth.
- Individual Tarts for Entertaining: I love making the small 3 ½" tarts for parties. They’re adorable, portion-controlled, and bake up beautifully with just a bit less time. Plus, guests get to pick their own fruit and nut combinations!
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free almond sablé tart dough to keep the recipe friendly for gluten-sensitive friends, without sacrificing that buttery crust.
- Seasonal Flair: In spring, try topping with fresh peach slices or cherries instead of berries for a lovely seasonal update.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Raspberry Almond Frangipane Tart Recipe
Step 1: Create Your Luxurious Almond Frangipane Filling
Start by pulsing the blanched almond flour and sugar in your food processor until the mixture is finely ground and sandy—almost powdery. This is your classic almond-sugar blend, or tant pour tant, which forms the rich base. Transfer it to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment.
Next, add the softened butter and mix on low speed until every bit is fully incorporated. This will create a creamy, velvety base. Add the almond extract for that unmistakable nutty aroma, then pour in the egg yolks one at a time. Mix on medium speed until the frangipane is smooth and luscious, with no lumps.
Finally, sift in the cake flour and pulse on low speed until the mixture is silky and spreadable. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl to ensure an even, cohesive filling. Pop the frangipane into the fridge to chill—it’s easier to spread when it’s cool but let it warm slightly to room temperature before assembling your tart.
Step 2: Prepare Your Tart Shell and Preserve Layer
Use a beautiful almond sablé tart shell dough rolled out to fit a large 10" (25 cm) tart pan, or opt for the smaller individual tart shells if preferred. Spread a generous but thin layer—about 200 grams (⅔ cup)—of raspberry preserves evenly across the bottom of your unbaked tart shell. This layer adds a pop of bright, fruity sweetness beneath the creamy frangipane.
Pop the tart into the freezer for a brief chill. This quick freeze firms up the preserves, so when you add the frangipane filling, it won’t mix or slide around—trust me, this little trick makes the assembly nice and neat!
Step 3: Spread the Frangipane Filling with Care
Take your chilled tart shell out of the freezer and dollop the almond frangipane filling over the raspberry preserves. Using a small offset spatula or the back of a spoon, gently smooth an even layer of filling across the base. The goal here is to have the filling about half full before you add the berries, so there’s enough room for it to gently rise up and cradle the fruit as it bakes.
Be careful not to disturb that beautiful layer of preserves underneath—you want that clean separation and flavor contrast in every bite.
Step 4: Arrange Your Fresh Raspberries and Almonds
Now comes the fun part—arranging the fresh raspberries. I like to place them in neat, concentric circles about a quarter inch apart. This spacing lets the frangipane peek through and ensures the berries bake evenly. Press each raspberry gently into the filling to secure them.
Finally, scatter the sliced blanched almonds between the berries. The almonds toast beautifully in the oven during baking, adding a lovely crunch and a hint of nuttiness that complements the frangipane perfectly.
Step 5: Baking to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350° F (175° C). Bake the large tart for 55 to 60 minutes, or if you’ve opted for small individual tarts, bake them for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know the frangipane is done when it’s set and a wooden skewer inserted into the filling comes out clean. The crust should be a beautiful, golden brown with toasted almonds on top.
Let the tart cool completely before slicing so the filling can set nicely—then, enjoy your delightful French-inspired creation!
Top Tip
Mastering the Raspberry Almond Frangipane Tart Recipe is all about attention to detail and layering flavors thoughtfully. These tips will elevate your baking experience and help you achieve a perfect tart every time.
- Chill Your Filling: Letting the frangipane filling chill until firm makes it easier to handle and spread without disturbing the raspberry preserves underneath.
- Freeze the Raspberry Preserves Layer: Freezing the preserves briefly before adding the filling prevents layers from mixing and creates a distinct, bright flavor burst under the frangipane.
- Press Berries Gently: When arranging raspberries on top, gently press them into the frangipane so they stay embedded during baking and distribute flavor evenly.
- Avoid Overfilling Your Tart Shell: Filling the tart shell about halfway with frangipane before adding berries lets the filling rise around the fruit beautifully as it bakes.
How to Serve Raspberry Almond Frangipane Tart Recipe
Garnishes
To add a final touch, dust your tart lightly with powdered sugar or a sprinkle of toasted sliced almonds for extra crunch. A small dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of warm honey pairs beautifully with the tart’s almond and raspberry flavors. Fresh mint leaves can also brighten the presentation and add a subtle freshness.
Side Dishes
Serve slices alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a spoonful of crème fraîche for creaminess that complements the rich almond frangipane. For a lighter option, a simple mixed green salad with a citrus vinaigrette creates a lovely contrast and refreshes the palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Raspberry Almond Frangipane Tart tightly covered in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days while maintaining its delicate flavors and texture. Bring slices to room temperature before serving to enjoy the full almond aroma.
Freezing
You can freeze the tart unbaked after assembling but before baking. Wrap it tightly to prevent freezer burn, and bake it directly from frozen, adding an extra 10–15 minutes to the bake time. For baked tart leftovers, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then foil; freeze up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating
To reheat, warm tart slices in a 325°F (160°C) oven for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving to preserve the crispness of the almond sablé crust. Reheating gently refreshes the flavors and texture without sogginess.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes! While almonds are traditional and provide the classic flavor for this tart, you can try walnuts or pecans. Keep in mind the texture and flavor will vary, but the preparation method remains the same.
You can use individually quick frozen (IQF) raspberries if fresh aren’t available. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before arranging on the tart to avoid excess moisture making the filling soggy.
The frangipane is ready when it is set and a wooden skewer inserted into the filling comes out clean. The crust should also be a lovely golden brown at this point.
Absolutely! This recipe works wonderfully for smaller individual tarts approximately 3 ½ inches in diameter. Follow the same layering steps and adjust the baking time to 35–40 minutes per tart.
Final Thoughts
Making the Raspberry Almond Frangipane Tart Recipe is such a rewarding experience. From the nutty, buttery frangipane to the vibrant pop of fresh raspberries, each bite feels special. Whether you're baking for a celebration or simply indulging in a lovely homemade treat, this tart brings a touch of French elegance into your kitchen that’s sure to impress and delight. Happy baking!
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Raspberry Almond Frangipane Tart Recipe
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Chilling Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Raspberry Almond Frangipane Tart features a buttery almond sablé tart shell filled with a rich almond frangipane and topped with fresh raspberries and sliced almonds. A layer of raspberry preserves adds brightness and sweetness, making this classic French-inspired dessert perfect for celebrations or an elegant treat.
Ingredients
Almond Frangipane Filling
- 95 grams blanched almond flour (1 cup)
- 95 grams sugar (½ cup)
- 125 grams butter, softened (1 stick + 1 Tablespoon / 9 Tablespoons)
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- 100 grams egg yolks (5 large)
- 50 grams cake flour, sifted (⅓ cup + 1 Tablespoon)
Almond Sablé Tart Shell
- 375 grams dough for one large 10" diameter tart shell (unbaked)
Raspberry Preserves
- 200 grams raspberry preserves (⅔ cup, Bonne Maman)
Raspberries
- 340 grams fresh raspberries (2 containers, 170 grams each)
Almonds
- 45 grams sliced blanched almonds (¼ cup + 2 Tablespoons)
Instructions
- Prepare the Frangipane Filling: Process the almond flour (or sliced almonds) with the sugar in a food processor until finely ground. Transfer this mixture to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment.
- Incorporate Butter: Add the softened butter to the almond-sugar mixture and mix on low speed until fully incorporated.
- Add Flavor and Egg Yolks: Add the almond extract, then add the egg yolks one at a time while mixing on medium speed until smooth and creamy.
- Add Cake Flour: Pulse in the sifted cake flour on low speed until the mixture becomes smooth. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl and mix again to ensure even incorporation.
- Chill the Filling: Refrigerate the frangipane filling until needed. When ready to use, let it come to room temperature for easier spreading.
- Assemble Large Tart: Spread a thin layer of raspberry preserves on the bottom of the unbaked tart shell, then freeze it briefly to firm the preserves for easier spreading of the filling.
- Add Frangipane Filling: Place dollops of the frangipane filling over the raspberry preserves. Gently spread the filling evenly with a small offset spatula or the back of a spoon, taking care not to disturb the preserves.
- Arrange Raspberries: Arrange fresh raspberries in neat concentric circles about a quarter inch apart on top of the frangipane, ensuring there is filling between the berries. Press them gently into the filling.
- Add Sliced Almonds: Scatter the sliced blanched almonds between the raspberries over the filling.
- For Small Individual Tarts: Follow the same layering procedure for each tart shell, spreading 1 tablespoon (20 grams) of preserves, freezing briefly, then adding 35 grams of frangipane filling and arranging about 7 raspberries per tart. Scatter sliced almonds between berries, then proceed to bake.
- Bake: Bake at 350° F (175° C) for 55 to 60 minutes for the large tart, or 35 to 40 minutes for small individual tarts, until the frangipane is set and a wooden skewer inserted in the filling comes out clean. The crust should be golden brown.
Notes
- This is a classic French pastry preparation learned at the Institute of Culinary Education and features a blend of finely ground almonds and sugar known as TPT (tant pour tant).
- Frangipane can be made with different nuts such as walnuts or pecans but almonds are most common and traditional.
- Use fresh raspberries or other berries such as blueberries or blackberries; avoid strawberries as they are too watery for this recipe.
- When using harder fruits like apples or pears, it’s best to poach them first or slice very thinly before adding to frangipane.
- Ensure the tart shell is half full of frangipane before adding berries to allow the filling to rise around the fruit during baking.
- Individual tart portions are approximately 3 ½ inches (8.75 cm) in diameter.
- Freezing the raspberry preserves layer before adding filling helps prevent mixing and makes spreading easier.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tart slice (⅛ of tart)
- Calories: 360 kcal
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 100 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
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