Nectarine and almond tart
Nectarine and Almond Tart
Discover the pleasure of a nectarine and almond tart, an elegant dessert perfect for any occasion. This recipe combines the juicy sweetness of nectarines with the intense flavor of almonds, resulting in a tart that will delight any sweet tooth. Whether you serve it at a festive table or simply during a relaxing afternoon, this tart will bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 8
Ingredients
Dough:
- 225 g flour
- 125 g butter (cubed, at room temperature)
- 150 ml cold water
- a pinch of salt
- vanilla essence (a few drops)
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
Almond Cream:
- 2 eggs
- 100 g butter (cubed, at room temperature)
- 100 g almond powder
- 100 g sugar
- 1 tablespoon flour
Apricot Glaze:
- 4 tablespoons apricot jam
- 2 tablespoons water
- 3 nectarines (or peaches, as preferred)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- juice of one lemon
Preparing the Tart
Step 1: Making the Dough
1. In a bowl, combine the flour, cubed butter, powdered sugar, and a pinch of salt. Use your fingers to mix the ingredients until the mixture resembles fine crumbs.
2. Gradually add the cold water and a few drops of vanilla essence. Knead the dough until it becomes smooth, but do not over-knead. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.
3. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest in the refrigerator for 15 minutes. This will make the dough easier to roll out.
Step 2: Baking the Dough
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (or 160°C if using a fan oven).
2. Remove the dough from the refrigerator and roll it out on a floured surface. Make sure the dough is thick enough to hold its shape.
3. Transfer the dough to a tart pan, gently pressing the edges to secure it.
4. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake the dough for 15 minutes, until it turns lightly golden. Once done, remove it from the oven and let it cool.
Step 3: Making the Almond Cream
1. In a mixer, add the softened butter, sugar, and almond flour. Mix until the mixture becomes creamy and smooth.
2. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Also add the tablespoon of flour, mixing again until smooth.
3. Pour the almond cream over the cooled tart dough and level it with a spatula.
Step 4: Preparing the Nectarines
1. Wash the nectarines and slice them thinly, removing the pits.
2. In a bowl, mix the nectarine slices with sugar and lemon juice, letting them sit for 10 minutes. This step will help enhance the flavors and naturally caramelize the fruits.
Step 5: Assembling the Tart
1. Arrange the nectarine slices on top of the almond cream in the pan, spreading them evenly.
2. Put the tart in the oven for another 30 minutes or until the cream is slightly golden and the fruits are soft.
Step 6: Preparing the Glaze
1. In a small saucepan, combine the apricot jam with water and simmer over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth.
2. Once the tart is ready, remove it from the oven and, using a brush, glaze the nectarine slices with the apricot glaze for a shiny finish.
Helpful Tips
- Sugar: You can adjust the amount of sugar based on the sweetness of the nectarines. If you prefer a less sweet dessert, reduce the sugar in the cream.
- Almond flour: If you don’t have almond flour on hand, you can use whole almonds that you grind in a blender. Make sure to achieve a fine consistency to not affect the texture of the cream.
- Fruit variation: This tart is versatile! You can replace nectarines with peaches, apricots, or even plums, depending on the season. Each variation will bring a distinct and delicious note.
- Serving: Serve the tart warm or at room temperature, alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. These will perfectly complement the delicate flavors of the dessert.
Nutritional Benefits
This nectarine and almond tart is not only a treat but also a good source of nutrients. Nectarines are rich in vitamins A and C, which contribute to a healthy immune system, while almonds are packed with healthy fats and proteins. Almond flour also provides a significant amount of fiber, aiding digestion.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use other types of flour?
Yes, you can experiment with whole wheat flour or oat flour, but the texture and taste will be different.
2. How long can the tart be stored?
The tart keeps well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container.
3. Is it possible to freeze the tart?
Yes, you can freeze the tart before baking it. Make sure to wrap it well in plastic wrap and place it in a sealed container.
In conclusion, this nectarine and almond tart is an ideal choice to impress guests or simply to indulge after a long day. So, prepare to savor each slice and enjoy the moments spent in the kitchen!
Ingredients: Dough: 225 g flour, 125 g butter (cubed), 150 ml water, a pinch of salt, vanilla essence, 3 tablespoons powdered sugar. Almond cream: 2 eggs, 100 g butter (cubed, at room temperature), 100 g almond powder, 100 g sugar, 1 tablespoon flour. Apricot glaze: 4 tablespoons apricot jam, 2 tablespoons water, 3 nectarines, 2 tablespoons sugar, juice of one lemon.
