Delicious Apricot and Almond Tartlets: A French-inspired treat with buttery pastry and sweet almond filling

These apricot and almond tartlets are a delicious combination of buttery puff pastry, sweet almond filling and fresh apricots. Inspired by the elegance of French cafés, these tartlets feature a crisp shortcrust pastry base, a rich almond filling and juicy apricots, topped with flaked almonds and a dusting of icing sugar. Perfect for a sophisticated dessert or a special treat, these tartlets bring the flavours of France into your kitchen in a simple and accessible way.

Why you'll love this:

You’ll love these apricot and almond tartlets because they strike the perfect balance of textures and flavors. The crisp, buttery pastry contrasts beautifully with the creamy almond filling, while the fresh apricots add a burst of juicy sweetness. The addition of flaked almonds on top adds a delicious crunch. These tartlets are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them a perfect dessert for entertaining or enjoying a quiet indulgence.

Perfect opportunity:

These tartlets are perfect for special occasions such as brunches, tea parties or elegant dinners. Their refined flavour and beautiful presentation make them a great choice for parties, birthdays or as a delicious treat to enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea. They are also ideal for gifting, as their individual size makes them easy to wrap and share with friends and loved ones.

Decorating tips:

For an extra touch of elegance, dust the cooled tarts with icing sugar just before serving. You can also add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for an extra indulgent touch. Garnish with a few extra flaked almonds or a fresh mint leaf to enhance the presentation. The golden brown colour of the pastry combined with the vibrant apricots creates a beautiful and inviting dessert that is sure to impress.

Ingredients:

For the dough:

• 100 grams of unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 pinch of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 cups all-purpose flour (200-240 grams)

For the almond filling:

• 1 cup ground almonds
• 100 grams of melted butter
• 4 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 sachet vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Other ingredients:

• 4-5 diced apricots
• Slivered almonds
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions:

1. Prepare the dough:
   • In a bowl, mix together the butter, sugar, egg, salt, baking powder and flour. Mix until smooth.
   • Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator while you prepare the filling.

2. Prepare the almond filling:
   • In another bowl, mix together the ground almonds, sugar, vanilla extract and egg until well combined.
   • Add the melted butter and stir until completely incorporated.
   • Finally, stir in the flour until the filling is smooth and combined.
3. Assemble the tartlets:
   • Preheat your oven to 180°C. Carefully butter your tartlet molds.
   • Roll out the cooled dough on a lightly floured work surface and cut out circles to fit your tartlet molds.
   • Press the dough into the molds and prick the bottom with a fork to prevent it from rising.
   • Fill each tart shell with the almond filling, spreading it evenly.
   • Garnish with diced apricots and sprinkle with flaked almonds.
4. Cooking the tartlets:
   • Place the tartlet molds on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the tartlets are golden brown and cooked through.

5. Finish and serve:
   • Allow the tartlets to cool completely before unmolding.
   • Dust with icing sugar before serving.

Appreciate!