Cherry Jam Frangipane Tartlets Recipe
Category: Desserts
Servings: 4
These delicate Cherry Jam Frangipane Tartlets are a treat for both the eyes and the palate. A buttery, flaky shortcrust pastry is paired with a creamy almond frangipane filling and topped with a luscious cherry jam, making these tartlets an irresistible combination of flavors. Perfect for an afternoon tea or as a sweet ending to any meal, these tarts are easy to make and visually stunning.
Ingredients
For the Shortcrust Pastry
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter (cold, cubed) | 270g |
| All-purpose flour (sifted) | 500g |
| Egg yolks | 4 |
| Powdered sugar | 200g |
| Pinch of salt | 1 pinch |
For the Frangipane Filling
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter (softened) | 100g |
| Eggs | 2 |
| Sugar | 120g |
| Almond flour | 150g |
For Assembling
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cherry jam | 250g |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Shortcrust Pastry
Begin by preparing the shortcrust pastry. In a food processor, combine the sifted all-purpose flour, a pinch of salt, and cold cubed butter. Pulse the ingredients together until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with a sandy texture.
Add the egg yolks and powdered sugar to the mixture, and continue to pulse until the dough begins to come together. Once the dough has absorbed the flour, turn it out onto a work surface and knead briefly to bring it into a smooth ball.
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow it to rest and firm up. -
Prepare the Frangipane Filling
While the dough is chilling, prepare the frangipane filling. In a bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar using an electric hand mixer until light and fluffy.
Once the butter and sugar are well combined, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Gradually fold in the almond flour and continue mixing until smooth. Transfer the frangipane mixture to a piping bag, without a nozzle, and refrigerate it until needed. -
Shape the Tartlets
Once the dough has chilled, lightly flour your work surface and roll the dough out to approximately 1 cm thick. Using a 14 cm round cutter, cut out 4 discs of dough.
If you wish to make a single large tart, you can use a 28 cm tart pan with a 4 cm high edge. Carefully place the dough discs into tartlet pans, pressing them gently to fit the shape.
Refrigerate the pastry-lined pans while you prepare the filling. -
Assemble the Tartlets
Preheat your oven to 170°C (or 150°C for a fan-assisted oven).
Take the prepared piping bag filled with the frangipane mixture and pipe a thin layer (about 1 cm deep) into each tartlet shell.
Next, take the cherry jam and spoon a generous amount on top of the frangipane filling in each tartlet. Be careful not to overfill; a small spoonful will do the trick. -
Decorate the Tartlets
Roll out any remaining shortcrust pastry to a thickness of about 4 mm. Using a crimped pastry wheel, cut 1 cm wide strips of dough.
Arrange these strips diagonally over the filled tartlets in a crisscross pattern to create a lattice effect. Press the edges gently to secure the strips in place. -
Bake the Tartlets
Place the tartlets in the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes (or 30 minutes in a fan oven). The pastry should be golden and crisp, while the frangipane filling should be set.
Once baked, remove the tartlets from the oven and allow them to cool on a wire rack. -
Serve
Once completely cooled, carefully remove the tartlets from their pans. Serve them fresh or store them in an airtight container. Enjoy these delightful tartlets with a cup of tea or as a sweet treat after dinner.
Tips for Success
- Chill the dough: Make sure to chill your dough before rolling it out, as this will help it hold its shape while baking and prevent shrinkage.
- Use quality jam: The cherry jam is an essential part of the flavor profile of these tartlets. Opt for a good-quality, thick jam for the best results.
- Frangipane filling: If you prefer a more pronounced almond flavor, you can add a few drops of almond extract to the frangipane filling.
These Cherry Jam Frangipane Tartlets are sure to impress anyone who tries them. The crisp pastry combined with the smooth almond filling and the tart sweetness of cherry jam makes for an unforgettable dessert. Whether you’re serving them at a gathering or enjoying them on a quiet afternoon, these tartlets are a perfect choice.
