When it comes to desserts that strike the perfect balance between fresh fruit and nutty richness, a Blueberry Almond Tart is hard to beat. This elegant yet approachable dessert combines a crisp, buttery crust with a fragrant almond filling and a topping of juicy, vibrant blueberries. Whether you’re hosting a special occasion or simply craving a refined treat, this tart delivers layers of texture and flavor that are sure to impress.
In this article, we’ll explore the key elements that make the Blueberry Almond Tart so irresistible, share a detailed recipe with tips, and offer presentation ideas, nutritional insights, and variations to make it your own.
Why a Blueberry Almond Tart?
The magic of this tart lies in the harmony of its components:
- Flaky, Buttery Crust: A classic tart shell made from shortcrust pastry provides a sturdy yet tender base.
- Fragrant Almond Cream (Frangipane): This luscious filling is made from ground almonds, butter, sugar, and eggs, adding moistness and a rich, nutty flavor.
- Fresh Blueberries: Juicy, slightly tart blueberries provide a burst of freshness and vibrant color, perfectly complementing the almond cream.
- A Touch of Sweetness: The natural sugars from the fruit and almond cream are balanced perfectly, making it not too sweet but deeply satisfying.
This tart is the perfect dessert for spring and summer when blueberries are in season but works wonderfully year-round using frozen berries.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the crust:
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2-3 tablespoons cold water
For the almond cream (frangipane):
- ¾ cup almond flour (ground almonds)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
For the topping:
- 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen blueberries
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (optional)
- 1 tablespoon sliced almonds (for garnish)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Chilling Time (for dough): 1 hour
- Bake Time: 40–45 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 2 hours (including chilling)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the crust:
In a food processor, pulse together flour, sugar, and salt. Add cold butter cubes and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add egg yolk and cold water, one tablespoon at a time, pulsing until the dough starts to come together.
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead into a ball. Flatten into a disk, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least one hour.
2. Prepare the almond cream:
In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in almond flour, flour, and vanilla extract until smooth.
3. Assemble the tart:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer it to a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom, pressing it into the edges. Trim excess dough.
Spread the almond cream evenly over the crust. Arrange blueberries on top in a single layer. Sprinkle with sugar if desired, and scatter sliced almonds over the berries.
4. Bake:
Bake for 40–45 minutes or until the almond cream is set and the crust is golden. The berries should be tender and juicy.
5. Cool and serve:
Let the tart cool completely before removing it from the pan. Dust with powdered sugar just before serving, if desired.
Presentation Tips
- Serve slices on elegant dessert plates with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and freshness.
- A drizzle of honey or a dusting of toasted almonds adds extra flair.
- For a rustic touch, serve the tart directly on a wooden board with fresh berries scattered around.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Based on 8 servings, approximate values per slice:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 6g
- Fiber: 3g
The almond flour adds healthy fats and protein, while fresh blueberries contribute antioxidants and vitamins.
Variations and Customizations
- Fruit Swap: Substitute blueberries with raspberries, blackberries, or sliced stone fruits like peaches or plums.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend for the crust.
- Extra Citrus: Add lemon zest to the almond cream for a bright twist.
- Vegan Adaptation: Use dairy-free butter, flax eggs (for binding), and plant-based yogurt in place of eggs and dairy.
Why You Should Make This Blueberry Almond Tart
This tart offers an elegant yet accessible way to showcase seasonal fruit and the rich flavors of almond cream. Its balance of textures—from crisp crust to creamy filling and juicy fruit—makes every bite a delight.
Whether it’s a summer picnic, a festive brunch, or a casual dinner dessert, the Blueberry Almond Tart fits effortlessly into any occasion. It’s a crowd-pleaser that combines beauty and flavor, and with this straightforward recipe, you can confidently create a bakery-worthy dessert at home.
So, gather your ingredients and treat yourself and your loved ones to a slice of this deliciously nutty, fruity tart today!