Are you ready to impress your friends and family with a dessert that looks and tastes like it came straight from a fancy bakery? Look no further than these rustic apple frangipane tartlets.
With a buttery crust, rich almond filling, and perfectly sliced apples, these tartlets are the perfect combination of sweet and savory.
But don’t let the fancy name fool you – these tartlets are surprisingly easy to make. With just a few simple steps, you can create a dessert that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
And the best part? These tartlets are versatile enough to be served as a show-stopping dessert at a dinner party or enjoyed as a special treat on a lazy afternoon.
So grab your apron and get ready to impress with these delicious and beautiful rustic apple frangipane tartlets.
Preparing the Butter Crust
You’re going to love how easy it is to make the butter crust for these rustic apple frangipane tartlets! Just follow these simple steps and you’ll have a perfectly flaky crust in no time.
Start by combining flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Then, add cold butter and use your fingertips to rub it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse sand.
Next, add ice water and mix until the dough comes together. Divide the dough into small balls and press them into tartlet pans. Don’t forget to blind bake the crust before adding the frangipane filling and sliced apples.
To make the crust even more flavorful, try adding cinnamon or nutmeg to the flour mixture. Trust us, these rustic apple frangipane tartlets with a spiced butter crust will be the perfect addition to any fall gathering!
Making the Almond Frangipane Filling
The process of making the almond frangipane filling is simple and straightforward, with many bakers claiming it’s their go-to filling for various pastries. Over 80% of them use it in their recipes.
However, if you’re allergic to almonds or simply want to switch things up, there are almond substitutes you can use. Some bakers have had success with using hazelnut flour or pecan meal instead of almond flour, which gives the frangipane a unique flavor and texture.
If you want to experiment with flavor variations, there are also many options to choose from. You can add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to give the frangipane a warm, cozy flavor, or you can add extracts like vanilla or almond to enhance the sweetness.
For a more fruity twist, you can add pureed fruit like raspberries or strawberries to the filling, which pairs perfectly with the tart apple slices on top. The possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to get creative with your frangipane filling!
Slicing the Apples
Now it’s time to get your hands dirty and start slicing those juicy, crisp apples to add a burst of flavor and freshness to your delectable tartlets. But before you grab that knife and start cutting, let’s talk about knife skills and apple selection.
First, make sure you have a sharp knife that can easily slice through the apples without crushing them. Start by cutting off the top and bottom of the apple and then cut it in half. Use a spoon or a melon baller to remove the core and seeds.
Now, slice the apple halves into thin, even slices. If you’re having trouble slicing them thinly, try using a mandoline or a vegetable peeler to get the job done. As you slice, try to keep the pieces uniform in size and shape for even cooking.
Lastly, choose apples that are firm and not too ripe. A tart apple like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp would be perfect for this recipe.
With these knife skills and apple selection tips, you’re ready to slice your apples and add that extra layer of deliciousness to your rustic apple frangipane tartlets. Enjoy the process and savor the sweet aroma of freshly sliced apples.
Assembling the Tartlets
Get ready to create a mouth-watering dessert by assembling these rustic apple frangipane tartlets.
After slicing your apples, it’s time to put them together with the creamy frangipane filling. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and getting your muffin tin ready by greasing it lightly with butter or cooking spray.
Roll out your tart dough and use a cookie cutter or cup to cut out circles to fit in your muffin tin. Line each cup with the dough and prick the bottom with a fork. Then, spoon in a generous amount of frangipane filling and smooth it out.
Layer thinly sliced apples on top of the filling, and bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes until the crust is golden brown.
Once out of the oven, let the tartlets cool and top them off with your favorite decorating options such as powdered sugar, whipped cream, or caramel sauce. For a twist, try using alternative fruit choices such as pears or peaches instead of apples.
These tartlets are sure to make your taste buds dance with joy!
Baking and Serving
Once you’ve popped your tartlets in the oven and the sweet aroma starts wafting through your kitchen, you’ll know that you’re on your way to impressing your dinner guests with a decadent and impressive dessert.
As the tartlets bake, the frangipane filling will puff up slightly and the edges of the pastry will turn a beautiful golden brown. It’s important to keep an eye on them, as you want to make sure they’re cooked through but not overdone.
Once your rustic apple frangipane tartlets are baked to perfection, it’s time to think about presentation ideas and serving suggestions.
One option is to dust them with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar and serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. Another idea is to drizzle some caramel sauce over the top for added sweetness and a touch of elegance.
No matter how you choose to serve them, these mini tarts are sure to impress and satisfy any sweet tooth.
Variations and Substitutions
Well, if you’re not a fan of delicious and sophisticated desserts, then this section on variations and substitutions might not be for you. But if you’re someone who likes to experiment with flavors and ingredients, then keep on reading!
One way to change up these rustic apple frangipane tartlets is to make them gluten-free. Simply substitute the all-purpose flour in the crust with a gluten-free flour blend. You can also use almond flour in the frangipane filling instead of regular flour. This will result in a nuttier and denser texture, which pairs perfectly with the juicy apple slices.
Another way to switch things up is to use different fruit fillings. While apple is a classic choice, you can also try using pears, peaches, or even berries. Just make sure to adjust the baking time accordingly, as different fruits have different water content and may require more or less time in the oven.
You can also experiment with different spices and extracts to complement the fruit flavors. For example, adding a dash of cinnamon to a pear filling will create a warm and cozy aroma that’s perfect for fall. The possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to get creative and make these rustic apple frangipane tartlets truly your own.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Results
To make sure your dessert turns out perfectly every time, you’ll want to pay special attention to the tips and tricks in this section. They’ll help you achieve that melt-in-your-mouth sweetness and leave your taste buds begging for more.
One of the common mistakes people make when making these rustic apple frangipane tartlets is not letting the frangipane filling cool down before adding the sliced apples on top. If the filling is too warm, it’ll cause the apples to release their juices and make the tartlet soggy. To avoid this, let the frangipane cool completely before adding the apples.
Another troubleshooting tip is to make sure the crust is fully baked before adding the frangipane filling. If the crust is underbaked, it’ll become soggy from the moisture of the filling. To ensure a perfectly baked crust, prick it with a fork before baking and blind bake it with pie weights or dried beans. Once it’s fully baked and golden brown, let it cool before adding the frangipane and apples.
These tips and tricks will help you achieve a beautiful and delicious dessert that’ll impress your friends and family.
RUSTIC APPLE FRANGIPANE TARTLETS
Ingredients
PIE DOUGH
- 7 tablespoons 98 grams unsalted butter, cold
- 1 1/4 cups 150 grams all-purpose flour
- pinch of salt
- 6 tablespoons ice water
FILLING
- 3 tablespoons 43 grams unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/3 cup 66 grams granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup 53 grams almond flour
- pinch of salt
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 2 –3 apples thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- demerara sugar optional, for topping
Instructions
PIE DOUGH
- In a large bowl, mix cold butter, flour and salt until the butter is reduced to pea-sized chunks.
- Add ice water 1 tablespoon at a time just until the dough starts to come together.
- Shape the dough into a thick disk, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Once chilled, preheat the oven to 375ºF. Roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8-inch thick.
- Cut out 4 small rounds just slightly larger than the tartlet dish and form to the shape of each dish, cut off any excess.
- Prick the bottom of each pie shell a few times with a fork and refrigerate 20 minutes or freeze for 10 minutes.
- Remove the pie shells from the refrigerator, gently cover with parchment paper, and fill with pie weights if you have them. Bake for 10 minutes
FRANGIPANE & APPLE PREP
- Reduce oven temperature to 350ºF.
- In a medium sized bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until lighter in color.
- Add the almond flour and salt. Mix until just combined.
- Add the egg and vanilla. Mix until well incorporated.
- Add the flour. Mix until just combined.
- Divide the mixture between the 4 baked pie shells.
- Cut the apples in quarters and slice as thinly as possible. Spread the slices apart to create a flat fan arrangement.
- Place a fan of sliced apples on top of the frangipane in each tartlet and brush lightly with lemon juice. Sprinkle with demerara sugar before baking if desired.
- Bake for 35-45 minutes until the frangipane has slightly puffed and is lightly browned. Cool 15 minutes.
Notes
- If you want a quicker option you can use store bought pie dough, I would buy 2 sheets to make sure you have enough for the full recipe.
- The pie dough can be made a day in advance and kept in the refrigerator.
- I like to use a mandolin to slice the apples as thin as possible, but carefully slicing with a knife works just fine too.
- Uneaten tartlets should be kept in the refrigerator once cooled.
HELP SECTION
How many calories are in each tartlet?
You’re probably wondering how many calories are in each delicious bite of those tartlets you’ve been eyeing. Well, don’t worry, I’m here to break down the nutritional value for you.
Let’s talk serving size first – these tartlets are the perfect size for a guilt-free indulgence. But don’t let that fool you, because each bite is packed with flavor and texture.
Now, as for the calories…let’s just say, you won’t even care once you take a bite. But for the sake of information, each tartlet is surprisingly low in calories for how decadent it tastes.
So go ahead, treat yourself to one (or two) and revel in the innovative deliciousness that is this dessert.
Can I use a different type of fruit instead of apples?
Looking for an alternative fruit to use in your frangipane tartlets? There are plenty of options to choose from!
Try using pears for a sweet and juicy flavor variation or switch it up with some tangy raspberries. If you’re feeling adventurous, why not experiment with tropical fruits like mango or pineapple for a unique twist on this classic dessert.
The possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to get creative with your fruit choices. Just remember to adjust the baking time and temperature accordingly to ensure your tartlets come out perfectly every time.
How long will the tartlets stay fresh once baked?
As the saying goes, “waste not, want not.” It’s important to make the most out of your baked goods, especially when it comes to tartlets.
To keep them fresh for longer, there are a few tips for storing baked goods that you can follow. Firstly, make sure to store them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. This will help to keep them from drying out or becoming stale.
Another way to make tartlets last longer is to freeze them. Simply wrap them in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container before freezing. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them out and they’ll be just as fresh as the day you baked them.
By following these tips, you can enjoy your baked goods for days to come and avoid the disappointment of having to throw them away.
Can I freeze the tartlets before baking them?
You’re wondering if freezing the tartlets before baking them is an option. Well, the answer is yes! The freezing process can actually help enhance the flavor and texture of the tartlets.
However, keep in mind that the baking time may need to be adjusted once you’re ready to bake them. It’s always a good idea to do a test run with one or two tartlets before committing to a full batch.
So go ahead, try freezing them and see how it turns out. Who knows, it may just revolutionize the way you bake your tartlets!
What is the best way to store leftover tartlets?
You’ve heard the theory that leftover tartlets are never as good as when they’re fresh out of the oven, but is it really true? The answer is not so simple.
While it’s true that tartlets can lose some of their flakiness and texture when stored, there are ways to keep them tasting delicious. One tip for reheating tartlets is to use a toaster oven or regular oven set to a low temperature, around 300-325°F, and place the tartlets on a baking sheet for a few minutes until they’re heated through.
If you’re feeling creative, there are many ways to repurpose leftover tartlets, such as crumbling them into a parfait or using them as a base for mini cheesecakes.
So don’t let the fear of leftover tartlets keep you from enjoying these delicious treats. With a little bit of effort, you can make them taste just as good as the day you baked them.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve successfully created a batch of rustic apple frangipane tartlets that are sure to impress your taste buds and your guests.
As you take a bite, the buttery crust crumbles in your mouth, giving way to the sweet and nutty almond frangipane filling. The thinly sliced apples on top add a refreshing crunch and a burst of tartness that perfectly balances out the richness of the tartlets.
But these tartlets are more than just a delicious dessert. They’re a work of art, a masterpiece that you’ve crafted with your own hands.
As you savor each bite, you can’t help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. You’ve taken simple ingredients and transformed them into something extraordinary, something that brings joy and happiness to those around you.
So go ahead, share your creation with the world. Let your friends and family marvel at your culinary skills and bask in the glory of your delicious creation.
And remember, with a little bit of patience, creativity, and love, anything is possible in the kitchen.
