This delicious southern Plum Frangipane Tart is filled with a decadent frangipane almond cream and topped with juicy prune plums. The recipe can easily be adapted to use other (or no) fruit as well.
If you've been following along my blog for a while, you may have noticed that when I make dessert, I often try to use real, whole ingredients and no refined sugar. Today's recipe does NOT fall into that healthier category.
I believe in the concept of moderation, so once in a while we all should have a real (full fat, white sugar) treat without a guilty conscience. A little indulgence never hurt! And, this amazing tart should be fully enjoyed for every single bite (and calorie, for that matter).
This Consistency Is Like Almond Butter!
When I shared my spiced plum butter recipe, I told you about the case of fresh prune plums my mom managed to bring me at the end of October! I posted the picture of the plums on Instagram and Facebook and asked for some recipe suggestions. A wonderful reader sent me the recipe for this amazing pie in a message (Thank you, Senecea!).
This tart consists of a par-baked pie crust filled with the most decadent of fillings. The frangipane almond cream made me think of marzipan pudding. I don't know of the existence of such a think. But if there was something like marzipan pudding, THIS is what it should taste like.
Use More Fruit, Other Fruit, Or No Fruit At All!
The Plum Frangipane Tart could be enjoyed with any kind of fruit (that pairs well with almonds) or even no fruit at all. But I LOVED the combination of it with plums. Next time (although I might have to wait until next summer), I would use even more delicious plums in it. From the pictures you can see that the crust could handle a little more filling (at least in my pie dish).
Maybe you are all pie-d out from Thanksgiving, but this Plum Frangipane Tart is worth it to start your Christmas menu planning early. For a cozy Christmas dinner, I could totally see this pie with orange segments and/or cranberries.
Recipe
Plum Frangipane Tart
Ingredients
- 1 pie crust blind baked for 10 minutes @ 350F
- 2 cups almonds blanched
- 1 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 cup sugar
- 4 eggs
- 1 tablespoon almond extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 - 2 pounds plums or other fruit of choice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 F. Prepare a pie crust in a large glass pie dish.
- In a food processor, grind the almonds to a fine, dry powder, pulsing on and off and scraping the sides and to avoid grinding the nuts into a sticky, oily paste. Set aside. (Instead, you could also use 280 grams of almond flour).
- In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter and the sugar. Stir well so that they are thoroughly and evenly mixed together. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well before you add the next one.
- Add the ground almonds, almond extract, and salt, and stir to combine everything evenly.
- Pour the thick filling into the warm par baked crust, top with pitted fruit and place on the middle rack of the oven. Bake until the edges puff up and the center is fairly firm, wiggling only a little when gently nudged, 40-60 minutes. (If the top starts to brown to much, cover with an aluminum foil tent at around 20 minutes). Allow to cool for at least 20 minutes and serve either warm or at room temperature.
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Recipe from Southern Pies by Nancie McDermott
Now, if you were to ask me, the best way to serve a Southern pie like this, is topped with a scoop of freshly churned vanilla ice cream. Not sure about the best way to make homemade ice cream? Check out my reviews of the best ice cream makers here.
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Common Questions
Frangipane is a French almond cream, so a frangipane tart is French in origin.
Frangipane is more like a cake batter. It's made from ground almonds, sugar, butter, eggs, and often a bit of flour. It bakes into a cake-like texture.
The frangipane tart filling is made from a decadent mixture of ground almonds, sugar, butter, eggs, and sometimes a touch of flour or other flavorings.
Frangipane is typically used in various pastries and tarts. It's a versatile filling that pairs well with a variety of fruits.
Frangipane and Bakewell are related but different. Frangipane is a sweet almond filling used in various pastries. A Bakewell tart typically has a layer of jam, frangipane, and sometimes a layer of icing, while a frangipane tart like this one might not include jam and focuses on the almond cream.
It's called a frangipane tart because it features the key ingredient, frangipane, as its rich and delicious filling.
If your frangipane turns out soggy, it could be due to underbaking or too much moisture from the fruit used. Be sure to bake it until it's set and not overly wet. Additionally, pre-baking the crust can help prevent sogginess by creating a barrier between the crust and the filling.
Mads
Would it be possible to sub the blanched almonds with almond flour/meal? Is possible, how much almond flour should I use?
Regina
You can use 280 grams almond meal/flour instead. That is about 3 cups
Missmila
I just made this pie and it is the most beautiful, fragrant pie I have ever made!! Turned out perfectly baked around 50 minutes. Beautiful golden brown top... Waiting to cut in to it tomorrow!!
Regina
Missmila thank you so much for your beautiful review! I hope you will be just as amazed once you try it 🙂
jennyblue
I made this with fresh apricots for Christmas, and I'm going to make it with fresh sweet cherries today!! The apricots are delicious, I think the cherries will be too.
Regina
This sounds amazing!! Both apricots and cherries are so great with almond. Would love a slice of each right about now! 😉
Thalia @ butter and brioche
I love almond pies and tarts.. this looks seriously so delicious. You definitely could cut me a slice right now!
Regina
Oh I am right there with you! Would love a slice right now 😉
Jacquee @ I Sugar Coat It!
Looks delightful! I'll take two slices, with fresh plums! (LOL - you know how I feel about cooked fruit).
Regina
Haha, yes I know 😉 If I could find some fresh plums in December I would serve them with your slices!
Caralyn @ glutenfreehappytummy
those plums.....swoon 🙂
Regina
I know eh? I love plums and couldn't believe I got to enjoy fresh ones in November still!