Jamie Oliver’s Frangipane Tart Recipe

Jamie Oliver’s Frangipane Tart offers a perfect blend of rich, buttery pastry with the nutty sweetness of almond filling, creating a deliciously indulgent dessert that’s ideal for any occasion. It’s simple to make, yet elegant and impressive, perfect for both novice bakers and experienced chefs.

What Is Jamie Oliver’s Frangipane Tart

Jamie Oliver’s Frangipane Tart is a delectable dessert that combines a crisp, buttery shortcrust pastry base with a rich almond frangipane filling. The tart is usually topped with fresh seasonal fruit, such as pears, apples, or berries, giving it both visual appeal and a balance of sweetness and tartness.

The frangipane filling, made from ground almonds, butter, sugar, and eggs, has a smooth and slightly dense texture that contrasts beautifully with the lightness of the pastry. Jamie’s recipe simplifies the process, ensuring a fail-proof approach to this classic French-inspired treat.

Jamie Oliver’s Frangipane Tart Recipe

Ingredients Needed

To make Jamie Oliver’s Frangipane Tart, you will need the following ingredients:

For The Pastry

• 250g plain flour
• 125g unsalted butter (cold, cut into cubes)
• 50g caster sugar
• 1 egg yolk
• 2 tablespoons cold water (as needed)

For The Frangipane Filling

• 200g ground almonds
• 200g unsalted butter (softened)
• 200g caster sugar
• 4 eggs
• 1 teaspoon almond extract (optional, for added almond flavor)
• 1 tablespoon plain flour
• Zest of 1 lemon (optional)

For Topping

• Fresh seasonal fruit (e.g., pears, apples, or raspberries)
• Icing sugar for dusting (optional)

Equipment Needed

To prepare Jamie Oliver’s Frangipane Tart, the following equipment is essential:

• Tart tin (around 22cm in diameter)
• Food processor (for making pastry, optional)
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or electric mixer
• Rolling pin
• Baking parchment and baking beans (for blind baking)
• Pastry brush
• Knife or mandolin slicer (for preparing the fruit)
• Cooling rack (for cooling the tart)

How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Frangipane Tart?

1. Prepare The Pastry

   • Begin by making the shortcrust pastry. In a food processor, pulse the flour, butter, and sugar until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Alternatively, rub the butter into the flour by hand.
   • Add the egg yolk and just enough cold water to bring the dough together. Wrap the dough in cling film and chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.

2. Blind Bake The Pastry

   • Roll out the chilled pastry on a lightly floured surface to fit your tart tin. Press the pastry into the tin, trimming any excess. Prick the base with a fork to prevent bubbles during baking.
   • Line the pastry with baking parchment and fill with baking beans or rice. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for about 15 minutes. Remove the parchment and beans, then bake for another 5 minutes until golden and crisp.

3. Prepare The Frangipane Filling

   • While the pastry is cooling, make the frangipane filling. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and caster sugar together until creamy and light.
   • Add the ground almonds, eggs, flour, and almond extract, if using. Mix until smooth and well combined.

4. Assemble The Tart

   • Once the pastry has cooled slightly, spread a thin layer of jam (apricot or raspberry) over the base. This adds extra flavor and helps prevent the pastry from becoming soggy.
   • Spoon the frangipane filling over the jam and smooth it out evenly.

5. Bake The Tart

   • Bake the tart at 180°C (350°F) for 25-30 minutes, or until the frangipane is golden brown and set in the center.

6. Add Fruit

   • If you’re using fruit like pears, apples, or berries, slice and arrange them on top of the frangipane filling. Bake the tart for an additional 5-10 minutes until the fruit is tender.

7. Cool And Serve

   • Allow the tart to cool completely on a cooling rack before removing it from the tin.
   • Optionally, dust with icing sugar before serving.

Expert Tips

• For a crispier base: Blind bake the pastry for a few minutes longer to ensure it stays crisp, especially if you’re adding juicy fruit toppings.
• Use chilled butter: Cold butter in the pastry ensures a flaky, buttery texture. Keep the ingredients cold until it’s time to assemble.
• Fruit variations: While classic fruits like pears and apples work wonderfully, try experimenting with raspberries, figs, or even plums for a seasonal twist.
• Flavor boost: Add a splash of vanilla extract to the frangipane for extra depth of flavor or experiment with lemon zest to brighten up the almond filling.
• Perfect Frangipane Texture: Don’t overmix the frangipane filling, as it can make the tart too dense. Mix just until combined.

Jamie Oliver’s Frangipane Tart is a must-try dessert for anyone looking to bake a sophisticated yet accessible treat. With its buttery pastry, almond filling, and seasonal fruit topping, it’s perfect for any celebration or casual afternoon tea.

This tart marries rich flavors with beautiful textures, creating a dessert that’s both comforting and indulgent. Whether you’re a novice baker or a seasoned chef, this recipe is easy to follow and promises to impress every time. Try it, and you’ll be rewarded with a golden, fragrant dessert that’s bound to become a favorite in your repertoire.

Easy Recipe Variations For Jamie Oliver’s Frangipane Tart

Jamie Oliver’s Frangipane Tart is a delightful dessert that beautifully combines a crisp pastry base with a rich, almond-flavored filling. It’s a classic recipe, but it offers plenty of room for creativity. Here are some easy variations to elevate this treat or tailor it to your personal taste:

1. Fruit-Filled Frangipane Tart:
   While Jamie Oliver’s original recipe is simple and elegant on its own, you can enhance it by adding fresh fruits. Berries like raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries work wonderfully, or you can use stone fruits like peaches, plums, or apricots. The tart’s almond flavor complements these fruits perfectly, and they add a lovely burst of color and freshness to the dish.

2. Citrus Twist:
   Add a zesty twist by incorporating citrus into your frangipane tart. A little orange zest or lemon zest in the filling can give it a fragrant, bright flavor. You could even top it with thin slices of candied citrus peel or drizzle some citrus glaze over the finished tart for extra shine and flavor.

3. Nutty Variations:
   If you’re a fan of different nuts, you can swap out some of the almonds in the frangipane for other nuts. Hazelnuts or pistachios, for example, will add a unique richness to the filling. You could even make a blend of mixed nuts for a more complex flavor.

4. Chocolate Frangipane Tart:
   For chocolate lovers, incorporate melted dark or milk chocolate into the frangipane filling. You could swirl it through the almond cream or mix it in entirely for a decadent, rich chocolate-almond combination. This variation pairs especially well with raspberries or cherries for a fruity contrast.

5. Spiced Frangipane Tart:
   To add some warmth to your tart, try spicing up the frangipane. A dash of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even cardamom can bring a cozy, aromatic depth to the tart. These spices are especially delicious when paired with apples, pears, or even figs.

6. Vegan Frangipane Tart:
   You can also make a vegan version of the frangipane tart by substituting dairy and eggs. Use plant-based butter or coconut oil for the pastry, and replace the egg with a flax egg or aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas). Almond milk works well as a replacement for regular milk in the filling. For an extra layer of richness, use ground cashews or another nut in place of eggs for the frangipane.

7. Caramelized Banana Frangipane Tart:
   Add caramelized bananas to your frangipane tart for a deliciously sweet and tropical variation. The bananas, when cooked in butter and sugar, develop a deep, rich flavor that pairs wonderfully with the almond filling. You can even add a splash of rum or vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.

Best Practices To Store Leftovers

Storing leftover frangipane tart properly ensures that you can enjoy it at its best for a few days after baking. Here are some helpful tips for keeping your tart fresh:

1. Room Temperature Storage:
   If you plan to eat the leftovers within a day or two, you can simply store the frangipane tart at room temperature. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel or place it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. This helps preserve the crispy texture of the pastry and prevents it from getting soggy.

2. Refrigeration:
   For longer storage (up to 4 days), place the tart in the refrigerator. However, to avoid the pastry becoming soft, it’s a good idea to cover it loosely with foil or wax paper. Don’t wrap it too tightly, as it can create condensation, which makes the pastry soggy.

3. Freezing:
   If you want to store the tart for an extended period (up to a month), freezing is an excellent option. First, allow the tart to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw the tart at room temperature for a few hours before serving. If you prefer warm tart, you can reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.

4. Reheating:
   Reheating a frangipane tart requires care to avoid making the pastry too soft. The best method is to use the oven rather than the microwave. Reheat the tart in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, depending on the size of the tart, until it’s warm and the pastry is slightly crisp again.

What Goes Well With Frangipane Tart?

Frangipane tart is a versatile dessert that pairs wonderfully with a variety of accompaniments, whether you’re looking for something sweet, tangy, or even savory. Here are a few options to consider:

1. Fresh Cream or Whipped Cream:
   A dollop of fresh whipped cream or a light drizzle of cream adds a luxurious, creamy contrast to the almond filling of the tart. You can also infuse the cream with vanilla, orange zest, or even a splash of liqueur like amaretto or Grand Marnier to complement the flavors in the tart.

2. Ice Cream:
   If you’re looking for a cold treat to pair with your frangipane tart, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a rich almond-flavored gelato is a perfect match. The creaminess of the ice cream contrasts the crunch of the pastry, creating a delightful contrast in textures.

3. Fruits and Berries:
   Fresh berries such as raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries are always a great pairing with frangipane tart. Their tartness balances the richness of the frangipane filling. You can also serve the tart with a fruit compote, like a raspberry or apricot compote, to add a sweet and tangy note.

4. Citrus Sorbet:
   A refreshing citrus sorbet, such as lemon or orange, can provide a zesty, palate-cleansing contrast to the richness of the tart. It’s especially wonderful if you’ve added citrus to the tart itself.

5. Coffee or Tea:
   For a more sophisticated pairing, serve the frangipane tart with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a delicate tea, like Earl Grey or jasmine. The warmth of the beverage complements the nuttiness of the frangipane while providing a comforting end to the meal.

6. Sherry or Dessert Wine:
   For those who enjoy pairing desserts with wines, a glass of lightly chilled sweet wine or a glass of sherry can enhance the flavors of the tart. Opt for a sweet white wine like Sauternes or Muscat, or a fortified wine like Tawny Port for a decadent match.

Conclusion

Jamie Oliver’s Frangipane Tart is a delicious and versatile dessert that can easily be customized to suit your preferences. Whether you’re adding fruit, spices, or chocolate, there’s no limit to how you can make this tart your own.

Best of all, it’s simple to prepare yet sophisticated enough for special occasions. By following best practices for storing leftovers and pairing it with complementary flavors like whipped cream, fruit, or a warming beverage, you can ensure that your tart remains an irresistible treat for days to come.

FAQs

What Is Frangipane?

Frangipane is a creamy, almond-flavored filling used in many tarts and pastries. It is typically made with a mixture of ground almonds, butter, sugar, and eggs.

Can I Use A Different Type Of Nut Instead Of Almonds For Frangipane?

Yes, you can substitute ground almonds with other nuts such as hazelnuts or pistachios, though the flavor will change slightly. Make sure to adjust the texture for consistency.

How Do I Make The Shortcrust Pastry For Jamie Oliver’s Frangipane Tart?

The shortcrust pastry is made by mixing flour, butter, sugar, and a little water to form a dough. Once combined, the dough should be chilled before rolling it out and fitting it into a tart pan.

Can I Use Store-bought Pastry For Jamie Oliver’s Frangipane Tart?

Yes, you can use store-bought shortcrust pastry to save time. Just make sure it’s thawed properly before using it to line your tart tin.

What Fruits Can I Use In Jamie Oliver’s Frangipane Tart?

You can use a variety of fruits such as pears, apples, raspberries, or even peaches. The recipe allows for flexibility, so choose your favorite fruit.

How Long Does It Take To Bake Jamie Oliver’s Frangipane Tart?

The tart usually takes about 40 to 45 minutes to bake at 180°C (350°F) until the filling is set and golden brown. Baking times can vary depending on your oven and the size of your tart.

Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Frangipane Tart Ahead Of Time?

Yes, you can make the tart ahead of time. It keeps well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. To serve, you can warm it slightly in the oven or enjoy it chilled.

What Is The Best Way To Store Jamie Oliver’s Frangipane Tart?

Store the tart in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. You can also freeze the tart, but the texture of the pastry might change upon thawing.

Can I Use A Different Sweetener Instead Of Sugar In The Frangipane Filling?

You can experiment with alternative sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or stevia. However, keep in mind that these can affect the texture and flavor of the filling.

How Do I Know When The Frangipane Tart Is Done Baking?

The tart is done when the frangipane filling is golden brown on top and set in the center. You can insert a skewer or knife to check if it comes out clean.