Summer Fruit Tart with Almond Cream

This is one of the simplest fruit tarts to make. Juicy fruits are embedded in a rich almond frangipane, making it easy to slice, and it keeps well, too. So now that we’ve got that out of the way, let’s talk about nectarines.

Peaches get a lot of press. Yes, they’re juicy and yes they’re sweet. But honestly, I prefer the more assertive flavor of nectarines, with their slightly tooth-resistant skin, just enough to provide contrast to the juicy flesh, but not enough to make them necessary to peel. Yay for that as well.

But that’s about all I’m going to add because one of my fingers is in a splint for a while, which makes typing a bit of a challenge. Actually, it’s fine…unless I have to type something on the left side of my keyboard. Then everything looks like the cat walked across my keyboard, which I could blame if I had a cat.

I guess I was lucky that it happened in the doctor’s office, which surprised both her and me. (I think I’m probably the only person in French medical history to have injured himself stepping out of his trousers.) I’m also surprised how important my middle finger is, although usually it’s the one on my right hand that gets more use. So am happy that one still works just fine.

Fortunately this tart requires little explanation. A crisp, buttery crust spread with flavorful almond cream then topped with summer fruits. In this case, the sweet tanginess of nectarines pairs well with plump raspberries, which bake up into the perfect wedge. But you’re welcome to use another favorite fruit. I’m made some suggestions before the recipe, which luckily I typed before my left finger went out of commission, because I didn’t want you to have to wait a few weeks until its straightened back out, literally.

Summer Fruit Tart with Frangipane (Almond Cream)

You can use another stone fruit. Peaches should be peeled but don’t peel nectarines, plums, or apricots. In the winter, it can be made with poached pears. In place of the raspberries, blueberries, cherries, another bushberry can be used. It’s classic to use blanched almond flour for frangipane, but feel free to use unblanched almond flour. Hazelnut, walnut, or even pistachio flour are fine to use as well, if those are available.

Servings 8 servings

4 ounces (115g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1/2 cup (100g) sugar
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1 cup (130g) almond flour
2 teaspoons dark rum or 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon almond extract
big pinch of salt
3 nectarines (about 12 ounces, 370g), or another stone fruit, such as plums, peaches (peeled), or apricots
4 ounces raspberries
One prebaked 9- 10-inch (23cm), tart shell, cooled
Strained , apricot jam for glazing, if desired

Preheat the oven to 375ºF (190ºC).
Make the frangipane by beating the butter and sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment until fluffy – about 1 minute on high speed. Add the eggs one by one, stopping the mixer and scraping down the sides of the bowl after adding each. (You can also make it by hand, beating the butter and adding the other ingredients, in a medium bowl, using a spatula.)
Remove the bowl from the mixer and stir in the almond flour, then the rum or vanilla extract, almond extract, and salt. Spread the frangipane in the cooled tart dough. Halve the nectarines and slice them into eighths. (The slices should be about 2 1/2-inch, 6cm thick.) Press the slices into the frangipane, in concentric circles, and press the raspberries into the frangipane, in between the nectarine slices.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the tart is golden brown across the top. Let cool, then brush lightly with apricot jam, if desired. If it’s not liquid enough to brush on, warm the jam gently in a small saucepan.

Serving: Serve warm or at room temperature by itself, with whipped cream, or a favorite ice cream, such as vanilla ice cream.
Storage: Once baked, the tart will keep for 2-3 days at room temperature.

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