Sweet Almond Flaky Pastry Tarts

I made these Sweet Almond Flaky Pastry Tarts because I have a weakness for anything that looks fancy but is mostly just butter in disguise. They’re delicate, nutty, flaky little rounds that somehow make guests think I spent more time than five minutes shoving store-bought pastry with a spoonful of frangipane into an oven. Special? Yes — especially if you enjoy pastry that collapses into buttery shards the second you try to photograph it. Try it because dessert that makes you look extra is my kind of magic trick.

Once, I served these at a family brunch and my husband announced loudly that he’d “help with the presentation.” He then rearranged the tarts into a spiral on the platter and used a spatula like a tiny landscaping trowel. Cue a cascading pastry avalanche and my mother calmly suggesting we call it modern art. My kid tried to “help” by sprinkling powdered sugar through a colander and created what looked like a crime scene. I laughed, he cried, and we ate the best imperfect tarts I’ve ever made. Also: yes, I still washed all the dishes. No, there aren’t fewer of them.

Time-Saving Hacks

– Use store-bought puff pastry. Yes, the pastry police will judge, but your oven won’t.
– Pre-toast the almonds in a skillet while you microwave your coffee. Multi-tasking like a semi-responsible adult.
– Skip piping and dollop the filling with a spoon. You’ll get charmingly rustic tarts and fewer dishes to scrub.
– Bake on a parchment-lined sheet or silicone mat. Less scrubbing; more couch time. (I mean, quality control.)
– If in a real hurry, make the filling the night before. It improves flavor and makes mornings tolerable.

Serving Ideas

– Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Hot + cold = dessert math.
– Drizzle with honey or apricot jam for sparkle and an excuse to use a pastry brush like a tool of destiny.
– Garnish with slivered almonds and a dusting of powdered sugar so people think you’re precise. You’re not. It’s okay.
– Pair with a strong coffee for brunch, or a late-afternoon tea if you’re pretending to be civilized.
– Serve with wine if the kids drove you nuts that morning — no judgment here.

What to Serve It With

A simple green salad for brunch balance (or as a dessert side if you’re feeling optimistic), espresso, or a chilled glass of Moscato for elevated snacking. Fruit like berries or poached pears also play well if you want to look seasonal.

✔Tips & Mistakes

– Don’t overfill: The frangipane puffs and will spill over. It’s delicious but messy and you’ll regret it when you scrub the tray.
– Keep it cold: If your kitchen is a hot mess, chill the pastry before baking so you don’t end up with greasy pancakes.
– Watch the bake time: Too pale = underdone filling, too dark = cardboard chic. Aim for golden edges and slightly caramelized tops.
– Burn alert: Almonds toast quickly. My smoke alarm and I are not friends, so stay close.

✔Storage Tips

Store it in the fridge… if there’s any left. Cold midnight leftovers? Sometimes better than fresh. For longer storage, freeze flat on a sheet, then transfer to a bag. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes to crisp the pastry back up — microwave will make them sad and soggy.

✔Variations and Substitutions

Swap whatever you want—sugar ↔ honey, soy sauce ↔ tamari, or skip steps and call it “deconstructed.” It still counts. You can add citrus zest to the filling, swap almonds for hazelnuts, or drop in a spoonful of jam under the filling for a fruity surprise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sweet Almond Flaky Pastry Tarts

A delightful treat featuring flaky pastry filled with sweet almond cream.

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Prep Time: 30 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes minutes

Servings: 8

Calories: 120kcal

Ingredients

 

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Main Ingredients

• ▢ 1.25 cups all-purpose flour Plus extra for dusting.
• ▢ 0.5 cups unsalted butter Chilled and diced.
• ▢ 2 tbsp granulated sugar For dough.
• ▢ 1 large egg yolk For added richness.
• ▢ 0.75 cups almond paste Finely ground.
• ▢ 0.5 cups powdered sugar For sweetness.
• ▢ 1 tsp vanilla extract "A hint of flavor.

Instructions

Preparation Steps

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, diced butter, and granulated sugar until crumbly.
• Stir in the egg yolk and mix until the dough forms.
• Roll the dough on a floured surface and cut into circles.
• In another bowl, mix almond paste, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract.
• Spoon almond mixture onto each dough circle and fold over to create tarts.
• Place tarts on a baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes until golden.
• Let cool before serving.

Notes

For an extra touch, drizzle with chocolate or serve with fresh fruit.