Name: French Almond Plum Tart Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 Ridiculously Easy Press-in Shortbread Tart Crust (sweet version), prepared in a 9-inch tart pan; 7 tablespoons very soft butter; ⅓ cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ¼ teaspoon almond extract; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 cup almond flour (not almond meal); ¼ teaspoon kosher salt; 4-5 fresh plums (red plums recommended; black plums, apricots, or nectarines also suitable); 1 ½ tablespoons granulated sugar (preferably vanilla sugar) for sprinkling; 2 tablespoons apricot jam (or apple or currant jelly; use 3 tablespoons if straining apricot jam)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 33 reviews

There is something truly magical about the combination of tender almond cream set beneath juicy, slightly tart plums that makes this French Almond Plum Tart Recipe an absolute showstopper. This delightful dessert balances the rich nuttiness of frangipane with the fresh, vibrant flavors of ripe plums nestled in a crisp, buttery shortbread crust. Every bite is a harmonious dance of textures and tastes that feels both elegant and inviting, perfect for sharing with friends or savoring as a special treat for yourself.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a large pile of fresh apricots closely packed together. Each apricot is round and smooth with a vivid mix of yellow and orange colors, with some parts tinged in reddish-pink. The apricots have a soft, velvety texture with slight indentations and natural imperfections on their skin. The pile forms a dense, uneven layer with no visible container, resting on a white marbled textured surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this French Almond Plum Tart Recipe lies in its simple, pantry-friendly ingredients—all of which come together to create that perfect blend of creamy, fruity, and buttery goodness. Each element plays a crucial role, from the delicate almond flour adding depth to the frangipane to the fresh plums bringing a burst of color and flavor.

Ridiculously Easy Press-in Shortbread Tart Crust: A sweet, buttery base that is effortlessly pressed into the pan and forms the perfect foundation for the tart.
7 tablespoons very soft butter: Provides richness and moisture to the almond cream filling.
⅓ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the frangipane while balancing the natural tartness of the plums.
2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients in the filling with a silky texture.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warm, aromatic depth.
¼ teaspoon almond extract: Intensifies the nutty almond flavor that makes this tart so distinctive.
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Gives structure to the filling without weighing it down.
1 cup almond flour (not almond meal): The star ingredient for the frangipane’s creamy, nutty base.
¼ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors perfectly.
4-5 fresh plums: Whether red, black, or even apricots and nectarines, these add juicy sweetness and a beautiful pop of color.
1 ½ tablespoons granulated sugar (for sprinkling): Provides a slight caramelized crunch on top; vanilla sugar is a lovely variation.
2 tablespoons apricot jam (or apple or currant jelly): A glossy finish that adds shine and extra flavor with a silky touch.

How to Make French Almond Plum Tart Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Tart Crust

Start by preparing the Ridiculously Easy Press-in Shortbread Tart Crust. Press this luscious, buttery dough into your 9-inch tart pan to create an even layer. This crust is delightfully simple and will bake to golden perfection while bringing a delicate sweetness and lovely crunch to every bite. Once shaped, bake and let it cool completely before moving on.

Step 2: Make the Frangipane Filling

Whisk together the softened butter and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy, which creates the luscious base for the filling. Next, add the eggs along with the vanilla and almond extracts and mix until fully combined. Stir in the all-purpose flour, almond flour, and kosher salt to form a velvety batter that will bake into a moist, nutty cream beneath the plums.

Step 3: Assemble the Tart

Spread the frangipane mixture evenly into the cooled shortbread crust, smoothing it out with a spatula. This almond cream layer is the heart of the tart and will soak up the plum juices beautifully in the oven.

Step 4: Prepare and Arrange the Plums

Slice the fresh plums in half and remove their pits. Then cut each half into thin slices approximately ⅛-inch thick. Begin arranging the plum slices from the outer edge of the tart inward, overlapping them slightly and pressing gently into the frangipane. This creates a stunning layered pattern that is both visually captivating and ensures a juicy plum-topped bite in every slice.

Step 5: Bake and Glaze

Sprinkle the arranged plums with the remaining granulated sugar to encourage caramelization during baking. Place the tart on a lined sheet pan and bake at 350˚F for about 25-35 minutes. The tart is ready when the center no longer jiggles. While still warm, brush the top with heated apricot jam or jelly to add a shiny, sweet glaze that also seals in the plum’s moisture.

How to Serve French Almond Plum Tart Recipe

A round tart with a golden brown crust forms the base layer, topped with neatly arranged thin slices of peach that create a spiral pattern from the outer edge toward the center. The peach slices have a shiny, glazed orange and red surface, giving a fresh and juicy look. The tart is set on a white plate with a raised, leaf-patterned edge, placed on a white marbled surface. Around the tart are small yellow flowers, a stack of white plates with gold utensils on top, and a blue patterned cloth underneath the plates, adding decorative touches. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For a truly indulgent serving, add a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream alongside each slice. A sprinkle of toasted almond flakes or a dusting of powdered sugar can also elevate the presentation and add a touch of elegance.

Side Dishes

This tart pairs wonderfully with a light green salad dressed in a bright vinaigrette or a cup of freshly brewed tea. The contrast between fresh and fruity elements alongside the rich tart makes for an elevated yet approachable dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your French Almond Plum Tart Recipe on a beautiful rustic wooden board for a casual gathering, or plate individual slices with a drizzle of dark chocolate or berry coulis for a refined twist. You can also create mini versions using tartlet pans for charming bite-sized treats at parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover tart in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate for up to four days. Keep it covered to maintain the crust’s crispness and to keep the plums moist and flavorful.

Freezing

You can freeze the baked tart wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for up to one month. To enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge and refresh by warming it slightly to bring back that fresh-baked texture.

Reheating

Reheat slices gently in a low oven (around 300˚F) for 8-10 minutes to revive the crust’s crunch and warm the filling without drying it out. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the crust crisp.

FAQs

Can I use other fruits besides plums?

Absolutely! This French Almond Plum Tart Recipe adapts beautifully to other stone fruits like apricots, nectarines, or even peaches, adding delightfully different flavors while keeping the same almond cream base.

What if I don’t have almond flour? Can I use almond meal instead?

Almond flour is preferred because it’s finer and produces a smoother frangipane, but if you only have almond meal, use it cautiously—it may give a slightly coarser texture but still works in a pinch.

Is it necessary to use almond extract if the frangipane already has almond flour?

While optional, almond extract enhances the tart’s nutty flavor dramatically, making it more pronounced and irresistible, so it’s worth adding for an authentic taste.

Can I make the tart crust from scratch?

Definitely! The Ridiculously Easy Press-in Shortbread Tart Crust is simple to prepare at home and adds a wonderful buttery crunch, but feel free to use a pre-made sweet tart dough if you’re short on time.

How ripe should the plums be for this tart?

Choose plums that are ripe but still firm to the touch—they’ll hold their shape during baking while releasing enough juice to complement the almond cream perfectly.

Final Thoughts

This French Almond Plum Tart Recipe has a special place in my heart because of how effortlessly it blends straightforward ingredients into a stunning dessert that’s equally gorgeous and delicious. Once you try it, you’ll discover why it’s such a beloved classic. So grab some fresh plums, roll up your sleeves, and treat yourself to a slice of this divine tart—you deserve it!