The best tips for baking an almond tart are to properly incorporate quality ingredients, blind bake the crust, and balance the almond flavor in the dessert. Almond tarts generally consist of a classic small pastry crust and a sweet almond-laden filling. Ingredient quality and use have the greatest influence on the flavor and texture of the baked almond tart. Blind baking is the technique of partially cooking a raw crust prior to filling it for the finishing bake. A successful almond tart is a combination of complex textures and flavors working well together.
Using the highest quality ingredients for the crust and almond tart filling increase the chances of dessert success. Almond tarts only require a few basic ingredients, so every one makes a difference. Blanched or skinless sliced almonds lack the brown fibrous outer layer of the nut that can get caught between teeth. Cold fresh butter cut into the flour at the last minute and can result in a light, flaky crust. An almond tart cooled on a rack is able to release moisture as it cools to retain a crispy crust.
A careful blind bake generally ensures thoroughly and evenly cooked crusts on almond tarts. Many bakers puncture the base of the crust with a fork to vent moisture from the dough during the blind bake. Pie weights can be used to keep the almond tart crust even while it bakes without filling. Protecting the outer rim of the crust with a narrow strip of aluminum foil allows it to cook without burning. Once the crust is lightly browned, the weights and foil ring can be removed to make way for the filling.
Almond tarts are relatively simply designed to feature the mild nutty flavor of the almond. Sliced almonds, almond liqueur, and almond extract are commonly used in the filling of almond tarts. Corn syrup and sugar are often added to sweeten and balance the earthy flavor of the almond. The majority of the alcohol in the liquor evaporates when the almond tart filling is cooked to a thick liquid on the stovetop. It is important to taste the almond-flavored filling when it has cooled slightly so the seasoning can be adjusted before tarts are filled.
Personalized twists on almond tarts incorporate a variety of flavors and seasonings. The basic almond tart recipe can be customized to create something different than the traditional pastry. New seasoning varieties of almond tarts are more likely to work when the baking basics are done right.
