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Almond tart

⏱ 75 min🍳 45 min👤 6 pp★★★☆☆

The almond tart is a delicious dessert from the Italian pastry-making tradition. It’s a variant of the classic tart which is usually filled with a jam, whereas in this version it has a delicious creamy filling in which almonds and lemon blend perfectly the delicacy of the ricotta. It’s ideal for breakfast, but also for children's snacks or as a delicious dessert... your guests will be delighted by the contrast of crunchy pastry with creamy and fragrant filling. The almond tart is simple to make but very satisfying, popular with adults and children alike. It’s a dessert that can be made with your children, who will enjoy helping you to decorate it in any way you choose. In this version we have made a classic lattice-style decoration, but you can indulge your artistic creativity. Serve your tart with a sprinkling of icing sugar.

Ingredients

Nutritional values 520 kcal / serving
Protein
11g
Carbohydrates
58g
Fat
28g
Fiber
2g

* approximate values per serving

Information
75 minutes Total time
45 minutes Active time
Serves 6 persons
★★★☆☆ Challenging

Preparation

Prepare all the ingredients. Beat 100g of butter with 100g of sugar. Add 1 egg yolk and a pinch of salt. Work the mixture with your hands while adding the flour, and knead well. Form a ball, wrap it in cling film and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least half an hour. Grate the lemon zest. Prepare the almond cream by mixing the ricotta with 50g of icing sugar, ground almonds, one egg and the lemon zest. Stir the mixture carefully. Take the dough out of the refrigerator and roll it out thinly with the help of a little flour and a rolling pin. Line a greased and floured baking tin with the pastry dough, keeping aside a little for decorations. Fill with the almond cream. Cut out strips of dough and place them on the tart as decoration. Bake for about 45 minutes at 170°C. Serve the almond tart when it is completely cooled.

Tips
Use only organic lemons and be careful not to use the white pithy part of the outer section of the lemon, which is very bitter.
Trivia
The almond is obviously the seed of the almond tree and is widely used in Italian cooking, especially from Sicily, and lends itself to both sweet and savoury dishes.

Step by step

Ingredients
Ingredients
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Additional information

Almond Tart with Ricotta and Lemon Cream

A delicious variation of the classic almond tart includes the addition of a fluffy ricotta cream and lemon zest. To prepare it, start by following the basic recipe for the tart, but once the shortcrust pastry is rolled out, fill the shell with a cream made of ricotta, powdered sugar, and chopped almonds. The freshness of the lemon will add a citrusy touch that enhances the flavor of the almonds. This combination not only enriches the dish but also offers a creamy texture that pleasantly contrasts with the crunchiness of the shortcrust pastry. You can decorate the surface with slivered almonds or powdered sugar for a final touch that will make your tart even more inviting.

Almond Tart in Italian Tradition

The almond tart is a typical dessert of Italian tradition, but you can make it even more special by preparing it according to regional variations. For example, in some areas of southern Italy, ingredients like sheep's ricotta are used for a more intense flavor. Other variations include the addition of a touch of cinnamon or liqueur to flavor the cream. For those who enjoy richer desserts, you might also consider using a shortcrust pastry base made with clarified butter, which will provide greater flakiness. Each region has its interpretation, making this dessert a true symbol of Italy's culinary diversity.

Light Almond Tart with Low-Fat Ricotta

For those who wish to enjoy the almond tart without feeling heavy, it is possible to prepare a light version using low-fat ricotta and substituting sugar with natural sweeteners like xylitol or erythritol. Additionally, you can opt for a shortcrust pastry made with whole wheat flour, which offers a higher fiber content and a lower glycemic index. Butter can also be reduced or replaced with a light vegetable oil. This variant not only maintains the characteristic flavor of almonds but is also lighter and suitable for those following a controlled diet without giving up the pleasure of a homemade dessert.

Almond Tart: Benefits of Almonds and Calories

Almonds, the main ingredient of the tart, are a superfood rich in nutrients. They contain monounsaturated fats, proteins, fiber, and vitamins such as vitamin E, which is a powerful antioxidant. Furthermore, almonds are known for their benefits to heart health and cholesterol control. A serving of almond tart, considering typical ingredients, provides about 300-350 calories, depending on the portions and variations used. Choosing quality ingredients and moderating quantities can make this dessert not only a pleasure but also a nutritious choice.

Can the Almond Tart be Frozen?

Yes, the almond tart can be frozen without any problems. It is advisable to do so before adding any decorations or glazes, to keep the flavors and texture of the dessert intact. To freeze it, make sure it is completely cooled and then wrap it well in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. This way, you can store it in the freezer for about 2-3 months. When you want to enjoy it, simply let it thaw at room temperature or in the refrigerator for a few hours. This will allow you to always have a dessert ready to serve on special occasions or when you crave something sweet and homemade.