EASY Almond Tart

This almond tart recipe was shared with me during an unforgettable Avalon Waterways cruise along the Danube. What makes this European-style dessert so incredible is the way caramelized sugar transforms almonds into a rich, candy-like topping that sits perfectly on a buttery, tender crust. If you’re ready to get started, hit the “jump to recipe” button. Or scroll through below for more tips and tricks!

Avalon’s Almond Tart Demonstration

One of the greatest joys of river cruising is the incredible food experiences that await you both on and off the ship. During an Avalon Waterways cruise, I was constantly amazed by the culinary adventures we encountered. From the hands-on cooking class in Vienna where we learned to make the perfect crispy schnitzel, creamy Austrian potato salad, and delicate apple strudel, to the exceptional meals served aboard our ship each day, every bite was a delicious celebration. 

Back on board the ship as we sailed between quaint little villages, the ship’s executive chef, Chef Garrett, led a cooking demonstration that showcased European desserts. As he walked us through various sweet treats, he paused when he reached this almond tart. “This one,” he said with a smile, “is my mother’s recipe.” The room seemed to quiet as he shared stories of learning this recipe in his childhood kitchen, watching his mother create this very tart for family gatherings.

When I finally tasted this almond tart, I understood immediately why it held such a special place in his heart. One bite and you can’t help but tilt your head back and close your eyes in satisfaction over the holy trinity of butter, sugar, and crunchy almonds. Yes, it’s rich. Yes, it’s probably a day’s worth of calories in every slice. And yes, I’ll happily have seconds anyway. It’s the kind of dessert that makes you forget about the whole world for a moment. I was so grateful when he handed out the printed recipe at the end of the demonstration.

Now, back in my own kitchen, I’m thrilled to share this wonderful recipe with you. There’s something deeply satisfying about making a tart that has been lovingly passed down through someone’s family. And the techniques are surprisingly simple! Even if it doesn’t end up looking picture-perfect, it’s going to taste amazing.

Almond Tart Ingredients

For this almond tart recipe, you’ll need just six simple ingredients that you might even already have in your pantry! Gather the ingredients listed below (full measurements included in the recipe card) and then scroll to the step-by-step instructions.

• sugar
• flour
• butter
• eggs
• milk
• slivered almonds

How To Make An Almond Tart: Step-By-Step

Make the dough: Start by preheating the oven to 325°F and lining a tart mold with parchment paper. Then, work on making the dough. Using a mixer, whisk together all the dough ingredients (make sure your butter is completely at room temperature for the best results.) The mixture should come together into a thick, spreadable dough.

Form the tart base: Using a spatula, spread the thickened dough evenly into your tart mold, creating an even layer across the bottom and up the sides.

Pre-bake the crust: Bake for 10-15 minutes until the dough is light in color but not fully cooked. We’re just setting it up for the final bake.

Create the almond topping: While your crust is pre-baking, it’s time for the best part! In a pan, heat the sugar until it transforms into a beautiful light caramel color. Watch it carefully and stir gently.

Build the topping: Add the butter to your caramel and stir until it becomes foamy. Slowly add the milk (it may bubble up, so be careful!), then add half of your almonds. Let this mixture boil for 5 minutes, then stir in the remaining almonds.

Assemble and finish: Remove your pre-baked tart from the oven and carefully fill it with the warm almond mixture, spreading it evenly.

The final bake: Return the tart to the oven and continue baking until the top is beautifully caramelized—this usually takes about 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the almonds are golden brown and the whole tart has that irresistible caramelized aroma.

Let the tart cool slightly before serving (though I have to admit, it’s pretty wonderful served warm with a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream)

Tips and Troubleshooting Your Almond Tart

• Butter too cold for the dough? Make sure your butter is truly at room temperature. This ensures smooth mixing and the right texture.
• Want perfect caramel? Don’t rush it! Let the sugar melt slowly and evenly for the best flavor and color.
• Bottom browning too quickly? Use a light-colored tart pan if possible. Dark pans can cause the bottom to brown faster than the top.
• Soggy bottom crust? Make sure to pre-bake the tart shell as directed. This step is crucial for preventing sogginess.
• Almonds burning on top? Cover the tart loosely with foil during the final 10 minutes of baking if they’re browning too quickly.

Every time I make this tart, I think of the beautiful tradition of sharing recipes with new friends. There’s something so generous about passing along these culinary treasures (especially Chef Garrett sharing his mother’s recipe!) They become threads that connect us across cultures and continents.

I hope this almond tart brings as much joy to your table as it has to mine. And who knows? Maybe one day you’ll find yourself sharing this very recipe with someone new, continuing the beautiful cycle of culinary storytelling that makes cooking such a wonderful adventure.

Interested in learning more about river cruising? Check out our new site, Active Voyager!

And if you’d like another delicious tart recipe, check out our Cranberry Tart that’s perfect for the holidays.