Not everyone is a fan of the fig, but I love them and I think a lot of people just don’t know what to do with them. They are delicious eaten fresh on their own or simply cut and served on a cracker or bread with blue cheese, but for me, when these beauties are baked is when the best of what they have to offer is released.

These little fig tarts are as gorgeous as they are delicious to eat. Made with an almond custard and finished with a drizzle of honey, they make a lovely dessert to share with guests or to munch down anytime!

Fig and Almond Tart - crust
Author: 
 
2 cups all-purpose flour 2 sticks (1cup) of chilled unsalted butter cut into tablespoon size chunks 1 teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon sugar ½ cup cold water
Ingredients
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 sticks (1cup) of chilled unsalted butter cut into tablespoon size chunks
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • ½ cup cold water
Instructions
  1. In a food processor, pulse the flour, butter, sugar and salt until it resembles a coarse meal (you should be able to feel small pieces of butter when you rub the mixture between two fingers).
  2. Drizzle in ice water, one tablespoon at a time, just until it holds together.
  3. Divide the dough into 10 balls, wrap in plastic wrap or wax paper and chill for 30 minutes to an hour.
  4. Roll each ball out to a 6 inch circle and carefully press into tart tins.
  5. Cut the excess off of the edges and lightly prick the bottom of the tarts with fork.
  6. Place in the freezer for ten minutes.
  7. Carefully, line the filled tart tins with parchment and fill with weights, beans or rice.
  8. Bake in the 400 degree oven for 15 minutes.
  9. Remove from oven and carefully remove parchment and weights and then continue to cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the crust begins to get a pale golden hue to it.
  10. Remove from oven and cool while you prepare the custard.


Fig and Almond Tart
Author: 
Recipe type: Dessert
 
Ingredients
  • 18-20 figs, quartered lengthwise (I used black figs here)
  • 2 cups almond meal (almond flour)
  • 1 cup apricot jam
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • ¾ cup plus 2 tablespoons butter at room temperature
  • Pinch of salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 3 tablespoons whole milk or half & half
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract
  • Honey to drizzle
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. With an electric hand mixer, cream together the butter and sugar on a medium speed until well combined.
  3. Add almond meal and almond extract and beat until thoroughly mixed.
  4. Add the salt, eggs and milk or half & half and mix until light and fluffy.
  5. Place the partially baked shells on a sheet pan.
  6. Divide both the apricot jam and the almond custard amongst the tart shells, first spreading the jam on the bottom of the shell and then layering the custard on top of the jam.
  7. Arrange the quartered figs, cut side up, in the tart shells, pressing them lightly into the custard.
  8. Bake for 30 minutes, until the custard is puffed and golden brown.
  9. Drizzle with honey and serve warm.

Enjoy!