Tarte aux Figues - French Fig Tart
- felichiccuisine
- Oct 11
- 5 min read
by Feli Chic'Cuisine
A buttery almond-fig tart baked until golden and fragrant — simple, elegant, and so full of late-summer flavor.
I’ve always admired those elegant French tarts that look like they came straight out of a Parisian pâtisserie — glossy fruit, neat slices, and that perfect golden crust. But this Tarte aux Figues - French Fig Tart - is the very first fig tart I’ve ever made.
It all started when I saw a box of ripe, velvety figs at the market: beautifully soft, deep purple, and I knew right away: it was time to try making my first fig tart.
And what a treat! Under the fresh figs is a smooth almond cream, a layer of fig jam, and a buttery, sweet tart crust.
Once baked, it’s golden, slightly caramelized, and filled with the warm sweetness of figs and almonds: elegant, yet surprisingly simple to make.
Why You’ll Love This Fig Tart
✔ Elegant yet easy – It looks fancy, but it’s made with simple steps and basic ingredients.
✔ Naturally sweet – The figs do most of the work, giving the tart a deep, honeyed flavor.
✔ Make-ahead friendly – You can prepare the tart shell and almond cream ahead of time.
✔ Perfect for any occasion – Lovely for a dinner dessert, brunch, or a cozy weekend bake.
If you’ve never made a tart before, this one is a wonderful place to start.
Looking for something similar? You might enjoy: Elegant Berry Tart
How to Make It
1. Prepare the Tart Shell - Crust
You can use my pâte sucrée recipe for the base (a sweet, buttery dough similar to shortcrust pastry). Line a 9.5-inch tart pan with the dough and freeze it while you prepare the filling. No need to pre-bake it.
2. Add a Layer of Fig Jam
Spread fig jam evenly on the chilled tart base. Freeze again for about 10 minutes — this helps the jam stay in place while baking.
3. Make the Almond Cream
In a food processor, combine almond flour, flour, sugar, salt, vanilla, ground anise, and eggs. Scatter the butter over the top and blend until smooth and creamy.
4. Assemble
Spread the almond cream over the jam.
Arrange the figs neatly in circles, starting from the outer edge and working toward the center.
5. Bake
Bake at 177°C (350°F) for 60–70 minutes, until the filling is puffed and golden and the crust looks beautifully baked. Check halfway through; if the edges brown too quickly, cover them gently with foil.
Tips for the Perfect Fig Tart
Pick the right figs: Choose ripe but firm figs. Too soft and they may fall apart during baking; too hard and they won’t release their natural sweetness.
Chill the dough: Freezing the tart shell before adding the filling helps it hold its shape and prevents the jam from soaking into the crust.
Layer carefully: Spread the fig jam evenly and then the almond cream to ensure every bite has a perfect balance of flavors.
Arrange the figs thoughtfully: Start from the outer edge and work inward. Overlapping slightly creates a beautiful, professional-looking pattern.
Watch the crust: If the edges brown too quickly, loosely cover them with foil or a pie shield halfway through baking.
Make ahead: You can prepare the tart shell and almond cream a day in advance, then assemble right before baking.
Optional glaze: Brush the baked tart with a little honey or apricot jam for a shiny, glossy finish.
Looking for something similar? You might enjoy: The Perfect Pumpkin Tart
Notes
Prepare the Tart Dough (Pâte Sucrée)
Here’s a simple recipe for a buttery sweet tart crust you can use for this fig tart:
Ingredients:
113 g (½ cup / 4 oz) unsalted butter, softened
50 g (¼ cup) granulated sugar
¼ tsp salt
120 g (1 cup) all-purpose flour
1 large egg, separated
Instructions:
Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
Add the egg yolk and salt, mixing until combined.
Gradually add the flour and mix until the dough comes together.
Shape into a disk, wrap in plastic, and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before rolling out.
Use the dough to line your tart pan — ready for the fig jam and almond cream filling!
Homemade Fig Jam (Optional)
For this tart, I used my own homemade fig jam — I had a few extra ripe figs and couldn’t resist! Of course, store-bought fig jam works perfectly too, but if you’d like to make your own, here’s a simple way to do it:
Ingredients:
4 fresh figs, ripe and soft
2-3 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon lemon juice
A splash of water (about 1 tablespoon)
Instructions:
Cut the figs into small pieces and place them in a small saucepan.
Add the sugar, lemon juice, and a splash of water.
Cook over medium heat for about 8–10 minutes, stirring often, until the figs soften and the mixture thickens into a jam-like texture.
Let it cool completely before spreading it over the tart base.
This quick fig jam has a lovely, fresh flavor: slightly tangy, not too sweet — and gives the tart an extra homemade touch.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use other fruits instead of figs? Yes! This almond cream tart works beautifully with pears, plums, peaches, or even berries. Just adjust the baking time if needed for juicier fruits.
2. What if I don’t have almond flour? You can grind blanched almonds finely in a food processor, or substitute with hazelnut flour for a slightly different flavor.
3. Do I need to pre-bake the tart shell? Nope! This recipe works well with an unbaked pâte sucrée. Freezing the dough before adding the filling helps it hold its shape.
4. Can I make this tart ahead of time? Absolutely. You can prepare the tart shell and almond cream a day ahead. Assemble and bake when ready. The baked tart can be stored at room temperature for 1–2 days or in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Final Thoughts
This being my first fig tart, I was so happy with how it turned out! The figs baked into a soft, jammy layer, the almond cream rose beautifully, and the crust was perfectly buttery and crisp.
It’s the kind of recipe that makes you slow down for a moment, enjoy the season’s fruit, and fill your kitchen with that amazing, cozy aroma.
If you see fresh figs, don’t hesitate! Give this Tarte aux Figues a try. It’s simple, rustic, and elegant all at once, and I can already see myself making it every autumn!
Enjoy!
"Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the Earth seeking the successive autumns.” ― George Eliot
Have you tried making this Tarte aux Figues - French Fig Tart ? I'd love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts and any creative twists you added to the recipe in the comments below. Or, tag me on Instagram (@FeliChic'Cuisine) when you post your recipe creations. Let's inspire each other. Thank You!
*All photographs on Feli Chic'Cuisine, signed Feli Chic'Cuisine, are copyrighted.
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