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Saffron Almond Tart Recipe: An Elegant Dessert For Your Holi Spread

Written by Deepali Verma | Mar 14, 2025 8:30:02 AM

Wish to add some special flavor to your Holi celebrations this time around? The festival of colors is all about happiness, celebration, and, naturally, partaking in delicious food. Although classic mithais such as gujiyas and barfis are classic, there are times when you need a dessert that is distinctive and surprises everyone. Step into the Saffron Almond Tart—a modern dessert that weaves Indian-sourced flavors into the sophistication of French patisserie.

Not only is this tart a culinary delight but also an ocular one. Golden saffron color of the tart, coupled with the nutty almond filling and buttery pastry, forms a perfect blend of color and fragrance. It's a dessert that combines tradition with modernity in the right proportions. Whether you're throwing a big Holi party or celebrating a small get-together, this tart can be the centerpiece at your dessert table.

Here, we will guide you through the recipe of Saffron Almond Tart, tell you why tarts are such a good idea for a festive occasion, and give you some tips to allow you to make a dessert that your guests will just want seconds of.

Recipe: Saffron Almond Tart

Ingredients:

  • 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • ½ cup cold butter, cut into small pieces
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 2 tbsp cold water
  • 1 cup almond flour
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp saffron threads, soaked in 2 tbsp warm milk
  • 2 eggs
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • ¼ cup sliced almonds for garnish

Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 180°C. Grease a 9-inch tart pan.
  2. Combine all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, and cold butter until it is crumbly. Mix in the egg yolk and cold water to make a dough. Wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  3. Roll and press the dough into the tart pan. Prick the base and bake for 10 minutes.
  4. Mix almond flour, granulated sugar, saffron milk, eggs, and heavy cream in a bowl to form a smooth filling.
  5. Pour the filling into the crust that has been partially baked. Top with sliced almonds.
  6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the filling sets and turns golden. Cool before serving.

Why Make Tarts?

Tarts make a great festive spread option as they are both versatile and presentable. They have a contained crust that has dense fillings that can be anything from silky custards to nutty frangipane. And best of all, tarts are easily prepared in advance so that you can turn your attention elsewhere for other Holi celebrations. They are easy to serve as well—slice and serve, no muss!

The Saffron Almond Tart, with saffron flavors and butter crust, adds gourmet appeal to your dessert table and is a suitable choice for celebration during Holi.

7 Tips to perfect Saffron Almond Tart Recipe

Use Fresh Saffron

To have the most fragrance, use fresh, premium saffron at all times. Soak the threads of saffron in hot milk to get out their rich color and pungent fragrance. This tiny act adds to the overall charm of your tart.

Keep the Butter Cold

When preparing the crust, cold butter is key to achieving a crisp and flaky base. If the butter is too soft, the dough may become greasy and lose its structure, resulting in a dense crust.

Blind Bake the Crust

In order to prevent a soggy bottom, blind bake your tart crust first. Just cover the crust with parchment paper, include baking beans or lentils, and pre-bake. This will create a crisp and firm base for the saffron almond filling.

Avoid Overmixing the Filling

When combining the almond flour, eggs, and saffron milk, mix gently. Overmixing can incorporate too much air, leading to a dense filling instead of a smooth, custard-like consistency.

Bake Until Just Set

A well-baked tart will jiggle slightly in the center when you gently shake the pan. Overbaking will make the filling crack and become dry. Monitor the tart for the last few minutes of baking.

Garnish Wisely

Sliced almonds not only provide a pleasant crunch but also add to the presentation. Lightly toast them prior to use for added richness. Alternatively, add a sprinkle of edible dried rose petals for a celebratory flair.

Serve It Right

Let the tart cool to room temperature before cutting to get clean slices. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of rose syrup for a twist that pairs well with the warm, nutty flavors of the tart.