Oh, spring baking! It just makes my heart sing, doesn’t it? After those long months of heavy chocolate and cozy spices, I’m ready for anything bright, tart, and beautiful. And trust me, nothing says ‘welcome back, sunshine’ quite like a truly show-stopping dessert. Today, we are tackling the Rhubarb and Almond Chevron Tart. This isn’t just another dessert; it’s the definitive recipe that marries a perfectly crisp, from-scratch tart crust, a creamy, sweet almond frangipane filling, and that absolutely gorgeous, show-stopping geometric rhubarb topping.
When I started CravyBite Kitchen, it was out of a need to prove that those complex-looking bakes you see in the window displays weren’t just for pastry chefs. I’m Jess Carter, and if you want to know more about my journey back to honoring heritage American cooking styles, you can check out our story over at CravyBite Kitchen’s origins. My philosophy is simple: great food shouldn’t require a three-day commitment. This tart proves it. It looks like it belongs in a fancy French bakery, but I promise you, it’s totally manageable right here in your home kitchen. Follow along, and I’ll show you exactly how to nail that chevron design!
- Why This Rhubarb and Almond Chevron Tart is Your Next Favorite Spring Tart Recipe
- Gathering Ingredients for Your Rhubarb and Almond Chevron Tart
- Step-by-Step Instructions for the Rhubarb and Almond Chevron Tart
- Tips for Success with Your Rhubarb and Almond Chevron Tart
- Serving Suggestions for This Elegant Dessert Recipe
- Storage and Reheating Instructions for Leftover Rhubarb Tart
- Frequently Asked Questions About This Rhubarb Tart Recipe
- Approximate Nutritional Data for the Rhubarb and Almond Chevron Tart
- Share Your Beautiful Rhubarb Desserts Creations
Why This Rhubarb and Almond Chevron Tart is Your Next Favorite Spring Tart Recipe
Look, I’m not going to lie—while the taste is everything, the visual component here is what sets this dessert apart. If you’re looking for one of the Best Rhubarb Recipes for Spring that will truly impress your guests, this is it. It hits all the right notes, making it perfect for everything from brunch to Easter dinner.
- We’ve perfected the Chevron Pastry Design. It looks incredibly intricate, but once you see my steps below, you’ll realize it’s just strategic slicing and layering.
- You get that amazing textural contrast. We nail the From Scratch Tart Crust so it’s shatteringly crisp, which plays perfectly against the rich, moist interior of the Almond Frangipane Tart Filing.
- It celebrates the season! The tartness of the rhubarb really sings against the sweet, nutty almond background.
- This reliable Almond Frangipane Tart technique means your filling will set beautifully every single time. No sinking, no weeping—just pure, delicious success.
Gathering Ingredients for Your Rhubarb and Almond Chevron Tart
Okay, since this tart has a few moving parts—the crust, the filling, and the stunning topping—let’s break down exactly what you need gathering up. When I make this for holidays or special gatherings, I always lay everything out first, just like a painter setting up her palette. That way, when it’s time to assemble, nothing panics or gets over-mixed. A quick tip right away from my days learning proper technique: when you buy your rhubarb, look for firm, unblemished stalks. The firmer they are, the less liquid they release during baking! If you want to see some of my other favorite pantry staples I swear by, check out my guide on making easy homemade marshmallows.
For the From Scratch Tart Crust
This is our foundation, so the butter absolutely needs to be cold! Cold butter equals a flaky, crisp crust, which is crucial here.
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons ice water
- 1 large egg yolk
For the Almond Frangipane Tart Filling
This filling is dreamy—rich, nutty, and slightly sweet. Make sure your butter is genuinely soft, not melted, because we are creaming it for air!
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
For the Rhubarb Topping and Glaze
The diagonal slices are what make the chevron design pop later on, so plan on taking a little extra time when slicing for maximum visual impact.
- 1 pound fresh rhubarb stalks, trimmed and sliced diagonally into 1/4-inch thick pieces
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for rhubarb topping)
- 1 tablespoon apricot jam (for glaze)
Step-by-Step Instructions for the Rhubarb and Almond Chevron Tart
Alright, deep breath. This is where the magic happens, and honestly, this part is almost meditative once you get into the rhythm. We’re going from simple ingredients to a true showstopper using some old-school baking reliability mixed with a little artistic flair. Remember, trust the process here; the chilling of the dough and the careful arrangement of the rhubarb are what guarantee that gorgeous result. You’ll want to make sure you have your components ready before diving in, much like how I prep my rice when making French Onion Butter Rice; mise en place is everything!
Making the Perfect Tart Shell
Grab your food processor for this one—it makes quick work of the Perfect Tart Shell. Pulse the flour, salt, and that cold, cubed butter until it looks like coarse crumbs. Now, drizzle in the ice water and the egg yolk, pulsing *just* until the dough starts clinging together. Don’t overdo it! If it looks shaggy, that’s fine. Form that into a disk, wrap it tight, and let it chill for an hour minimum. We need that coldness for flakiness! After chilling, roll it out and ease it into the 9-inch tart pan. Prick the bottom with a fork and chill it again for 30 minutes—this stops the sides from shrinking.
Time for blind baking! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line that chilled shell with parchment paper and fill it up with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 15 minutes, then carefully remove the weights and paper. Give it another 5 minutes until it’s just barely golden. Let it cool off a tiny bit before moving on.
Mixing the Almond Filling Tart Batter
This is our Almond Filling Tart component, the frangipane. Remember that softened butter? Cream it up with the 1/2 cup of sugar until it’s truly light and fluffy. That’s crucial for texture! Beat in the eggs one by one—don’t rush this! Then, stir in the vanilla and almond extracts. Finally, gently fold in the almond flour and that single tablespoon of flour. Stop mixing as soon as it comes together. We don’t want a tough filling, just a smooth, creamy blanket for the rhubarb. It should look richer than the batter I use for my lemon zucchini bread, which is saying something!
Assembling the Decorative Fruit Tarts: Creating the Chevron Pastry Design
This is the fun part that makes this a true Decorative Fruit Tart! First, spread that beautiful frangipane evenly inside your warm, partially baked tart shell. Now, for the How to arrange rhubarb on tart bit: Take your diagonally sliced rhubarb pieces and toss them with just 2 tablespoons of sugar. Start laying the first row along one edge—angle them slightly inward, maybe about 15 degrees off the edge. The key to the V-shape, or Chevron Pastry Design, is overlap! For the second row, angle the slices the opposite way so that the tips point toward the center and overlap the previous row slightly, forming a point like an arrow or a V. Keep building these V-shapes across the entire surface of the filling until it’s totally covered. It’s totally satisfying when you see that pattern emerge!
Baking and Finishing the Rhubarb Tart Recipe
Pop this beautiful creation back into your 375°F (190°C) oven. You’re looking at 40 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the frangipane seems set (a gentle jiggle in the center is okay, but no sloshing!) and the crust is nicely browned. Once it’s out, you need to work quickly for the shine. Gently melt that apricot jam with a tiny splash of water until it’s pourable—don’t boil it! Brush this warm glaze lightly right over the rhubarb topping. Don’t drench it, just a gentle coat. Let this amazing Rhubarb Tart Recipe cool completely on a rack before you even attempt to slice it. Patience pays off now!
Tips for Success with Your Rhubarb and Almond Chevron Tart
I’ve made this pie more times than I can count, and I definitely learned a few hard lessons along the way, especially when fighting the natural tendency of rhubarb to weep a little juice. If you want that perfect, crisp crust to stand up to the moist filling, those blind-baking steps we covered are non-negotiable. Chilling the pastry shell thoroughly before it ever sees heat keeps that butter solid, which translates directly into flaky layers!
Now, let’s talk about that rhubarb moisture directly. My note mentioned blanching, and I really want to encourage you to try it for a sharper flavour profile. It sounds fussy, but it’s quick! Just boil those sliced pieces for about two minutes, then dunk them immediately into ice water. This stops the cooking process instantly and washes away some of that harsh, bright acid, concentrating the flavor slightly but—most importantly—pre-drying them a little bit.
Another thing: since the frangipane itself is rich, it holds up well, but the absolute best texture—crisp crust and tender filling—is achieved when you serve this tart the day you bake it. If you want a tip for making the best chocolate chip cookies that stays soft, I use a similar principle regarding the butter temperature, which you can see in my guide here: soft and chewy bakery-style cookies. For the tart, just remember: Cold dough, warm glaze, quick cool!
Serving Suggestions for This Elegant Dessert Recipe
Honestly, this Elegant Dessert Recipe is stunning all by itself, especially when that apricot glaze is sparkling under the lights. But since we put in all that work creating that incredible Chevron Pastry Design, sometimes you want a little something extra alongside it, right?
Because the almond filling is already so rich and moist, you don’t want anything too heavy competing with it. My absolute favorite way to serve this when I’m celebrating something big is with a simple scoop of really high-quality vanilla bean ice cream. It melts just enough into the slightly warm rhubarb and nuts—it’s heaven!
If you prefer cream, go for something very lightly sweetened, or even just unsweetened whipped cream. That way, you get that airy contrast without adding more sugar to clash with our perfectly balanced frangipane. If you’re ever wondering how to make a stable frosting for cakes, though, I have a great vanilla buttercream recipe you can check out here, but for this tart, keep it simple!
For an afternoon affair, this tart pairs beautifully with a light, floral tea. Or, try a mug of black coffee. The slight bitterness cuts through the sweetness of the almonds perfectly. It’s truly versatile, which is what good home baking should be!
Storage and Reheating Instructions for Leftover Rhubarb Tart
Okay, first off, let’s hope there are leftovers, because this Rhubarb Tart Recipe disappears fast! Store the tart loosely covered at room temperature for up to two days. I know, I know, sometimes we want to stick it right in the fridge because of the fruit, but keeping it cool can actually make the crust go soft on you, and we worked way too hard achieving that crispness.
If you absolutely must refrigerate it—maybe your kitchen is too warm—just make sure you take it out at least an hour before you plan on eating it. Allowing it to come back up to room temperature is key. Cold frangipane is dense and kind of stiff, but when it warms up nicely, that almond filling gets creamy and luscious again. I really don’t recommend trying to reheat slices back in the oven; it tends to dry out the rhubarb too much.
If you’ve had it for longer than two days or it seems a little dry, a tiny dollop of whipped cream or some vanilla ice cream (just like we talked about!) brings it right back to life. This Baked Almond Dessert really shines best when served at room temp, so plan ahead!
Frequently Asked Questions About This Rhubarb Tart Recipe
I always get so many questions when people first try a recipe that has a decorative element, so I want to head off any potential sticking points right here! It’s usually all about managing moisture and temperature when you’re dealing with a fruit tart like this beautiful Rhubarb and Almond Chevron Tart.
Can I use frozen rhubarb instead of fresh for the Rhubarb and Almond Chevron Tart?
Oh, I wouldn’t recommend it, honestly. While I champion using what you have, frozen rhubarb is already packed with extra moisture, and it tends to release a lot of liquid as it thaws. That extra liquid is exactly what battles against our efforts to get that crisp crust! Plus, achieving that sharp, precise Chevron Pastry Design is nearly impossible when the rhubarb is mushy or soft. Stick to fresh, firm stalks for the best visual and textural results here.
What is the best way to achieve a crisp crust when baking this Almond Frangipane Tart?
It all comes down to cold and time! The absolute secret weapon here is the double chill and the double bake. Never skip blind baking the shell first—that initial bake without the filling sets the pastry structure and pushes out any steam that could make it soggy. And make sure your butter and water are ice-cold when you mix the dough initially. If you keep saying “cold!” in your head during the crust steps, you’ll get that perfect snap!
How far in advance can I make the tart shell?
This is a great question if you need to streamline your baking day for an event! You can definitely make the From Scratch Tart Crust one day ahead. Once the shells are fully baked (after the initial blind bake, so they are golden brown), let them cool completely, then store them airtight at room temperature—not the fridge! They stay crisp for a full 24 hours. Then, on baking day, you just have to mix the frangipane, arrange the rhubarb, and bake the whole thing through. It saves so much time!
If you’re looking for other ways to cook quickly during the week, I have a bunch of reliable recipes over on my page for quick, easy weeknight dinners that are just as reliable as this tart formula!
Approximate Nutritional Data for the Rhubarb and Almond Chevron Tart
Now, I know that when we’re baking things this beautiful like our Rhubarb and Almond Chevron Tart, we aren’t exactly trying to hit some strict diet goal, right? But I’m Jess, and I love knowing the facts behind what we eat! Because I came up with my recipes using tried-and-true American home cooking methods, I always research a general breakdown of what’s in the final product. This is essential for building trust with you—you deserve to know what you’re serving your family.
This information is worked out using standard ingredient measurements. The exact values can change based on the specific brand of flour or butter you use, so think of these as a strong guideline, not a strict lab result. If you are planning out your week, I have some other great guides, like my low-effort healthy breakfast ideas, that use similar pantry staples!
Here is the approximate nutritional breakdown per slice (assuming 8 servings):
- Calories: About 410
- Fat: Around 26 grams (with 15g being saturated fat)
- Carbohydrates: Roughly 40 grams
- Sugar: Approximately 28 grams
- Protein: About 8 grams
- Sodium: Near 120 mg
It’s a rich treat, thanks to that wonderful almond frangipane and the butter in the crust. That’s why we keep the servings to about 8! But remember, every single calorie is packed with the satisfying crunch of the crust and the bright tang of fresh rhubarb. It’s a worthwhile indulgence for a special spring occasion!
Share Your Beautiful Rhubarb Desserts Creations
Wow, you made it! If you followed along, you should have the most stunning Rhubarb and Almond Chevron Tart sitting on your counter right now, cooling perfectly. Seriously, take a moment to admire that Chevron Pastry Design—you deserve it! Now, I can’t wait to see what you created in your kitchen.
When you get a chance, come back here and leave me a star rating. And please, tell me about it in the comments! Did the Almond Frangipane Tart Filling set just right? Did you manage to keep the crust super crisp? I love hearing all the little things that happen on your baking journey.
If you snapped a photo of your finished tart—especially that gorgeous geometric rhubarb—please tag me on social media! Seeing your gorgeous Decorative Fruit Tarts truly makes my day and reminds me why I share these recipes. If you have any last-minute questions or ideas about improving the recipe in the future, don’t hesitate to reach out via our contact page. Happy spring baking, friends!
PrintRhubarb and Almond Chevron Tart
A beautiful, homemade tart featuring a crisp pastry shell filled with sweet almond frangipane and topped with a decorative chevron pattern of fresh rhubarb.
- Prep Time: 45 min
- Cook Time: 60 min
- Total Time: 105 min
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons ice water
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 pound fresh rhubarb stalks, trimmed and sliced diagonally into 1/4-inch thick pieces
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for rhubarb topping)
- 1 tablespoon apricot jam (for glaze)
Instructions
- Prepare the Tart Crust: In a food processor, pulse the flour, salt, and cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the egg yolk and ice water, pulsing until the dough just comes together. Form the dough into a disk, wrap it, and chill for at least 1 hour.
- Roll out the chilled dough and fit it into a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom. Trim the edges. Prick the bottom lightly with a fork. Chill the shell for 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line the chilled shell with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 15 minutes (blind bake). Remove the weights and paper and bake for another 5 minutes until lightly golden. Let cool slightly.
- Make the Almond Frangipane Filling: In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla and almond extracts. Gently stir in the almond flour and 1 tablespoon of flour until just combined.
- Spread the frangipane filling evenly into the partially baked tart shell.
- Prepare the Rhubarb Topping: In a small bowl, toss the sliced rhubarb with 2 tablespoons of sugar.
- Create the Chevron Pattern: Arrange the rhubarb slices decoratively over the frangipane. Start by placing the first row of slices along one edge, angled slightly. Place the next row so the tips overlap the previous row, creating a V-shape or chevron. Continue this pattern until the entire surface is covered.
- Bake the Tart: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the frangipane is set and the rhubarb is tender. The edges of the crust should be golden brown.
- Glaze the Tart: While the tart is still warm, gently heat the apricot jam with 1 teaspoon of water until melted. Brush the warm glaze lightly over the rhubarb topping for shine.
- Cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
Notes
- To prevent the rhubarb from releasing too much liquid, ensure your pastry shell is well-chilled before baking.
- For a sharper flavor contrast, you can blanch the rhubarb slices for 2 minutes in boiling water, then immediately plunge them into ice water before arranging them on the tart.
- This tart is best served the day it is made for the crispest crust texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 28
- Sodium: 120
- Fat: 26
- Saturated Fat: 15
- Unsaturated Fat: 11
- Trans Fat: 0.5
- Carbohydrates: 40
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 8
- Cholesterol: 110



