Definition

Noun: 1. A sweet, creamy filling made primarily from ground almonds, sugar, butter, and eggs: It is a classic component in various pastries and desserts, known for its rich, nutty flavor and soft texture. 2. A pastry or tart filled with this almond cream: The word can also refer to the finished dessert item itself, such as a frangipane tart.

Usage

Frangipane is used as a non-count noun when referring to the filling mixture (e.g., "spread the frangipane") and as a count noun when referring to individual pastries (e.g., "two frangipanes").

Examples

• As a filling mixture:
  • The recipe calls for a layer of frangipane beneath the fresh fruit.
  • She spread the frangipane evenly over the pastry base.
• As a pastry:
  • For dessert, we had a delicious pear frangipane.
  • The bakery sells individual frangipanes topped with apricots.

Advanced Usage

• "Frangipane tart": A very common construction specifying the type of dessert. While "frangipane" alone can imply a tart, this phrase is often used for clarity.
  • The classic French frangipane tart is often made for Epiphany.

Variants and Related Words

• Frangipani (noun): A different word referring primarily to a tropical flowering plant (genus ). It is etymologically related but refers to a completely different thing. Do not confuse "frangipane" (the food) with "frangipani" (the flower).

Synonyms

• Almond cream: A direct descriptive synonym for the filling.
• Bakewell tart filling: Refers specifically to the frangipane used in a Bakewell tart, a classic British dessert.

Noun

1. pastry with a creamy almond-flavored filling