Craving a sweet treat that’s both comforting and sophisticated? Look no further! These pear dessert recipes– Pear and Almond Tart are perfect for any occasion, from a cozy weeknight dinner to an elegant holiday gathering. We’re talking everything from warm, spiced pear crumbles to decadent pear tarts, and even a stunning poached pear dessert that will wow your guests. Get ready to discover your new favorite way to enjoy this delicious fruit!
What is Pear and Almond Tart?
Ever heard of a Pear and Almond Tart? It sounds fancy, right? But where did this delightful combination come from? Did a pastry chef accidentally drop some almonds into a pear pie and declare it a culinary masterpiece? Or perhaps it was a secret recipe passed down through generations of almond-loving pear farmers?
Who knows! But one thing’s for sure: this tart is a testament to the saying, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” The classic almond and pear combination is perfect for any kind of person. It’s so delicious and you should definitely try it for yourself.
Why You’ll Love This Pear and Almond Tart:
This Pear and Almond Tart is a symphony of textures and flavors! The main highlight? The moist, almond-infused frangipane filling that perfectly complements the tender, juicy pears. Plus, making it at home is incredibly cost-effective compared to buying one from a bakery. Top it with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra touch of indulgence. If you love apple crumble, you are going to love this as well. The almond cream with the pear and the crunch of the pastry is a unique combination. Give it a try – you won’t regret it!
Key Ingredients for Pear and Almond Tart:
Here’s what you’ll need to create this masterpiece:
- Pears: 3 medium-sized, ripe but firm (such as Bosc or Anjou)
- Almonds: 1 cup blanched almonds (for the frangipane)
- Butter: 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- Flour: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (for the crust)
- Eggs: 2 large eggs (+ 1 for egg wash)
- Sugar: 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- Almond Extract: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon
- Cold Water: 4-6 tablespoons (for the crust)
How to Make Pear and Almond Tart:
You won’t believe how easy this elegant tart is to make! This recipe is surprisingly user-friendly. It highlights a delightfully creamy frangipane filling and a flaky crust that creates a satisfying dessert. From start to finish, expect a preparation time of around 45 minutes. So, prepare to be amazed by your effortless baking skills!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Make the Crust: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together. Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Frangipane: While the dough is chilling, make the frangipane. In a food processor, grind the blanched almonds until they are finely ground. Add the softened butter, granulated sugar, egg, and almond extract to the food processor. Process until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Tart: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer the dough to a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom. Trim the edges of the dough and prick the bottom of the crust with a fork.
- Add the Frangipane: Spread the frangipane evenly over the bottom of the tart crust.
- Arrange the Pears: Peel, core, and slice the pears into thin wedges. Arrange the pear slices in a circular pattern on top of the frangipane. You can be creative with the arrangement!
- Egg Wash and Bake: Brush the edges of the tart crust with a whisked egg. This will give it a golden-brown color. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 35-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the frangipane is set.
- Cool and Serve: Let the tart cool completely on a wire rack before removing it from the tart pan. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
What to Serve Pear and Almond Tart With
This Pear and Almond Tart is delicious on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a few accompaniments. Try serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A drizzle of caramel sauce or a few toasted almonds can also add a delightful finishing touch.
For a beverage pairing, consider a glass of sweet dessert wine, like a Sauternes or a Muscat. A cup of strong black coffee or a chai latte would also be perfect to enjoy with this dessert.
Top Tips for Perfecting Pear and Almond Tart:
- Use Ripe, but Firm Pears: The pears should be ripe enough to be sweet but still firm enough to hold their shape during baking. Bosc pears and Anjou pears are excellent choices.
- Chill the Dough: Don’t skip chilling the dough! It helps prevent the crust from shrinking during baking.
- Blind Bake the Crust (Optional): For an extra-crisp crust, you can blind bake it before adding the frangipane and pears. To do this, line the crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes, then remove the weights and parchment paper and bake for another 5-10 minutes until lightly golden.
- Don’t Over Bake: Over baking can dry out the frangipane and make the crust too hard. Keep a close eye on the tart and remove it from the oven when it is golden brown.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to the frangipane for extra warmth and flavor.
- Substitute the Almonds: If you have a nut allergy, you can substitute the almonds with sunflower seeds or pepitas (pumpkin seeds).
- Add a Glaze: For a shiny finish, brush the baked tart with a simple apricot glaze while it’s still warm.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
- Storing: Store leftover Pear and Almond Tart in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: You can reheat individual slices of the tart in the microwave for about 30 seconds. For a crispier crust, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
- Freezing: While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the baked tart for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Final Thoughts:
This Pear and Almond Tart recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Its delightful combination of sweet pears, nutty frangipane, and a buttery crust makes it a perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a sophisticated dessert to impress your guests or simply a comforting treat to enjoy on a cozy evening, this tart is sure to satisfy your cravings.
So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake a piece of magic! Who knew that pears could be so decadent? If you love this pear dessert recipes, check out our other fruit dessert collections!