Pear and Almond Tart Recipe

A Pear and Almond Tart is a delightful dessert that combines the rich flavors of almonds with the sweetness of pears. This tart is perfect for any occasion, whether it be a casual family dinner or a festive celebration. With its flaky pastry crust and creamy almond filling, along with beautiful slices of pear on top, this dessert is sure to impress your guests. The recipe uses simple ingredients, making it easier than ever to create a stunning dessert that looks as good as it tastes.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make the perfect Pear and Almond Tart:

For the Shortcrust Pastry:

100 g (7 tablespoons) butter: Cold butter is essential for a flaky crust. It creates steam while baking, leading to a tender texture.

50 g (1/4 cup) powdered sugar: This fine sugar blends smoothly into the pastry, adding sweetness without the graininess of granulated sugar.
3 tablespoons oil: Adding oil enhances the texture, helping to create a tender and moist pastry.
A pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness in the pastry.

8 g (1 tablespoon) vanilla sugar: Infuses the dough with a sweet vanilla flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the tart.
50 g (1/3 cup) cornstarch: Helps to lighten the texture of the pastry, ensuring a delicate crumb.
1 (large) egg: This binds the ingredients together, providing moisture and contributing to the structure of the pastry.

A pinch of baking powder: Adds a slight lift to the pastry, helping it to become flaky.
250 g (2 cups) 00 flour: This flour type is ideal for creating a buttery and crumbly pastry.

For the Almond Filling:

150 g (2/3 cup) butter: Softened butter creates a creamy filling, contributing fat for flavor and texture.

150 g (3/4 cup) granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps achieve a light, fluffy texture when creamed with butter.
150 g (1 1/4 cups) ground almonds: The star ingredient that gives the tart its rich nutty flavor and moist texture.
2 (large) eggs: Essential for binding the filling together while providing moisture.
Zest from 1 lemon: Adds brightness and acidity that complements the sweet flavors in the tart.
35 g (1/4 cup) flour: Helps to stabilize the filling, ensuring it sets properly as it bakes.

For the Topping:

100 g (1/3 cup) apricot jam: Glazes the top and adds an extra layer of sweetness.
Sliced pears in syrup: These will be arranged on top of the tart for a beautiful presentation and added flavor.
Sliced almonds: Used as a sprinkle on top for added crunch and visual appeal.
Powdered sugar: For dusting before serving, adding a touch of elegance.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Shortcrust Pastry

In a large mixing bowl, combine 100 g of butter, 50 g of powdered sugar, 8 g of vanilla sugar, a pinch of salt, and 3 tablespoons of oil. Using your fingertips, gently mix until the mixture is crumbly and well combined.

Next, add 50 g of cornstarch, 1 egg, a pinch of baking powder, and 250 g of 00 flour. Mix gently until a dough forms. Avoid over-kneading to maintain a tender texture. Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and place it in the freezer for 30 minutes. This will help it firm up, making it easier to roll out.

Step 2: Prepare the Almond Filling

In a separate bowl, cream together 150 g of butter and 150 g of granulated sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes.

Add 2 eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition to fully incorporate them. Then stir in the 150 g of ground almonds, zest of 1 lemon, and 35 g of flour until fully combined, resulting in a smooth almond filling.

Step 3: Assemble the Tart

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Take the chilled shortcrust pastry out of the freezer and roll it out on a floured surface to fit a 28 cm tart pan. Carefully press the dough into the pan, trimming away excess dough as needed.

Spread 100 g of apricot jam evenly over the base of the tart. This helps provide moisture and an extra layer of flavor. Next, pour the almond filling over the jam layer, smoothing it out with a spatula for even coverage.

Step 4: Bake the Tart

Place the tart in the preheated oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes. The filling should be set, and the top should be a beautiful golden brown. It’s vital to check the tart near the end of the baking time to prevent over-baking.

Once baked, remove the tart from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Dust the cooled tart with powdered sugar for a lovely presentation. Slice and serve your delicious tart as is, or pair it with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. It can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, and it’s perfect alongside a hot cup of tea or coffee.

Serving Suggestions

With Whipped Cream: Enhance the experience by serving with a dollop of freshly whipped cream.
A La Mode: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
Tea Time: Pairs beautifully with a cup of hot tea or coffee, making it a lovely choice for an afternoon treat.
For Festive Occasions: Perfect for celebrations, this tart becomes a centerpiece that will impress your guests.

Cooking Tips

Cold Butter: Ensure the butter for the shortcrust pastry is cold to achieve a flaky texture. If you prefer, you can cut the butter into cubes and chill it before use.
Ground Almonds: For a finer texture, you can replace ground almonds with almond meal. Both will work well but will yield slightly different textures.
Apricot Glaze: For a shinier appearance, brush the sliced pears with a little warmed apricot jam before baking.
Baking Time: Oven temperatures can vary, so keep an eye on the tart as it bakes, particularly towards the end of the baking time to avoid overcooking.

Nutritional Benefits

This Pear and Almond Tart not only tantalizes the taste buds but it also includes a variety of beneficial ingredients:

Almonds: Rich in healthy fats, fiber, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals, almonds contribute to heart health and provide a source of energy.
Pears: These provide natural sweetness, fiber, and vitamins. They also add moisture to the tart.
Lower in Saturated Fats: Compared to many traditional tart recipes, this tart has a balanced fat profile that adds richness without overwhelming the dessert.

Dietary Information

Contains gluten, dairy, eggs, and nuts.
Not suitable for gluten-free, dairy-free, or nut-free diets.

Nutritional Facts (per slice, approximately 1/12 of the tart)

Calories: 320 kcal
Carbohydrates: 33g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Sodium: 50mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 18g

FAQs

Can I make this tart without eggs?

Yes! While eggs are crucial for the filling’s structure, you can replace them with a flaxseed egg or other egg substitutes suitable for baking.

Can I use fresh pears instead of pear slices in syrup?

Absolutely! Fresh pears can be used; just ensure they are ripe yet firm to maintain their shape during baking.

Is there a gluten-free option for the pastry?

A gluten-free flour blend can be substituted for the 00 flour in the pastry. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

How should I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze slices for longer storage.

Can I add spices to the filling?

Yes! You can incorporate spices like cinnamon or nutmeg into the almond filling for added warmth and flavor.

Conclusion

This Pear and Almond Tart recipe offers a delectable combination of flavors and textures that is certain to please. From the flaky shortcrust pastry to the creamy almond filling and sweet pear topping, each bite is a celebration of taste. Perfect for sharing with family and friends, this tart makes an impressive addition to any dessert table. Enjoy the process of baking and savor the delightful results!