How to Make a French Pear Tart

French Pear Tart is a delightful pastry that combines flaky crust, sweet pears, and a rich almond filling. This classic dessert is perfect for any occasion and will impress your guests with its elegance and flavor. Follow this simple recipe to learn how to make a delicious French Pear Tart at home.

Ingredients

For the pastry crust:

1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into cubes
¼ cup powdered sugar
1 large egg yolk
1-2 tablespoons cold water

For the almond filling:

½ cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup granulated sugar
1 cup almond flour
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

For the topping:

3-4 ripe pears, peeled, cored, and sliced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons apricot jam

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pastry Crust

In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and powdered sugar. Add the chilled butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the egg yolk and enough cold water until the dough holds together.

Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Make the Almond Filling

In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the almond flour, eggs, vanilla extract, and all-purpose flour, mixing until well combined. Set aside.

Step 3: Assemble the Tart

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the chilled pastry dough on a lightly floured surface to fit a tart pan. Carefully transfer the dough to the tart pan and trim the edges. Prick the bottom with a fork to prevent bubbling.

Spread the almond filling evenly over the crust. Arrange the sliced pears on top of the filling, overlapping them slightly for a beautiful presentation. Drizzle with lemon juice to prevent browning.

Step 4: Bake the Tart

Bake in the preheated oven for about 35-40 minutes, or until the tart is golden brown and the filling is set. While the tart is baking, warm the apricot jam in a small saucepan until it becomes liquid.

Step 5: Glaze and Serve

Once the tart is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. Brush the warm apricot jam over the pears for a glossy finish. Allow the tart to cool completely before slicing.

Serve your French Pear Tart with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.

Tips for the Perfect French Pear Tart

Choose ripe but firm pears for the best texture.
Experiment with different varieties of pears, such as Bosc or Anjou.
For added flavor, consider sprinkling some cinnamon or nutmeg in the almond filling.

Enjoy making this elegant French Pear Tart, and indulge in its delightful flavors that are sure to impress anyone who takes a bite!