Golden Autumn Delight: Classic Pear Tart Recipe for Sweet Moments

Delicate pear slices nestled in a buttery, golden-brown crust make this classic pear tart recipe a true culinary delight.

Sweet, ripe pears dance with a hint of cinnamon, creating a symphony of flavors that whispers autumn’s embrace.

The delicate pastry melts in your mouth, revealing layers of subtle sweetness and warm spices.

Each bite tells a story of simple elegance and timeless charm.

Bakers of all skill levels can master this elegant dessert with just a few basic ingredients.

The tart rustic beauty speaks to the heart of home cooking, inviting you to savor a slice of pure comfort.

Prepare to fall in love with this irresistible dessert that promises to become a cherished favorite at your table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 65 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 9

Classic Pear Tart Ingredient Checklist

• Flour: Provides structure and base for the tart's delicate foundation, choose unbleached all-purpose flour for best texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds subtle sweetness and helps create a golden, crisp crust.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness in the pastry.
• Unsalted Butter: Creates flaky, rich layers in the crust, use cold butter straight from the refrigerator for optimal results.
• Egg Yolk: Binds ingredients and adds richness to the pastry.
• Cold Water: Helps bring the dough together without overworking, use just enough to create a cohesive mixture.

• Pears: Star ingredient that brings natural sweetness and tender texture, select firm but ripe pears for the best flavor.
• Lemon Juice: Prevents pears from browning and adds a bright, tangy note.
• Cornstarch: Thickens the filling and creates a silky, smooth consistency.
• Brown Sugar: Provides deep, caramel-like sweetness that complements the pears.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds warm, aromatic spice that pairs perfectly with pears.

• All-Purpose Flour: Creates a sandy texture for the crumble.
• Brown Sugar: Adds rich, molasses-like sweetness to the topping.
• Butter: Helps bind the crumble and creates a rich, crisp texture.

Essential Tools to Bake a Classic Pear Tart

• Tart Pan or Pie Dish: Essential for creating the perfect base and shape for your pear tart.
• Sharp Knife: Needed to slice pears evenly and precisely.
• Mixing Bowl: Crucial for preparing the crumb topping and combining ingredients.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions for the perfect recipe.
• Pastry Blender or Fork: Helps create the crumbly texture for the topping by cutting butter into dry ingredients.
• Cooling Rack: Allows the tart to cool evenly and prevents soggy bottom crust.

How to Make a Classic Pear Tart from Scratch

• Oven Preparation Warm the kitchen space to a cozy temperature perfect for baking.
• Pastry Foundation Gently press a buttery, flaky crust into a rustic baking pan, creating delicate edges.
• Pear Landscape Artfully layer soft, ripe pear slices across the golden pastry base, overlapping them like gentle waves.
• Crumbly Crown Mix together a delightful sprinkle of sweet and rich ingredients until they transform into a texture resembling soft sand.
• Baking Magic Place the tart into the heated oven, allowing the pears to caramelize and the topping to turn a beautiful golden brown.
• Cooling Moment Let the tart rest and settle, allowing flavors to mingle and the crust to achieve perfect crispy edges.

Tips for Perfecting Your Classic Pear Tart

• Replace pears with apples, peaches, or plums for a delightful seasonal twist that keeps the tart exciting and adaptable to what's ripe in your kitchen.
• Enhance the flavor profile by adding ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the crumb topping, creating a warm and aromatic dessert that tingles taste buds.
• Prepare the tart crust and slice pears in advance, storing them separately in the refrigerator to save time when you're ready to bake and impress your guests.
• Sprinkle chopped almonds or pecans into the crumb topping for an extra crunch that complements the soft, tender pear slices perfectly.
• Elevate this classic dessert by serving warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, turning a simple tart into a memorable sweet experience.

Serving a Classic Pear Tart with Style

• Dessert Companion Delights: Fresh whipped cream adds a luxurious, silky layer that perfectly complements the warm, spiced pear tart. A light dusting creates delectable contrast.
• Beverage Pairing Magic: Serve alongside a steaming cup of Earl Grey tea or a smooth vanilla latte to enhance the tart's delicate fruit flavors and buttery crust.
• Elegant Presentation Touch: Garnish each slice with a sprinkle of cinnamon, toasted almond slivers, or a small mint leaf to elevate the visual appeal and add subtle complexity to the dessert.
• Seasonal Serving Twist: During autumn, pair this classic pear tart with a scoop of cinnamon or maple walnut ice cream for a cozy, indulgent experience that celebrates the season's warmth.

Pear Tart Storage and Meal Planning Advice

• Smart Refrigeration Technique: Store the tart in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, keeping its delicate texture and fresh flavor intact.
• Freezing Magic: Wrap individual slices or the entire tart tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for maximum 2 months without compromising taste quality.
• Room Temperature Wisdom: Let the tart sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to enhance its natural sweetness and restore the crumbly texture.
• Serving Suggestion: Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream right before serving to add an extra layer of delightful indulgence and create a restaurant-worthy presentation.

Delectable Pear Tart Recipe

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4.7 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Homemade French pear tart offers delicate layers of buttery pastry and caramelized fruit from Normandy. Delightful dessert showcases simple ingredients with elegant precision you’ll savor completely.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 to 4 large pears (moderately ripe), cored and sliced
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ⅓ cup brown sugar
• 3 tbsps brown sugar
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 ½ tbsps cornstarch
• ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, cold
• 1 tbsp butter, cold
• 1 egg yolk
• 2 to 4 tbsps (30 to 60 ml) cold water (as needed)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) with the rack positioned centrally for consistent heat distribution.
2. Crust Formation: Delicately roll out the pie dough and seamlessly transfer into a 9-inch tart pan, meticulously pressing into edges and trimming excess pastry.
3. Fruit Preparation: Expertly peel and core ripe pears, then slice into uniform, thin wedges, creating an elegant foundation for the tart.
4. Layering Technique: Artfully arrange pear slices in an overlapping circular pattern, ensuring complete coverage of the pie crust with a visually stunning design.
5. Crumb Topping: Combine flour, sugar, cinnamon, and cold butter, using fingertips to craft a delicate, sandy-textured crumble that will crown the fruit.
6. Topping Application: Generously distribute the crumb mixture across the pear arrangement, allowing glimpses of fruit to create textural intrigue.
7. Baking Process: Slide the tart into the preheated oven, baking for 40-45 minutes and rotating midway to achieve a perfectly golden-brown surface.
8. Cooling and Setting: Transfer the tart to a wire rack, allowing it to cool completely for one hour, enabling flavors to harmonize and filling to stabilize.
9. Serving Suggestion: Slice into elegant wedges and present at room temperature, optionally embellishing with a delicate powdered sugar dusting or a dollop of whipped cream.

Notes

• Choose Ripe Pears: Select firm, unblemished pears that yield slightly when gently pressed, ensuring maximum flavor and texture in your tart.
• Perfect Dough Technique: Roll pie dough on a lightly floured surface to prevent sticking and achieve a thin, even crust that bakes beautifully.
• Prevent Soggy Bottom: Sprinkle a thin layer of ground almonds or breadcrumbs under the pear slices to absorb excess moisture and maintain a crisp crust.
• Cooling is Crucial: Allow the tart to cool completely before slicing, which helps the filling set and prevents the crust from becoming mushy.

• Prep Time: 65 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 70 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg