This Pear and Almond Tart is an irresistible dessert that combines a buttery shortcrust base, a creamy almond filling, and the juicy sweetness of pears. With sliced almonds on top and a dusting of powdered sugar, it’s perfect for special occasions or weekend indulgence. The tart’s delicate balance of flavors, including a hint of lemon zest, makes it an elegant treat for any gathering.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Ingredients
Shortcrust Pastry
- Butter: 100 g (7 tbsp)
- Powdered Sugar: 50 g (1/4 cup)
- Oil: 3 tbsp
- Salt: A pinch
- Vanilla Sugar: 8 g (1 tbsp)
- Cornstarch: 50 g (1/3 cup)
- Egg: 1 large
- Baking Powder: A pinch
- 00 Flour: 250 g (2 cups)
Almond Filling
- Butter: 150 g (2/3 cup)
- Granulated Sugar: 150 g (3/4 cup)
- Ground Almonds: 150 g (1 1/4 cups)
- Eggs: 2 large
- Lemon Zest: From 1 lemon
- Flour: 35 g (1/4 cup)
Topping
- Apricot Jam: 100 g (1/3 cup)
- Pears in Syrup: Sliced
- Sliced Almonds: To taste
- Powdered Sugar: For dusting
Directions
1. Prepare the Shortcrust Pastry:
- In a bowl, mix 100 g butter, 50 g powdered sugar, 8 g vanilla sugar, a pinch of salt, and 3 tbsp oil.
- Add 50 g cornstarch, 1 egg, a pinch of baking powder, and 250 g 00 flour. Mix gently with fingertips to form a dough.
- Shape into a disc, wrap in plastic, and freeze for 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the Almond Filling:
- Cream 150 g butter and 150 g granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add 2 eggs, one at a time, mixing well. Stir in 150 g ground almonds, lemon zest, and 35 g flour.
3. Assemble the Tart:
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Roll out the chilled dough to fit a 28 cm tart pan. Press into the pan, trimming excess.
- Spread 100 g apricot jam over the base. Pour the almond filling over the jam.
- Arrange sliced pears on top, and sprinkle with sliced almonds.
4. Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes or until the filling sets and the top is golden.
5. Serve:
- Cool before dusting with powdered sugar. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
- Pair with tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon snack.
- Serve warm or cold, depending on your preference.
Cooking Tips
- Use cold butter for a flaky shortcrust.
- Replace ground almonds with almond meal for a finer texture.
- Drain pears well to avoid soggy crusts.
Nutritional Benefits
- Almonds: Provide healthy fats, fiber, and protein.
- Pears: Rich in fiber and natural sweetness.
- Lower in saturated fats compared to other desserts.
Dietary Information
- Contains: Gluten, dairy, eggs, and nuts.
- Not suitable for gluten-free, dairy-free, or nut-free diets.
Nutritional Facts (per slice, 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
Storage Tips
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerate: For up to 5 days.
- Freeze: Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Elegant and Flavorful: Perfect for special occasions.
- Rich Flavor Profile: A balance of almonds, pears, and citrus zest.
- Versatile Dessert: Serve warm or cold for any season.
- Homemade Goodness: A beautifully made tart that’s sure to impress.
Conclusion
This Pear and Almond Tart is a timeless dessert that will captivate with its rich almond filling, sweet pears, and delicate shortcrust. Whether you’re making it for a dinner party or treating yourself, the flavors and textures of this tart are bound to delight. Try it for your next gathering and savor every delicious bite!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use fresh pears instead of pears in syrup?
Yes, poach fresh pears in simple syrup before adding them to the tart. - Can I substitute almonds with other nuts?
Yes, walnuts or hazelnuts can be used for a different flavor. - What oil is best for the dough?
Use neutral oils like vegetable or canola oil. - Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes, freeze the dough for up to a month. - What can I use instead of apricot jam?
Peach or orange marmalade works well as a substitute. - Can I use a different type of flour?
All-purpose flour can replace 00 flour in this recipe. - How do I make the filling dairy-free?
Use dairy-free margarine instead of butter. - How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?
Use a thin layer of jam and drain pears well. - Can I freeze the tart?
Yes, freeze the baked tart for up to 3 months. - Can I use almond flour instead of ground almonds?
Yes, almond flour offers a finer texture for the filling.