This pear almond tart is a tasty treat that’s hard to resist! It features sweet, juicy pears and a smooth almond filling, all nestled in a buttery crust, making it simply delightful.
When I make this tart, I feel like a pastry chef! It’s easy enough to whip up and great for sharing. Plus, it pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Almond Flour: This is the star of the tart, giving it a lovely nutty flavor and moist texture. If you can’t find almond flour, finely ground almonds or hazelnut flour can work too. Just ensure they are as fine as possible for a smooth result.
All-Purpose Flour: This flour helps provide structure to the tart. If you’re gluten-free, you could substitute it with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure your blend includes xanthan gum to mimic the texture of regular flour.
Pears: Ripe, juicy pears make this dessert special. If pears are out of season, apples would be a wonderful substitute. Just slice them thinly and they will bake beautifully.
Unsalted Butter: I love using unsalted butter for better control over seasoning. If you’re in a pinch, margarine or a dairy-free butter alternative can also be used, but the flavor might change slightly.
Why is Creaming Butter and Sugar Important?
Creaming the butter and sugar is a crucial technique that helps incorporate air into the mixture, leading to a lighter and fluffier tart. Here are some tips:
- Use softened butter; it should be at room temperature but not melting.
- Beat until the mixture is light in color and fluffy, this usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
- Be patient! This step is key to getting that nice texture.
How to Make Pear Almond Tart?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Tart Base:
- 1 ½ cups almond flour
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp almond extract
- ½ tsp salt
For The Topping:
- 4 ripe pears, peeled, cored, and sliced thinly
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Pear Almond Tart will take about 15 minutes of preparation time, followed by 40-45 minutes of baking. So, you’ll want to set aside about 1 hour to enjoy this tasty treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, grease a tart pan with a removable bottom or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a mixing bowl, add the softened butter and granulated sugar. Using a hand mixer or whisk, cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes. This is what helps your tart be nice and soft!
3. Mix in the Eggs and Extracts:
Now it’s time to add the eggs! Crack them in one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps the eggs blend smoothly. Then, stir in the vanilla extract and almond extract to infuse that lovely flavor!
4. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, combine the almond flour, all-purpose flour, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix—just until you can’t see any dry flour is perfect!
5. Pour and Spread the Batter:
Pour the batter into the prepared tart pan. Using a spatula, spread it evenly so it fills the pan nicely.
6. Arrange the Pears:
Take your lovely sliced pears and arrange them on top of the batter. You can go for a pretty pattern, and gently press them a little into the batter so they bake perfectly!
7. Bake the Tart:
Pop the tart into your preheated oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes. Keep an eye on it until it’s golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen should smell amazing right about now!
8. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, take the tart out of the oven and let it cool slightly in the pan. You can serve it warm or at room temperature. If you like, dust it with some powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness. Enjoy your delicious Pear Almond Tart!
Can I Substitute the Almond Flour?
Yes, you can substitute the almond flour with an equal amount of all-purpose flour for a nut-free version. However, keep in mind that this might change the flavor and texture slightly, making it less moist and more cake-like.
How Do I Store Leftover Tart?
To store any leftovers, cover the tart with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to a week. Just remember to bring it back to room temperature before serving for the best flavor!
Can I Use Other Fruits Instead of Pears?
Absolutely! This recipe is quite versatile. You can substitute pears with apples or peaches for a different flavor. Just make sure to slice the fruit thinly, similar to the pears, to ensure even cooking.
What If My Tart Pan Doesn’t Have a Removable Bottom?
No worries! If your tart pan doesn’t have a removable bottom, you can still bake it in the pan. Just be sure to line the bottom with parchment paper for easier removal. Let the tart cool completely before carefully inverting it onto a serving plate.
