Ina Garten Pear Tart Recipe

Perfect Ina Garten Pear Tart Recipe: Sweet, Rustic & Simple

Ina Garten’s pear tart transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience that speaks directly to comfort and elegance.

Sweet seasonal fruit nestles into a buttery, golden crust with remarkable grace.

Each carefully crafted slice promises a harmonious balance between delicate pastry and juicy pear essence.

Home bakers can easily master this sophisticated dessert that looks far more complicated than its straightforward preparation suggests.

The rustic charm of this tart emerges from its unpretentious ingredients and simple technique.

Remarkable flavors develop through minimal intervention, allowing natural ingredients to shine brilliantly.

Professional and home cooks alike appreciate how such a seemingly modest recipe can create such impressive results: prepare to fall in love with baking.

Fresh Spins on Ina Garten’s Pear Tart

  • Rustic Apple Swap: Replace pears with thinly sliced apples, using Granny Smith or Honeycrisp varieties for a tangy, crisp alternative that maintains the tart's classic structure.
  • Almond Crunch Edition: Sprinkle sliced almonds into the crumb topping for added texture and nutty depth, complementing the soft fruit base with a delightful crunch.
  • Berry Fusion Fusion: Combine diced pears with raspberries or blueberries to create a mixed fruit version that introduces vibrant color and complex flavor layers to the original recipe.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Substitute regular flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend, ensuring those with dietary restrictions can enjoy this delectable tart without compromising taste or texture.

Wrapping Up the Pear Tart Experience

Ina Garten’s pear tart whispers autumn’s sweet melody through its rustic charm and delicate flavors.

Coastal breezes from her Hamptons kitchen seem to dance within each golden-edged slice.

Kitchen mastery sparkles in her simple yet sophisticated approach to dessert perfection.

Flour, butter, and ripe pears combine into a culinary symphony that celebrates seasonal abundance.

Homemade pastry becomes more than a recipe – it transforms into a heartwarming experience connecting generations.

Savor each bite, share this masterpiece with loved ones, spread pure delight across social media, and let deliciousness inspire passionate connections through Garten’s incredible dish.

Why Ina Garten’s Pear Tart Deserves the Spotlight

Why Ina Garten’s Pear Tart Deserves the Spotlight
  • Effortless Elegance: Ina Garten's pear tart transforms simple ingredients into a stunning dessert that looks like it came from a professional bakery, making you feel like a culinary star without complicated techniques.
  • Versatile Comfort Treat: This tart adapts perfectly to different occasions, from casual family gatherings to elegant dinner parties, offering a warm, inviting dessert that feels both sophisticated and homey.
  • Quick and Foolproof Preparation: With a straightforward method and minimal ingredients, even novice bakers can create a delectable dessert in under an hour, delivering maximum flavor with minimal kitchen stress.

What You’ll Need for the Pear Tart Recipe

Pastry Base:
  • All-Purpose Flour: A classic base for creating a tender and flaky tart crust with delicate texture.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the tart.
  • Sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness to the pastry base and helps with browning.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Vegetable Oil: Provides moisture and helps create a lighter, softer crust compared to traditional butter crusts.
  • Milk: Adds richness and helps bind the dough together.
  • Vanilla Extract: Introduces a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the pears.
Fruit and Topping:
  • Pears: Fresh, ripe fruit that brings natural sweetness and soft texture to the tart.
  • Flour: Used in the crumb topping to create a light, crispy texture.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness to the crumb topping and helps with caramelization.
  • Margarine: Creates a crumbly, buttery topping with a rich flavor and light texture.

How to Bake Ina’s Signature Pear Tart

How to Bake Ina’s Signature Pear Tart

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

In a mixing bowl, combine:
  • Flour
  • Salt
  • Sugar

Whisk together vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla in a separate bowl. Gently blend liquid ingredients into dry ingredients using a fork. Press the dough into an 11-inch tart pan, covering the bottom and sides with your fingers.

Step 2: Create Crumb Topping

In a bowl, mix together:
  • Flour
  • Sugar
  • Margarine

Blend ingredients until they form a crumbly texture.

Step 3: Prepare the Oven

Preheat the oven to 425°F. Place a foil-lined baking sheet on the lower rack to catch any potential drips.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Carefully distribute the crumb topping evenly over the prepared crust. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes until the surface becomes glossy and bubbly, and the crust edges turn golden brown.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Remove the tart from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.

Smart Tips for Ina Garten’s Pear Tart

  • Pick Perfect Pears: Look for pears that are ripe but still firm, with a slight give when gently pressed near the stem.
  • Slice Like a Pro: Cut pears uniformly using a sharp chef's knife to ensure even cooking and a stunning presentation.
  • Prevent Pastry Sogginess: Blind baking the crust creates a protective barrier that keeps the bottom crisp and flaky.
  • Enhance Flavor Depth: Sprinkle a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg over the pears to add warmth and complexity to the tart.
  • Serve with Finesse: Dust the finished tart with powdered sugar or serve with a dollop of vanilla whipped cream for an elegant touch.

Preserving Your Pear Tart Like a Pro

  • Countertop Cooling: Let the freshly baked tart cool completely at room temperature for optimal texture preservation. Prevent condensation by avoiding immediate refrigeration, which can make the delicate pastry soggy and compromise its crisp edges.
  • Refrigeration Strategy: Protect the tart's delicate structure by wrapping it loosely in plastic wrap or storing in a shallow container with a lid. Consume within 2-3 days for maximum flavor and quality, keeping the crust's buttery crunch intact.
  • Freezing Technique: Slice the tart into individual portions before freezing for easier future serving. Wrap each section tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and refresh in a warm oven for 5-7 minutes to restore the pastry's original crisp texture.
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Ina Garten Pear Tart Recipe

Ina Garten Pear Tart Recipe


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4.8 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Ina Garten’s pear tart celebrates French pastry elegance with delicate layers of buttery puff pastry and ripe, caramelized pears. Delightful golden-brown edges and sweet almond cream create a sophisticated dessert perfect for elegant gatherings or quiet afternoon indulgence.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients (Fruits):

  • 34 pears (large, ripe, cored, and sliced about ⅓-inch thick) or peaches, sliced with stone removed

Dry Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ cups flour (half whole wheat)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • ¾ cups sugar
  • 2 tablespoons margarine or butter, cold

Liquid and Oil Ingredients:

  • ¼ cup vegetable or canola oil
  • ¼ cup mild olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons milk or water
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla

Instructions

  1. Heat the oven to 425°F (218°C), positioning a protective aluminum foil or baking sheet on the lower rack to capture any potential drippings.
  2. Combine 1 all-purpose flour, salt, and granulated sugar in a medium mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution of dry ingredients.
  3. In a separate bowl, thoroughly whisk together the oils, whole milk, and pure vanilla extract until smoothly integrated.
  4. Gently fold the liquid ingredients into the flour mixture using a fork, creating a soft, cohesive dough without overmixing.
  5. Carefully transfer and press the dough into an 11-inch (28-centimeter) tart pan, using your fingertips to evenly distribute the dough across the bottom and partially up the sides.
  6. Create the crumb topping by blending flour, sugar, and margarine until the mixture resembles coarse, irregular crumbs.
  7. Sprinkle the prepared crumb topping uniformly over the fruit layer, ensuring complete and even coverage.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 45 minutes, watching for a glossy, bubbling surface and the initial browning of the crust.
  9. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely on a wire rack, serving either warm or at room temperature for optimal flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Slice pears just before assembly to prevent browning and maintain their fresh appearance.
  • Chill the tart shell after blind baking to help it retain its crisp structure when adding filling.
  • Layer pear slices starting from the outer edge, overlapping slightly to create an elegant, spiral design.
  • Dust tart with powdered sugar right before serving to add a delicate, sweet finish.
  • Serve warm or at room temperature for the most enjoyable taste and texture experience.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 300 kcal
  • Sugar: 20 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 5 mg
Julian Park

Julian Park

Co-Founder, Cuisine Researcher & Food Culture Writer

Expertise

  • Global Food Cultures & Culinary History
  • Regional Flavor Profiles & Cooking Techniques
  • Food Anthropology & Cultural Identity
  • Culinary Research & Narrative Writing
  • Street Food Traditions & Heritage Dishes

Education

The Institute of Culinary Education (ICE), Los Angeles, CA

  • Degree: Certificate in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Professional culinary techniques, global cuisine fundamentals, and real-world training in restaurant-style cooking and food presentation.

Julian Park is a natural storyteller at The Dream Café who blends hands-on culinary experience with a passion for exploring global food traditions. A graduate of The Institute of Culinary Education in Los Angeles, Julian combines professional technique with a love for cultural discovery, diving into how dishes reflect heritage, migration, and identity. 

His work spans everything from in-depth cuisine guides to reflections on everyday meals around the world. With a curious palate and a journal always close by, Julian helps readers connect with food in a way that feels so insightful and personal.

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