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):
- 3–4 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
- 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.
- Combine 1 all-purpose flour, salt, and granulated sugar in a medium mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution of dry ingredients.
- In a separate bowl, thoroughly whisk together the oils, whole milk, and pure vanilla extract until smoothly integrated.
- Gently fold the liquid ingredients into the flour mixture using a fork, creating a soft, cohesive dough without overmixing.
- 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.
- Create the crumb topping by blending flour, sugar, and margarine until the mixture resembles coarse, irregular crumbs.
- Sprinkle the prepared crumb topping uniformly over the fruit layer, ensuring complete and even coverage.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 45 minutes, watching for a glossy, bubbling surface and the initial browning of the crust.
- 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