Looking for a dessert that’s both elegant and comforting? This Classic Pear Tart fits the bill perfectly. With its buttery crust, sweet pear filling, and crumbly topping, this tart is sure to impress. Whether you’re serving it at a dinner party or enjoying a slice with your afternoon tea, this recipe is a must-try. Let’s get started!
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 ½ cup flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, cold
- 1 egg yolk
- 2-4 tablespoons cold water (as needed)
Filling
- 3-4 large pears (moderately ripe), cored and sliced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 ½ tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Crumb Topping
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon butter, cold
Instructions
Crust Preparation
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, and salt.
- Incorporate Butter: Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
- Form the Dough: Mix in the egg yolk, adding cold water as needed until the dough forms a ball. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes.
- Preheat and Roll Out: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Roll out the chilled dough to ¼ inch thickness, fit it into a tart pan, trim any excess dough, and prick the bottom with a fork. Chill the crust while you prepare the filling.
Filling Preparation
- Prepare Pears: In a large bowl, combine the sliced pears with lemon juice, cornstarch, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Mix well and set aside.
Crumb Topping Preparation
- Make the Crumb Topping: In a small bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, and cold butter until the mixture becomes crumbly.
Assembly and Baking
- Assemble the Tart: Arrange the pear filling evenly in the prepared crust. Sprinkle the crumb topping over the pears.
- Bake: Bake the tart in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the tart to cool before serving. This will help the filling to set and make slicing easier.
Tips for the Best Classic Pear Tart
- Choose Ripe Pears: Use moderately ripe pears for the best texture and sweetness.
- Chill the Crust: Chilling the crust before baking helps prevent it from shrinking and ensures a flaky texture.
- Even Slices: Slice the pears evenly to ensure they cook uniformly.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 320 per serving
- Servings: 8 servings
Conclusion
This Classic Pear Tart is a delightful dessert that’s both simple and sophisticated. Its buttery crust, sweet and spiced pear filling, and crunchy crumb topping make it a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice, this tart is sure to be a hit. Enjoy baking and sharing this classic treat with your loved ones!
Feel free to share your variations or tips in the comments below. Happy baking!
Classic Pear Tart
Description
The Classic Pear Tart combines the simple pleasures of buttery pastry with the natural sweetness of ripe pears, enhanced by a hint of cinnamon. This tart, with its golden crust and juicy, spiced pears topped with a crunchy crumble, is a testament to the beauty of minimalist baking. It’s perfect for a chilly evening, served warm with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
1 ½ Cup Flour
¼ Cup Granulated Sugar
¼ Teaspoon Salt
¼ Cup Unsalted Butter, Cold
1 Egg Yolk
2–4 Tablespoons Cold Water (as needed)
Filling:
3–4 Large Pears (moderately ripe), cored and sliced
1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice
1 1/2 Tablespoon Cornstarch
3 Tablespoons Brown Sugar
1/8 Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
Crumb Topping:
1 Tablespoon All Purpose Flour
1/3 Cup Brown Sugar
1 Tablespoon Butter, Cold
Instructions
Crust:
In a medium bowl, mix the flour, sugar, and salt together. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Mix in the egg yolk, adding cold water as needed until the dough forms a ball. Wrap and chill for 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Roll out the dough to ¼ inch thickness, fit into a tart pan, trim excess dough, and prick the bottom. Chill until filling is ready.
Filling:
Combine sliced pears, lemon juice, cornstarch, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Set aside.
Crumb Topping:
Mix flour, brown sugar, and butter until crumbly.
Assembly:
Arrange pears in crust, top with crumb topping, and bake for 35-40 minutes until golden. Cool before serving.