Prepare to be transported to the charming patisseries of France with this show-stopping dessert that will make your taste buds dance and your guests swoon! Imagine perfectly golden, flaky pastry embracing tender, succulent pears, all draped in a luxurious, glossy caramel sauce that promises to be the ultimate culinary seduction. This elegant yet surprisingly simple recipe transforms humble ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dessert that looks like it took hours to create - but will be our little secret!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 6 ripe pears
- 1 sheet puff pastry
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Carefully peel the pears, keeping the stems intact. Cut a small slice from the bottom of each pear so they can stand upright.
- Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Cut the pastry into 6 equal circles large enough to wrap around each pear.
- Wrap each pear gently in a pastry circle, pinching the pastry at the bottom to seal. Trim any excess pastry and create a decorative edge.
- Place the pastry-wrapped pears on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one.
- Brush the pastry with a beaten egg wash for a golden, shiny finish (optional).
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and crisp.
- While the pears are baking, prepare the caramel sauce. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt the sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly until it turns a deep amber color.
- Carefully add butter to the melted sugar, whisking continuously. The mixture will bubble vigorously.
- Slowly pour in the heavy cream, continuing to whisk until the sauce is smooth and glossy. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Once the pastry pears are baked, remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes.
- Plate the pears and drizzle generously with the warm caramel sauce.
- Serve immediately, optionally garnishing with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Tips
- Choose ripe but firm pears for the best texture - they should yield slightly when gently pressed but not be mushy.
- Keep your puff pastry cold until just before use to ensure maximum flakiness.
- When making caramel, watch the sugar carefully and stir constantly to prevent burning.
- For a professional presentation, use a sharp knife to create decorative edges on the pastry.
- Serve immediately after drizzling with caramel sauce to maintain the perfect temperature and pastry crispness.
- For an extra touch of elegance, consider adding a light dusting of powdered sugar or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- If you're nervous about making caramel, use a candy thermometer to help gauge the perfect amber color.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 80mg
