Imagine transporting yourself to a charming Parisian café with just one heavenly bite of this exquisite French Pear Tarte. This isn't just a dessert—it's a culinary masterpiece that marries the delicate sweetness of ripe pears with a luxurious, silky custard nestled in a perfectly golden crust. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a curious home cook, this recipe promises to elevate your dessert game and impress even the most discerning food lovers.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pie crust
- 3 ripe pears, sliced
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9-inch tart pan by lightly greasing it with butter or cooking spray.
- Roll out the pie crust and carefully transfer it into the prepared tart pan. Gently press the crust into the bottom and sides of the pan, trimming any excess dough from the edges.
- Wash and core the pears, then slice them thinly into uniform pieces, approximately 1/4 inch thick. Arrange the pear slices in an overlapping circular pattern on the prepared pie crust.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, melted butter, eggs, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Carefully pour the custard mixture over the arranged pear slices, ensuring an even distribution. The custard should fill the spaces between the pear slices.
- Place the tart pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the custard is set with a slight wobble in the center.
- Remove the tart from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 15-20 minutes before serving. The tart can be served warm or at room temperature.
- Optional: Dust the tart with powdered sugar or serve with a dollop of whipped cream for added elegance.
Tips
- Choose Perfectly Ripe Pears: Select pears that are ripe but still firm. Bartlett or Bosc pears work wonderfully, ensuring a beautiful texture and balanced sweetness.
- Slice Uniformly: Use a sharp knife or mandoline to create even, thin pear slices. This ensures consistent cooking and an elegant presentation.
- Prevent Soggy Crust: Lightly blind bake your pie crust for 10 minutes before adding pears to create a barrier against moisture.
- Custard Consistency is Key: Whisk the custard ingredients thoroughly and strain if needed to achieve a smooth, lump-free mixture.
- Watch the Wobble: The tart is done when the custard is set but still has a slight jiggle in the center. Overbaking can lead to a rubbery texture.
- Cooling Matters: Allow the tart to cool for at least 15-20 minutes. This helps the custard set and makes slicing easier.
- Serving Suggestions: A light dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of fresh whipped cream can elevate this already stunning dessert.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 342kcal
Carbohydrates: 43g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 60mg
