Pear Frangipane Tarts Recipe
Dive into the luxurious flavors of Pear Frangipane Tarts, a classic French dessert that marries the sophistication of almond frangipane with the sweet juiciness of ripe pears. Perfect for any occasion, these tarts are a testament to the delicate balance of buttery crusts and rich fillings, creating a decadent end to any meal. Join me in crafting an elegant dessert sure to impress even the most discerning palates.
Kitchen Equipment Required
- Tart Pans (with removable bottom, 10cm/4-inch diameter)
- Mixing Bowls
- Electric Mixer or Whisk
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Saucepan
- Spatula
- Knife
- Parchment Paper
Cooking Time
Total estimated time: 2 hours
Ingredients
- For the Tart Crust:
- 250g (2 cups) all-purpose flour
- 125g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 50g (1/4 cup) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2g (1/2 tsp) salt
- For the Frangipane Filling:
- 100g (1 cup) almond flour
- 100g (1/2 cup) granulated sugar
- 100g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 5ml (1 tsp) vanilla extract
- 10ml (2 tsp) almond extract
- For the Poached Pears:
- 2 ripe pears, peeled, halved, and cored
- 500ml (2 cups) water
- 100g (1/2 cup) granulated sugar
- 15ml (1 tbsp) lemon juice
- 5ml (1 tsp) vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Tart Crust
In a mixing bowl, combine 250g of flour and 2g of salt. Add the chilled butter cubes (125g), and using your fingers or a pastry cutter, blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Beat the egg and 50g of sugar together, then mix into the flour mixture until a dough forms. Shape into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Step 2: Poach the Pears
In a saucepan, combine 500ml of water, 100g of sugar, 15ml of lemon juice, and 5ml of vanilla extract. Bring to a gentle simmer. Add the pear halves and poach for 15-20 minutes, until tender but not mushy. Remove from heat and let cool in the syrup.
Step 3: Prepare the Frangipane
Beat together softened butter (100g) and sugar (100g) until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well between each addition. Finally, mix in the almond flour (100g) and extracts (5ml vanilla, 10ml almond) until well combined. Set aside.
Step 4: Assemble the Tarts
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Roll out the chilled tart dough between two sheets of parchment to roughly 0.5 cm (1/4 inch) thickness. Cut out circles to line your tart pans, press gently into the pans, and trim excess. Spread a layer of frangipane filling into each tart shell. Slice the poached pears thinly and fan out over the frangipane.
Step 5: Bake
Bake the tarts for 25-30 minutes or until the frangipane is golden and set. Allow the tarts to cool slightly in the pans before removing to a wire rack.
Step 6: Serve
Your Pear Frangipane Tarts are ready to be enjoyed either warm or at room temperature. Serve as is, or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence.
Conclusion
You’ve just crafted an exquisite dessert with these Pear Frangipane Tarts, each bite a delicate balance of buttery crust, rich almond frangipane, and subtly sweet pear, making for an elegant and satisfying treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, chilled and diced
- 1/4 cup of ice water
- 1/2 cup of sugar
- 3/4 cup of ground almonds (almond meal)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/2 tsp of almond extract
- 2 ripe pears, peeled, cored, and sliced
The harmonious blend of a buttery crust, rich almond frangipane, and sweetly decadent pears will no doubt elevate your dessert table, providing a sophisticated finale to any dining experience. Cherish the fruits of your labor by sharing these exquisite tarts with friends and family, or indulge in a moment of elegance all to yourself, accompanied by a cup of tea. These tarts are not just a treat to the palate but also a beautiful display of culinary artistry.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply enjoying a quiet evening at home, these tarts are sure to impress. For more delightful recipes and baking inspiration, be sure to visit our collection of dessert recipes. Or, for those interested in perfecting their pastry skills, take a look at our pastry techniques guide. Happy baking!
If you’re seeking further information on the origins of frangipane or its role in French cuisine, feel free to explore external resources such as Encyclopedia Britannica or check out a detailed history at Food History.
