Autumn Spiced Pear Delight Tart
Celebrate the flavors of fall with our Autumn Spiced Pear Delight Tart, featuring a rich and nutty walnut-date crust that perfectly complements luscious, poached pears infused with warming spices. This delightful tart showcases the natural sweetness of seasonal pears, enhanced with a touch of brandy (or a delicious non-alcoholic substitute) for depth of flavor. With its harmonious blend of textures and aromas, this dessert is perfect for family gatherings, holiday feasts, or a cozy evening treat. Enjoy it chilled with a dollop of vanilla yogurt for an extra touch of indulgence.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Walnuts
2 1/2 cups (Ground)
Dates
1 1/2 cups (Pitted and chopped)
Pears
3 (Sliced)
Lemon
1 (Juiced)
Water
2 cups (Combined with lemon juice)
Cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon (Ground)
Allspice
1/8 teaspoon (Ground)
Ground Cloves
1/8 teaspoon (Ground)
Honey
2 tablespoons (Liquid)
Brandy
1/2 cup (Liquid)
Slivered Almonds
1/4 cup (Raw)
Instructions
1
In a food processor, combine the walnuts and dates (ensuring the dates are pitted and the stems removed). Process until the mixture is well-mixed and has a coarse texture—about 40 seconds. Press this mixture evenly into a 9-inch tart pan to form the crust. Place the crust in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the filling.
2
Squeeze the juice of the lemon into a mixing bowl and combine it with 2 cups of water. This mixture will keep the pears from browning.
3
Carefully slice the pears into quarters, remove the core, and then cut them crosswise into 1/4-inch thick slices. Place the sliced pears into the lemon water until all are cut.
4
In a large skillet, add the drained pear slices along with the honey, cinnamon, allspice, ground cloves, and brandy. Cook over medium heat for approximately 10 minutes, stirring frequently until the pears become tender but retain their shape.
5
Once the pears are cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a bowl and allow them to cool completely.
6
In the same skillet, reduce the cooking liquid over medium heat until it thickens by about half. Allow it to cool separately.
7
Once the pears are completely cool, stir in the slivered almonds. Spread the pear mixture evenly over the chilled walnut-date crust, and drizzle the reduced syrup over the top.
8
The tart can be served immediately, or you can cover it and keep it in the refrigerator until ready to serve. To maintain freshness, store it covered, and consider serving with a garnish of vanilla yogurt if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Autumn Spiced Pear Delight Tart?
It is a seasonal fall dessert featuring a nutty walnut-date crust and poached pears infused with warming spices like cinnamon, allspice, and cloves.
What ingredients are needed for the tart crust?
The crust is made using 2 1/2 cups of ground walnuts and 1 1/2 cups of pitted and chopped dates.
How do I prepare the walnut-date crust?
Process the walnuts and dates in a food processor for about 40 seconds until well-mixed and coarse, then press the mixture into a 9-inch tart pan.
Does the crust need to be baked?
No, this is a no-bake crust that should be placed in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the filling.
How many pears are required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 pears.
How should the pears be sliced?
The pears should be sliced into quarters, cored, and then cut crosswise into 1/4-inch thick slices.
How do I prevent the sliced pears from browning?
Place the sliced pears into a mixing bowl containing the juice of one lemon and 2 cups of water.
What spices are used in the pear filling?
The filling uses 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/8 teaspoon of ground allspice, and 1/8 teaspoon of ground cloves.
What sweetener is used for the pears?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of liquid honey to sweeten the pear mixture.
Is alcohol used in this recipe?
Yes, 1/2 cup of brandy is used for depth of flavor, though it can be replaced with a non-alcoholic substitute.
How long should the pears be cooked?
Cook the pear slices with honey, spices, and brandy over medium heat for approximately 10 minutes.
What is the desired texture of the cooked pears?
The pears should be tender but still retain their shape.
How do I make the syrup for the tart?
After removing the cooked pears, reduce the remaining cooking liquid in the skillet over medium heat until it thickens by about half.
When should the slivered almonds be added?
The 1/4 cup of slivered almonds should be stirred into the pear mixture once the pears have completely cooled.
How is the tart assembled?
Spread the cooled pear and almond mixture over the chilled crust and drizzle the reduced syrup over the top.
Can the tart be served immediately?
Yes, the tart can be served immediately or kept in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
What is a suggested garnish for this dessert?
It is recommended to serve the tart with a dollop of vanilla yogurt for extra indulgence.
How should I store leftovers?
Store the tart covered in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness.
What size tart pan is used?
A 9-inch tart pan is the recommended size for this recipe.
What is the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients in total.
Are the walnuts used for the crust ground or whole?
The walnuts should be ground or processed until they reach a coarse texture.
What preparation is needed for the dates?
The dates must be pitted and have their stems removed before being chopped and processed.
What is the texture of the crust?
The crust has a rich, nutty, and coarse texture.
Is this a good recipe for holidays?
Yes, it is described as perfect for family gatherings, holiday feasts, or cozy evening treats.
Should the reduced syrup be hot when drizzled?
The instructions specify to allow the reduced syrup to cool separately before drizzling.
What type of heat is used for cooking the pears?
Medium heat is used for both cooking the pears and reducing the syrup.
Can I use water alone to soak the pears?
The recipe recommends a combination of 2 cups of water and lemon juice to specifically prevent browning.
Are the almonds toasted?
The ingredient list specifies 1/4 cup of raw slivered almonds.
What are the tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include tart, pear, pudding, fall desserts, baking, seasonal, nutty crust, comfort food, and holiday recipe.
How long does it take to process the crust mixture?
It takes about 40 seconds in a food processor to reach the desired coarse texture.