Decadent Almond-Pear Delight Tart
This Decadent Almond-Pear Delight Tart combines the rich flavors of almond and ripe pears, enveloped in a buttery crust that melts in your mouth. Perfect for any special occasion, this tart is deceptively simple to prepare, making it a favorite among guests. Its luscious almond cream filling provides a wonderful contrast to the sweet, soft slices of pears that beautifully crown the tart. Finished with a glossy apricot glaze and a sprinkle of toasted almonds, this dessert is not only a feast for the palate but also for the eyes. Whether served at a holiday gathering, a tea party, or as an indulgent treat after dinner, this tart is sure to impress anyone lucky enough to have a slice.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Refrigerated pie crusts
1 (15 ounce) package (Unfold and stack, then roll into a 12-inch circle.)
Butter
6 1/2 tablespoons, divided (Softened.)
Almond paste
4 ounces (Crumble into small pieces.)
Sugar
5 tablespoons, divided (Measure out as indicated.)
Brandy
1/4 cup, divided (Measure out as indicated.)
All-purpose flour
1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons, divided (Measure out as indicated.)
Large egg
1 (Beaten.)
Vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (Measure out.)
Almond extract
1/4 teaspoon (Measure out.)
Pears
2 (Peeled and thinly sliced.)
Apricot preserves
1/2 cup (For glazing - heat until melted.)
Whipping cream
1 tablespoon (Measure out.)
Sweetened cream
To taste (Optional for garnish.)
Sliced almonds
To taste (Optional for garnish.)
Ground cinnamon
To taste (Optional for garnish.)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
On a lightly floured surface, unfold the piecrusts and stack them. Roll the mixture into a 12-inch circle. Carefully fit the dough into a 10-inch tart pan with a removable bottom, trimming any excess pastry that hangs over the edges.
3
In a medium bowl, beat together 4 tablespoons of softened butter, crumbled almond paste, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 2 tablespoons of brandy, 1/3 cup of flour, the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract using a mixer at medium speed until thoroughly blended. Spread this mixture evenly over the prepared crust.
4
In a separate bowl, toss the sliced pears with the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar before arranging them in overlapping circles on top of the almond filling.
5
In a small saucepan, gently heat the apricot preserves over low heat until melted. Strain the preserves through a fine mesh strainer to remove any solids. Stir in 1 tablespoon of butter, the remaining 2 tablespoons of brandy, and the whipping cream, then drizzle this glaze evenly over the arranged pears.
6
For the crumble topping, combine the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar and 2 tablespoons of flour in a small bowl. Cut in the remaining 1.5 tablespoons of softened butter with a fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the pears.
7
Place the tart on the bottom rack of the preheated oven and bake for approximately 40 minutes, or until the tart is golden brown and the filling is set.
8
Allow the tart to cool in the pan on a wire rack for 15 minutes before carefully removing the sides of the tart pan. Serve warm or at room temperature, garnished with sweetened cream, sliced almonds, and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Decadent Almond-Pear Delight Tart?
It is a dessert featuring rich flavors of almond and ripe pears enveloped in a buttery piecrust, finished with an apricot glaze and toasted almonds.
What temperature should the oven be preheated to?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
What size tart pan is required for this recipe?
You should use a 10-inch tart pan with a removable bottom.
How many pears do I need?
The recipe calls for 2 pears, peeled and thinly sliced.
How do I prepare the piecrusts?
Unfold and stack two refrigerated pie crusts, then roll them into a 12-inch circle on a lightly floured surface.
What are the ingredients for the almond filling?
The filling consists of 4 tablespoons butter, crumbled almond paste, 1 tablespoon sugar, 2 tablespoons brandy, 1/3 cup flour, one egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
How do I prepare the almond paste?
The 4 ounces of almond paste should be crumbled into small pieces before being beaten with the other filling ingredients.
How should the pears be arranged on the tart?
Toss the sliced pears with 2 tablespoons of sugar and arrange them in overlapping circles on top of the almond filling.
What is the purpose of the apricot preserves?
The apricot preserves are melted and strained to create a glossy glaze for the pears.
How is the apricot glaze made?
Heat the preserves until melted, strain them, then stir in 1 tablespoon of butter, 2 tablespoons of brandy, and 1 tablespoon of whipping cream.
What goes into the crumble topping?
The crumble topping is made by combining 2 tablespoons of sugar, 2 tablespoons of flour, and 1.5 tablespoons of softened butter.
How long does the tart bake?
The tart should bake for approximately 40 minutes on the bottom rack of the oven.
How do I know when the tart is finished baking?
The tart is done when it is golden brown and the filling has set.
How long should the tart cool before removing it from the pan?
Allow the tart to cool in the pan on a wire rack for 15 minutes.
What are the suggested garnishes for serving?
You can garnish the tart with sweetened cream, sliced almonds, and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon.
Can this tart be served warm?
Yes, the tart can be served warm or at room temperature.
Does this recipe contain alcohol?
Yes, it uses a total of 1/4 cup of brandy, divided between the filling and the glaze.
What kind of flour is used?
The recipe specifies all-purpose flour.
How much almond paste is required?
You will need 4 ounces of almond paste.
Is there vanilla extract in this recipe?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract is used in the almond filling.
Is there almond extract in this recipe?
Yes, 1/4 teaspoon of almond extract is used to enhance the almond flavor.
What is the total amount of butter used?
The recipe uses 6.5 tablespoons of butter in total, divided among the filling, glaze, and crumble.
How much sugar is needed for the whole recipe?
A total of 5 tablespoons of sugar is used, divided between the filling, pear tossing, and crumble topping.
What kind of pie crust is recommended?
The recipe suggests using a 15-ounce package of refrigerated pie crusts.
Do I need to strain the apricot preserves?
Yes, the instructions state to strain the preserves through a fine mesh strainer to remove any solids.
Where in the oven should the tart be placed?
The tart should be placed on the bottom rack of the preheated oven.
How much whipping cream is used?
Only 1 tablespoon of whipping cream is stirred into the apricot glaze.
Can this recipe be prepared for special occasions?
Yes, it is described as perfect for special occasions, holiday gatherings, or tea parties.
Is the crust handmade?
The recipe uses refrigerated pie crusts for convenience, making it an easy-to-prepare dessert.
What is the texture of the filling?
The filling is a luscious, creamy almond mixture that provides a contrast to the soft pear slices.