Pecan Pear Tart Recipe

Introduction

This Pecan Pear Tart combines tender, spiced pears with a buttery, crumbly crust and crunchy pecans for a delightful dessert. Drizzled with maple syrup and brown sugar, it offers a perfect balance of sweetness and warmth, ideal for cozy gatherings or special occasions.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg yolk
• 2-3 tablespoons cold water
• 3 ripe pears, peeled, cored, and sliced
• 1 cup pecans, halved
• ½ cup maple syrup
• ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a bowl, mix the flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Add the chilled, diced butter and blend with your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Step 2: Stir in the egg yolk and 2 tablespoons of cold water, adding an extra tablespoon if needed, until the dough begins to come together. Shape it into a disk, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, combine the sliced pears, maple syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Toss gently to coat the pears evenly.
4. Step 4: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to fit a 9-inch tart pan. Transfer the dough to the pan, pressing it into the edges, and prick the bottom with a fork to prevent bubbling.
5. Step 5: Pour the pear filling into the prepared crust, spreading it out evenly. Scatter the pecan halves over the top.
6. Step 6: Bake the tart for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the pears are tender and the pecans have toasted lightly. Remove from the oven and let cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

• For added texture, sprinkle a handful of rolled oats or chopped walnuts on top before baking.
• If pears are not in season, substitute with apples for a similar flavor and texture.
• Use cold butter and keep the dough chilled to achieve a flaky crust.
• Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.

Storage

Store any leftover tart covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm individual slices in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through. The tart can also be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a store-bought pie crust instead of making my own?

Yes, using a store-bought crust is a convenient option and works well for this tart. Just ensure to prick the crust before adding the filling and adjust baking time as needed.

How do I know when the pears are perfectly cooked?

The pears should be tender but not mushy. You can test by gently pressing a slice with a fork; it should yield easily while still holding its shape.

Pecan Pear Tart Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 135 reviews

This Pecan Pear Tart combines a buttery, crumbly crust with a luscious filling of ripe pears, sweet maple syrup, and toasted pecans, perfectly spiced with cinnamon and vanilla. This elegant dessert is ideal for showcasing seasonal pears and is baked to golden perfection, making it a fantastic centerpiece for any occasion.

• Author: liam
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Tart Crust

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg yolk
• 2–3 tablespoons cold water
• Pinch of salt

For the Filling

• 3 ripe pears, peeled, cored, and sliced
• 1 cup pecans, halved
• ½ cup maple syrup
• ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Prepare the tart crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt. Cut in the chilled, diced unsalted butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the egg yolk and gradually add cold water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough starts to come together. Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.
2. Make the filling mixture: In a separate bowl, combine the peeled, cored, and sliced pears with maple syrup, packed brown sugar, melted butter, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Gently toss until the pears are evenly coated with the mixture.
3. Preheat oven and prepare dough: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a circle large enough to fit a 9-inch tart pan. Transfer the rolled dough gently into the tart pan, pressing it into the edges and trimming any excess. Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork to prevent bubbling during baking.
4. Assemble the tart: Pour the pear filling evenly into the prepared crust. Scatter the halved pecans evenly over the top of the filling, ensuring a nice, even distribution for added crunch and flavor.
5. Bake the tart: Place the tart in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Bake until the pears are tender, the filling is bubbling slightly, and the pecans on top are toasted to a golden brown.
6. Cool and serve: Remove the tart from the oven and let it cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes to allow the filling to set. Once cooled slightly, slice and serve the tart warm or at room temperature for a delicious seasonal dessert.

Notes

• Chilling the crust dough is essential to achieve a tender, flaky tart shell.
• Choose ripe but firm pears to maintain texture during baking.
• Maple syrup adds a natural sweetness and depth of flavor, but you can substitute with honey if preferred.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix.
• This tart can be served with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for added indulgence.

Keywords: pecan pear tart, pear dessert, fall tart recipe, pecan tart, maple syrup tart, fruit tart, homemade tart crust