Pecan Pear Tart Recipe
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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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