Pear tart

Caramelized Pear Tart - A delicacy that combines the exquisite flavors of fruits with a tender and fine dough. This tart recipe is not only a delight for the taste buds but also a true visual pleasure, perfect for impressing guests or savoring personal indulgence moments. Let's explore together the necessary steps to achieve this quick yet flavorful dessert!

Preparation time: 45 minutes
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Total: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Ingredients needed

For the dough:
- 125 g butter (preferably at room temperature)
- 75 g sugar
- 1 egg
- 230 g flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 packet vanilla sugar
- Grated zest of one lemon (about 1 teaspoon)

For the filling:
- 3 eggs
- 5 tablespoons sugar
- 3 packets vanilla sugar
- Grated zest of one lemon (about 1 teaspoon)
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 6 large pears (your favorite variety)

A Brief History of Pear Tart

Pear tart is a traditional dessert that has been enjoyed over time in various cultures. Pears, sweet and juicy fruits, have been cultivated and appreciated since ancient times. Their combination with a fine dough has led to the creation of this wonderful dessert, which has evolved over the years, now having numerous variations depending on ingredients and techniques. This dessert is not only an explosion of flavors but also a reminder of the simple joys that seasonal fruits bring.

Preparing the Dough

1. Creaming the butter with sugar: In a large bowl, add the softened butter and sugar. Using a wooden spoon or a mixer, cream the ingredients together until the mixture becomes creamy and light in color. It's important that the butter is at room temperature to achieve a smooth texture.

2. Incorporating the egg and flavors: Add the egg, vanilla sugar, and grated lemon zest. Mix well until everything is fully combined.

3. Adding the flour: Sift the flour together with the baking powder and incorporate them into the butter mixture. Gently knead with your hands until you form a ball of dough. It's important not to over-knead to keep the dough tender.

4. Chilling the dough: Wrap the dough in cling film and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This step is essential to firm up the dough and make it easy to roll out.

Preparing the Filling

5. Separating the eggs: In another bowl, separate the egg whites from the yolks. Use a mixer to beat the egg whites with 5 tablespoons of sugar until you achieve a firm foam. This step will add a light texture to the filling.

6. Incorporating the yolks: Add the yolks one by one, mixing well after each. Include the vanilla sugar, lemon zest, and flour, mixing gently to avoid losing air from the foam.

7. Preparing the pears: Wash and peel the pears. Cut them in half, remove the core, and then slice each half into thin slices. It's important to use ripe but firm pears to avoid a watery filling.

Assembling the Tart

8. Preparing the baking dish: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease a tart pan with butter and sprinkle flour to prevent sticking.

9. Rolling out the dough: Remove the dough from the refrigerator and roll it out on a floured surface using a rolling pin until you get a thin sheet. Carefully transfer the dough to the pan, covering the edges well. Trim the excess dough and use a fork to prick the base of the dough in several places.

10. Adding the filling: Pour the filling mixture into the pan, smoothing it out with a spatula. Arrange the pear slices on top of the filling, arranging them nicely for an attractive appearance.

11. Baking: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the tart is golden and the filling is set. It's recommended to check the tart from time to time to avoid burning.

Serving

12. Cooling and serving: Once the tart is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Then transfer it to a cooling rack.

It can be served warm or cold, alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of cream. A delicacy with rich flavors that will delight your senses!

Practical Tips

- Fruit Variations: Instead of pears, you can use apples or peaches for a different taste experience. Additionally, adding some chopped nuts or almonds to the filling can provide a pleasant texture.

- Brown Sugar: Try replacing some of the white sugar with brown sugar for a deeper flavor and a caramelized note.

- Enhancing Flavors: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the pear filling to accentuate the flavors.

Nutritional Information

A serving of pear tart (about 1/8 of the total tart) contains around 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients used. It provides a good source of carbohydrates from the fruit and flour, as well as healthy fats from the butter. Pears bring vitamins (especially vitamin C) and fiber, making this recipe a healthier choice for a dessert.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use canned pears?
Yes, but make sure they are well-drained to avoid a too-wet filling.

2. How can I keep the tart fresh?
Store the tart in the refrigerator, covered with cling film, for 2-3 days.

3. Can I freeze the tart?
Yes, the tart can be frozen before baking. Wrap it well in cling film and then in aluminum foil. When you want to bake it, let it thaw at room temperature, then bake according to the instructions.

Enjoy every slice of this pear tart, a simple yet delicious recipe! With each bite, you will experience an explosion of flavors that will make you want more. Bon appétit!