The dessert, Chic bistro
Pear and almond tart
Pear and almond tart is a bistro dessert that pairs soft vanilla almond cream with tender pears on a shortcrust base. For 6 people, it takes 30 minutes of active work and is made entirely in the morning for the evening. It's an easy recipe at €1.60 per person, and the key is drying the pears well so they don't make the crust soggy.
I'm making you a pear and almond tart, soft pears over vanilla almond cream, served warm.
- For
- 6 people
- Work
- 30 min
- Total time
- 1 h 20
- Prep
- Prepared the same day
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Cost per person
- €1.60
- Calories per person
- 450 kcalcalculated by Kiloach, your weight coach
Pear and almond tart has that combination everyone loves, soft almond cream scented with vanilla, pears that practically melt in your mouth, and a shortcrust base that stays crisp underneath. The apricot jam glaze gives it a little shine without any extra work. Served warm, it brings out all the almond flavor.
It's a classic dessert for family meals and dinners with friends, especially in fall and winter when pears are in season. It works well after a braised dish or roast chicken, and kids love its soft texture too. A coffee or a tea is all you need alongside it, nothing fancier required.
The schedule
What happens when, so you can be with your guests instead of in the kitchen.
- The day before Nothing to do
- The same day 4 steps, 40 min
- Before the guests arrive 1 step, 8 min
- When it's time to serve Nothing to do
Make the whole tart in the morning, from the almond cream through the 40 minute bake, then let it rest at room temperature. Just before your guests arrive, brush it with warm apricot jam and reheat it for a few minutes. Serve it warm straight on the table, no last minute work needed.
The ingredients
Dairy
- Shortcrust pastry 1
- Butter 100 g
- Eggs 2
Pantry
- Canned pears 8
- Almond flour 120 g
- Sugaroften in the pantry 100 g
- Vanilla extractoften in the pantry 1 tsp
- Sliced almonds 20 g
- Apricot jam 3 tbsp
Allergens Gluten, Lactose, Eggs, Tree nuts
The recipe, moment by moment
The same dayDuring the day, whenever you get a moment.
-
Beat the soft butter with the sugar, then add the eggs, almond flour, and vanilla.
Don't overbeat, or the cream will puff up too much.
-
Roll the pastry into a tart pan, prick it, and spread the almond cream over it.
Spread the cream all the way to the edges to seal the crust.
-
Drain the pears, pat them dry, slice each half without separating the slices, and arrange them over the cream.
Dry them well on paper towels, otherwise they'll make the tart soggy.
-
Scatter sliced almonds on top and bake at 180°C for 40 minutes. 40 min
The almonds brown fast, cover with foil if needed.
Before the guests arriveThe last hour, right before the doorbell rings.
-
Brush with warm apricot jam and reheat for a few minutes before serving. 8 min
Serve it warm, the almond cream is more fragrant that way.
Our tips to get it right
- Use a tart pan with a removable bottom, you'll get a clean release and a neater presentation.
- Let the butter soften fully at room temperature before beating it, the almond cream will turn out smoother and more even.
- If the crust puffs up a bit while baking, press it down gently as soon as it comes out of the oven, before arranging the pears.
The variations
- Swap the canned pears for fresh ripe pears, peeled and sliced, for a fresher taste.
- For a quicker version, use ready rolled shortcrust pastry and store bought almond cream, you'll save about ten minutes of active work.
- For kids, scatter a few chocolate chips over the almond cream before baking, they melt slightly in the oven.
What to serve it with
- A strong coffee after the meal
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream
- A black tea or rooibos
Storage
It keeps 2 to 3 days in the refrigerator in a sealed container, best taken out a bit before serving so it isn't too cold. It doesn't freeze well, the almond cream loses its soft texture. To reheat, a few minutes in a low oven is enough.
Questions about this recipe
Can you make this tart with fresh pears instead of canned ones?
Yes, choose pears that are ripe but still firm, peeled and sliced. They release a bit less juice than canned pears, so the tart will be slightly less soft but just as good.
Why do you need to dry the pears before placing them on the cream?
Canned pears hold a lot of liquid, and that liquid soaks into the almond cream and crust if you don't pat them dry. A good pass on paper towels keeps the base crisp.
How do you arrange the pears for a nice presentation?
Slice each pear half without separating the slices at the base, then fan them out slightly. Arrange the pears tightly, rounded side up, in a rosette or in even rows.
Can you replace the almond flour with hazelnut flour?
Yes, it's a classic variation that gives the cream a richer flavor and a slightly coarser texture. Keep the same quantities, the result stays just as soft.
Can a pear and almond tart be made ahead?
Yes, during the day. The recipe needs 30 min of work in total, split up like this, the same day, 4 steps, before the guests arrive, 1 step.
How long does it take to make a pear and almond tart?
Allow 1 h 20 in total, including resting and cooking time, of which 30 min is actual work. The recipe is rated "easy".
How many calories are in a pear and almond tart?
About 450 kcal per person, for a recipe meant for 6 people. The calories are calculated by Kiloach, your kilo coach, the app that partners with Mon Chou.
How much does a pear and almond tart cost?
About €1.60 per person, that's €9.60 for 6 people, based on average supermarket prices.
What allergens does this recipe contain?
This recipe contains gluten, lactose, eggs, tree nuts. Remember to ask your guests about their allergies before putting your menu together.
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