Recipe: Pear Tart with Vanilla Layer

Recipe: Pear Tart with Vanilla Layer

A pear tart with a vanilla layer is an exquisite dessert that combines the soft, sweet flavor of pears with the richness of a creamy vanilla filling. This tart is perfect for any special occasion, whether you’re hosting a dinner party, celebrating a holiday, or simply craving a delicious homemade treat. The contrast of the buttery, flaky crust, the delicate vanilla layer, and the caramelized pears makes each bite a delightful experience.

In this detailed recipe, we’ll guide you through every step of making this decadent pear tart, from preparing the crust to assembling the filling and topping it with the beautifully arranged pears. Let’s get started!

Ingredients

For the Tart Crust:

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
• 1 egg yolk
• 2 tablespoons ice water

For the Vanilla Layer:

• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large egg yolks
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

For the Pear Topping:

• 3-4 ripe pears (preferably Bosc or Anjou pears)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (to prevent browning)
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (for caramelization)
• 1 tablespoon butter (for the topping)

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Tart Crust

1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients
   In a medium bowl, combine the flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Stir to combine the dry ingredients evenly.

2. Cut in the Butter
   Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter, fork, or your hands to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The butter should be well incorporated but still in small, pea-sized pieces.

3. Add the Egg Yolk and Water
   In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and ice water. Add this mixture to the flour-butter mixture and stir until the dough comes together. If the dough feels too dry, add a bit more ice water, one teaspoon at a time.

4. Chill the Dough
   Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough will make it easier to roll out and prevent it from shrinking while baking.

Step 2: Prepare the Vanilla Layer

1. Heat the Cream and Milk
   In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream and milk. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it begins to steam, but do not let it boil.

2. Whisk the Egg Yolks and Sugar
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, granulated sugar, and cornstarch until smooth.

3. Temper the Egg Mixture
   Slowly pour the hot cream mixture into the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly to temper the eggs (this prevents them from curdling). Once combined, pour the mixture back into the saucepan.

4. Cook the Vanilla Filling
   Return the saucepan to the heat and cook the mixture over medium heat, whisking constantly until it thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Once thickened, remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let the mixture cool to room temperature, then refrigerate it until ready to assemble the tart.

Step 3: Prepare the Pear Topping

1. Peel and Slice the Pears
   Peel the pears, cut them in half, and remove the core. Slice the pears into thin, even wedges, and toss them with lemon juice to prevent browning.

2. Caramelize the Pears
   In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the pear slices and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they begin to soften and caramelize. Sprinkle the brown sugar over the pears and continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes, or until they are tender and golden brown.

3. Cool the Pears
   Once caramelized, remove the pears from the heat and set them aside to cool slightly.

Step 4: Assemble the Tart

1. Roll Out the Crust
   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. Press the dough into the pan, making sure it fits snugly along the edges. Trim any excess dough.

2. Bake the Crust
   Place the tart crust in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until it is golden brown and fully baked. Remove the crust from the oven and let it cool completely.

3. Layer the Vanilla Filling
   Once the crust has cooled, spread the vanilla filling evenly over the base, smoothing it with a spatula. Be gentle when spreading the filling so as not to disturb the baked crust.

4. Arrange the Caramelized Pears
   Carefully arrange the caramelized pear slices on top of the vanilla filling in an overlapping circular pattern. Start from the outer edge of the tart and work your way towards the center.

Step 5: Bake the Tart

1. Bake the Tart
   Place the assembled tart back in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the pear topping is slightly browned and the vanilla layer is set.

2. Cool and Serve
   Once the tart is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely before serving. You can refrigerate the tart for an hour or two to ensure it sets properly.

3. Garnish (Optional)
   For an extra touch, sprinkle some powdered sugar over the top of the tart before serving. You can also serve the tart with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Tips and Variations

1. Use Different Fruits
   While pears are the star of this tart, you can experiment with other fruits like apples, peaches, or berries. Make sure to caramelize them as you would the pears for a similar texture.

2. Make It Gluten-Free
   If you're following a gluten-free diet, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and make sure to use gluten-free oats for the streusel topping.

3. Add Nuts
   You can add chopped nuts, like almonds or walnuts, to the streusel topping for a delightful crunch.

Health Benefits

1. Pears
   Pears are rich in fiber, antioxidants, and vitamin C, which promote heart health, aid digestion, and support a strong immune system.

2. Vanilla
   Vanilla has antioxidant properties and can act as a natural mood enhancer. It adds a warm, comforting flavor to the tart.

3. Butter and Sugar
   While butter and sugar are used in moderation in this recipe, they do contribute to the overall flavor and texture of the tart, making it a treat to enjoy occasionally.

Storage

Store any leftover tart in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the tart for up to 1 month. Allow it to thaw at room temperature before serving.

Conclusion

Pear tart with vanilla layer is a perfect dessert that beautifully combines the sweetness of pears, the richness of vanilla, and the crispness of a buttery tart crust. Whether you serve it for a holiday gathering or as a special treat for yourself, this tart is sure to impress with its elegant presentation and delicious flavors. Try this recipe today, and enjoy every bite of this delightful, homemade dessert!