Pear and Almond Cream Tart with Vanilla Poached Pears Recipe

There is something utterly delightful about a Pear and Almond Cream Tart with Vanilla Poached Pears Recipe that captures the essence of elegance and comfort all in one bite. This recipe brings together a buttery, crisp crust, luxuriously smooth almond cream, and tender vanilla-infused poached pears that sing with sweetness and subtle spice. It’s a show-stopping dessert perfect for special occasions or simply treating yourself because life’s too short to skip dessert. Getting this tart just right means balancing textures and flavors, making it a joy to prepare and even more wonderful to savor with those you love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Pear and Almond Cream Tart with Vanilla Poached Pears Recipe lies in its simplicity and the quality of ingredients. Each component adds its own character, creating layers of flavor, texture, and aroma that make every bite memorable.

• 6-7 Medium Pears (firm, but ripe): Perfect for poaching because they hold their shape while soaking up the vanilla and spices.
• 3 cups water: The base for poaching, allowing gentle simmering of the pears.
• 1 cup granulated sugar (white or brown): Sweetens the poaching liquid with a subtle caramel note if brown sugar is used.
• Lemon juice from one lemon (2-3 tablespoons): Adds brightness that balances the sweetness and preserves the pears’ color.
• 1 cup Amaretto liqueur: Infuses the pears with an enchanting almond flavor complementing the tart’s filling.
• 1 vanilla bean or 5 tablespoons vanilla extract: Essential for that warm, comforting vanilla aroma.
• 2 star anise: Provides a gentle licorice spice to elevate the poaching liquid’s complexity.
• 1 teaspoon whole cloves (optional): Adds warmth and depth without overpowering other flavors.
• 1 cinnamon quill: Brings a cozy spice that pairs beautifully with pears and almonds.
• 245g All Purpose Flour: Forms the sturdy base of the crust.
• 40g Ground Almonds (Almond flour): Boosts nutty flavor and adds tenderness to the crust.
• 75g Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the crust subtly without graininess.
• 170g Cold Butter, cubed: Creates that flaky, melt-in-your-mouth crust texture.
• 1 Large Egg: Binds the crust ingredients together perfectly.
• 125g Unsalted Butter, room temperature: For the luxurious almond cream, providing richness.
• ½ cup Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the frangipane without overpowering.
• 2 Eggs, room temperature: Give structure and creaminess to the almond filling.
• ¾ cup Finely Ground Almonds or almond flour: The star ingredient in frangipane for that unmistakable almond flavor.
• ¼ teaspoon Salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors subtly.
• 2 tablespoons All Purpose Flour: Stabilizes the frangipane as it bakes.
• Zest of 1 Tangerine (optional): Adds a fragrant citrus zing to brighten the almond cream.
• 1 teaspoon Almond Extract: Amplifies the nutty notes in the filling.
• 1 tablespoon Vanilla Extract: Blends with the almond flavors for an irresistible aroma.
• Handful Sliced Almonds: Adds crunch and visual appeal as a finishing touch.
• 1 Jar Apricot Jam: For glazing, providing a glossy finish and a hint of fruity sweetness.

How to Make Pear and Almond Cream Tart with Vanilla Poached Pears Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Vanilla Poached Pears

Start by creating the aromatic bath that will turn plain pears into luscious gems. Boil water and sugar together with cinnamon, cloves, vanilla, star anise, and fresh lemon juice to create a fragrant syrup. Gently simmer peeled, halved, and cored pears in this liquid just until tender, being careful not to overcook as you want them to hold their shape beautifully. Let them cool in the syrup for at least 24 hours, which deepens their flavor and gives you time to relax and anticipate the glorious tart ahead.

Step 2: Craft the Perfect Tart Crust

Next, focus on the foundation—the crust. By combining all-purpose flour, ground almonds, and powdered sugar, you create a nutty, sweet base. Adding cold butter and pulse mixing leaves tender bits in the dough that bake into flaky layers, while the egg helps bind everything. Be sure to chill the dough to keep the butter firm, then roll it out gently and fit it into your tart pans. Blind baking the crust helps it stay crisp beneath the moist filling, so don’t skip this crucial step.

Step 3: Whip Up the Almond Cream (Frangipane)

This almond cream is where richness and flavor deepen. Cream softened butter and sugar until fluffy, then gradually add finely ground almonds and eggs for smoothness and body. The optional zest of tangerine adds a lovely lift, while almond and vanilla extracts fill the mixture with warmth. This filling is where the true magic of the tart develops, so mix just until combined to keep it light but luscious.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake the Tart

Fill your cooled tart crust with the almond cream, then artistically arrange thinly sliced poached pears on top—circular patterns are a classic way to impress. Sprinkle sliced almonds for texture, cover carefully with foil to prevent burning, and bake until the frangipane puffs and sets. Uncover to brown the top beautifully for that irresistible look and taste. Then, brush the warm tart generously with heated and strained apricot jam to add a glossy, caramelized finish that seals in moisture and flavor.

How to Serve Pear and Almond Cream Tart with Vanilla Poached Pears Recipe

Garnishes

Enhance presentation with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a few fresh mint leaves for a splash of green. A delicate drizzle of honey or extra apricot glaze can add shine and sweetness. These touches make the tart feel extra special and inviting.

Side Dishes

This tart pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or lightly whipped cream, offering a creamy contrast to the almond cream. A cup of strong black tea or fresh coffee perfectly balances the sweetness if serving for afternoon tea or as a dessert.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning centerpiece, consider serving individual slices on pretty plates with a drizzle of pear syrup from the poaching liquid. Layering thin slices of pear on top in a rose shape turns the tart into an edible work of art, guaranteed to impress guests and make your dessert table unforgettable.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This tart keeps well covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually mellow and meld beautifully after resting overnight, so consider making it a day ahead to impress your guests.

Freezing

While you can freeze the tart, it’s best to freeze it unbaked or just the crust and frangipane separately. If freezing the assembled tart, wrap it tightly and thaw overnight in the fridge before baking to preserve its delicate texture.

Reheating

Reheat slices gently in a low oven or microwave until just warmed through to enjoy the almond cream’s melt-in-the-mouth texture without drying out. Avoid overheating to keep the pears tender and moist.

FAQs

Can I use canned pears instead of poaching fresh ones?

While canned pears save time, they lack the fresh flavor and delicate texture achieved by poaching. The vanilla poached pears are essential for that unique depth this recipe offers.

What’s the best type of pear to use?

Firm yet ripe pears like Bosc or Anjou are ideal because they hold up well during poaching without falling apart.

Can I substitute almond flour with another nut flour?

Almonds have a signature flavor that complements the tart perfectly, but you can experiment with hazelnut or pecan flour for a twist, keeping in mind this will alter the taste.

Is it possible to make this recipe non-alcoholic?

Absolutely! Simply replace the Amaretto liqueur with an equal amount of water or pear juice, and add a few drops of almond extract to maintain flavor depth.

How do I prevent the crust from becoming soggy?

Blind baking the crust before filling is the key to a crisp base. Also, cool the crust completely before adding the filling to avoid steam softening it.

Final Thoughts

There is truly nothing like sharing a slice of Pear and Almond Cream Tart with Vanilla Poached Pears Recipe with loved ones, whether for a celebration or a quiet indulgence. It’s a recipe built on the harmony of fresh ingredients, aromatic spices, and tender textures that come together effortlessly with a little love and care. I hope you enjoy making and savoring this tart as much as I do—trust me, it’s bound to become a favorite in your recipe collection!

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