Imagine a dessert so decadent, it transports you straight to a charming Parisian patisserie with just one bite. These Salted Caramel Pear Tarts are not just a dessert—they're a culinary masterpiece that combines the delicate sweetness of ripe pears, the buttery crunch of puff pastry, and the rich, complex flavor of salted caramel. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to a luxurious homemade indulgence, this recipe promises to elevate your baking game and create a truly unforgettable dessert experience.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry
- 3 ripe pears, sliced
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Thaw the puff pastry sheet at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes until pliable but still cold. Unfold the pastry and cut into 6 equal rectangular pieces.
- Wash and core the pears, then slice them thinly into uniform pieces, approximately 1/8 inch thick.
- Arrange the puff pastry rectangles on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece.
- Carefully layer the pear slices diagonally across each pastry rectangle, slightly overlapping the slices for an elegant presentation.
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, heat the sugar over medium heat without stirring. Allow the sugar to melt and caramelize, gently swirling the pan occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- When the sugar turns a deep amber color, carefully add heavy cream and butter. The mixture will bubble vigorously, so be cautious.
- Stir the caramel sauce until smooth, then remove from heat and add sea salt, mixing thoroughly.
- Drizzle the warm salted caramel sauce over the prepared pear-topped pastry rectangles.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed, and the pears are tender and slightly caramelized.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes. Drizzle additional salted caramel sauce over the tarts if desired before serving.
Tips
- Pear Selection: Choose ripe but firm pears for the best texture. Varieties like Bosc or Anjou work wonderfully.
- Caramel Technique: Watch your sugar carefully when caramelizing—it can quickly go from golden to burnt. Remove from heat the moment it reaches a deep amber color.
- Pastry Handling: Keep your puff pastry cold but pliable. Thaw it just enough to work with, but not so much that it becomes too soft.
- Slice Uniformity: Use a sharp knife or mandoline to create even, thin pear slices for a professional-looking presentation.
- Serving Suggestion: These tarts are best served slightly warm, with an extra drizzle of salted caramel and perhaps a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 55mg
