Imagine a dessert so elegant and delectable that it transports you straight to a charming Parisian bakery with just one bite. These Pear Puff Pastry Tarts are not just a recipe; they're a culinary experience that combines the buttery, flaky perfection of puff pastry with the sweet, tender essence of ripe pears. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to a luxurious homemade dessert, these tarts are your golden ticket to pastry paradise!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 4 tarts
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry
- 2 ripe pears
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that your tarts bake evenly and become golden brown.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the sheet of puff pastry to smooth out any creases. If the pastry is too thick, you can gently roll it out to about 1/8 inch thickness.
- Using a sharp knife, cut the puff pastry into four equal squares. Each square should be approximately 5-6 inches wide.
- Place the pastry squares on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are spaced apart to allow for expansion during baking.
- Peel, core, and slice the ripe pears into thin slices. Aim for about 1/4 inch thickness to ensure they cook properly.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced pears, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and ground nutmeg. Gently toss the ingredients together until the pears are evenly coated with the mixture.
- Evenly distribute the pear mixture onto the center of each puff pastry square, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edges. Make sure to arrange the pears attractively for a beautiful presentation.
- Fold the edges of the puff pastry squares over the pears, creating a border. You can pinch the corners to secure them and create a rustic look.
- In a small bowl, beat the egg to create an egg wash. Brush the egg wash over the exposed pastry edges to give them a golden color when baked.
- Bake the tarts in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-browning.
- Once baked, remove the tarts from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet.
- Serve the pear puff pastry tarts warm, optionally dusted with powdered sugar or served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Tips
- Choose the right pears: Select ripe but firm pears like Bosc or Anjou for the best texture and flavor.
- Keep your pastry cold: Work with puff pastry straight from the refrigerator to ensure maximum flakiness.
- Don't skip the egg wash: This is the secret to achieving that gorgeous golden-brown, glossy finish.
- Allow space between tarts: Give each pastry room to expand and puff up during baking.
- Customize your toppings: Try adding a sprinkle of sliced almonds or a drizzle of caramel for extra decadence.
- Serve immediately: These tarts are best enjoyed warm, right out of the oven when the pastry is at its crispiest. Pro tip: If you have leftover tarts, reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to restore their crisp texture, rather than using a microwave which can make the pastry soggy.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 40mg
