Ah, the humble pear, always in the apple's shadow. But, as we transition through the time of year when fruits become sweeter and more decadent, the pear stands out among its peers. This Rustic Pear Tart Recipe ~ Quick and Easy to Make captures the essence of ripe pears in a delightful pastry, making for a scrumptious small batch treat. A rustic tart made from juicy pears and flaky pastry is perfect for the holiday season! This recipe serves 2-3 but is easy to double in the recipe card.
WHAT'S SO GOOD ABOUT THIS RECIPE?
The beauty of this easy pear tart recipe lies in its simplicity. Fresh pears are the star, with their juiciness and sweetness perfectly complemented by the warmth of ground cinnamon. The golden brown crust holds everything together, providing a delightful contrast in textures. The gentle hint of vanilla extract and the richness of brown sugar bring an added depth that elevates the flavors even more.
I went for "easy" and used a ready-to-bake, roll-out, store-bought pie dough. As a matter of fact, this is the second time I have made this tart in as many days and I used a refrigerated pie crust both times. Feel free to make your own crust from your favorite recipe. Either way, you can't go wrong. If you use refrigerated dough you will have excess dough. Roll it out and spread with a thin layer of butter and sprinkle on some cinnamon sugar. Bake at the same time on a separate baking sheet. It will require less baking time. Great for snacking!
IS THIS RUSTIC PEAR TART RECIPE BUDGET-FRIENDLY?
It most certainly is! Falling under the "Frugal" category on my blog, this recipe gives you a luxurious dessert without the hefty price tag. The use of ripe pears and basic pantry ingredients means you get to create something truly special without breaking the bank. Extra credit if you have a pear tree in the yard!
INGREDIENTS
- Pie crust dough
- Butter
- Pears
- Cinnamon
- Apple juice
- Brown sugar
- Vanilla extract
For the full recipe with quantities, see the recipe card at the end of the post.
INGREDIENT NOTES
- Ripe Pears: Juicy and sweet pears are essential for this tart. Bosc pears are a fantastic choice, known for their firmness and rich flavor.
- Brown Sugar: This adds a caramel-like sweetness which pairs wonderfully with the pear slices.
- Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla brings out the fruit's natural flavors and adds a pleasant aroma.
SUBSTITUTIONS
- While we've used apple juice here, lemon juice can provide a tartness that contrasts the sweetness of the pear.
- If you're out of brown sugar, try using an equal amount of white sugar with a teaspoon of molasses.
- Almond extract can be used in place of vanilla extract for a nuttier flavor.
VARIATIONS
- Almond Delight: Add some ground almonds to the filling or top with almond cream for a delightful twist.
- Apricot Glaze: Brush a thin layer of warmed apricot jam over the baked tart for a glossy finish.
LOOKING FOR MORE PIE RECIPES?
EQUIPMENT
The essentials here are a rolling pin to spread out your dough, a tart pan preferably with a removable bottom for easy release, and a food processor can help mix your dry ingredients swiftly. And of course, your trusty large heavy-bottomed Dutch oven to cook the pears to perfection.
PRO COOKING TIPS
- Keeping the dough at room temperature is crucial when working with the crust to allow it to fold and be crimped without tearing.
- Always use a pastry brush to evenly apply egg wash or any liquid onto your tart crust.
- Extra pears on hand? Thin slices of extra pear can be artfully arranged on top before baking.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Absolutely! If you're pressed for time, a store-bought puff pastry is a great alternative.
Aim for ½ inch slices to ensure they cook evenly.
An egg yolk wash can lend a richer color and slightly crispier texture.
Equipment
- Large heavy bottomed Dutch oven
- Baking sheet
Ingredients
- 6 ounces Pie crust dough ready-to-bake or homemade
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 4 large ripe pears peeled and thinly sliced
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup apple juice
- 3 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract or ¼ teaspoon almond extract
- 1 teaspoon cream optional
- 1 tablespoon sanding sugar optional
Instructions
- In a large heavy bottom Dutch oven, heat butter over medium-high heat. Add sliced pears and cinnamon. Cook and stir for a couple of minutes. Stir in apple juice and brown sugar.
- Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook and stir until thickened, about 7-9 minutes.
- Add a bit more apple juice if the sauce gets too thick. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and allow to cool.
- Preheat oven to 375°.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll dough into a 12" circle. Transfer to a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
- Spoon pear filling over pastry. Spread filling out to within 2" of edge. Fold pastry edge over filling and squeeze together to make a pleat every two inches. Brush folded pastry with cream and sprinkle with coarse or sanding sugar.
- Bake until crust is golden and filling is bubbly, about 35-45 minutes. Allow to cool slightly before moving tart to a cooling rack.
- Move it with parchment in place. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Nutrition
Trying this Rustic Pear Tart Recipe ~ Quick and Easy to Make for the first time? I guarantee you'll be pleased. The harmony between the sweet pears and caramel undertones of the brown sugar, enveloped in a flaky crust, is pure joy on a plate. Whether you're dusting off your pastry cutter or reaching for a roll of plastic wrap to store leftovers, remember the joy of cooking is in the journey. And the next time you find yourself with a bounty of sweet pears, this tart will undoubtedly come to mind. Enjoy every bite!
Catherine says
Please review instruction #5, the size of the pastry circle. 7 inches?
Mary says
Thanks! That was a typo while updating the post.
Karen says
Delicious! Used what I had on hand - 3 pears and 2 apples. Subbed apple sauce for the juice. Everyone loved it!
Mary says
Nice improvisations!