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In a food processor, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Add the egg yolk and ice water, and pulse again until the dough just begins to come together.
Turn the dough out onto a work surface and knead gently until smooth. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Prepare the Almond Cream (Frangipane):
In a medium bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
Beat in the egg, almond flour, all-purpose flour, and almond extract until smooth and well combined. Set aside.
Prepare the Pears:
Peel, core, and slice the pears into thin slices. Toss the slices in lemon juice to prevent browning.
Assemble the Tart:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the chilled tart dough on a lightly floured surface and fit it into a tart pan. Trim any excess dough.
Spread a layer of almond cream evenly over the bottom of the prepared tart shell.
Arrange the pear slices in a circular pattern over the almond cream, slightly overlapping them.
Bake the tart for 40-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown, the almond cream is set, and the pears are tender.
Finish and Serve:
Once baked, remove the tart from the oven and brush the pears with melted butter and sprinkle with sugar for a glossy finish.
Allow the tart to cool before slicing and serving.
Serving and Storage Tips:
Serving: Serve the pear tart at room temperature or slightly chilled. For extra indulgence, top each slice with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place slices in the oven at a low temperature (around 300°F) for 10-15 minutes to warm them through without losing the crispness of the crust.
Variations:
Different Fruits: Instead of pears, try using other fruits like apples, peaches, or apricots. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the fruit's moisture content.
Add Spices: To give the tart an extra layer of flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the almond cream or the pear slices.
Liqueur: For a sophisticated twist, you can add a splash of pear liqueur or amaretto to the almond cream for enhanced depth of flavor.
FAQs:
Can I make this tart ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the tart a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator after it has cooled, and bring it to room temperature before serving.
Can I use store-bought pie dough?
Absolutely! While homemade dough adds a personal touch, store-bought pie crust can save you time and still produce a delicious result.
Can I freeze the tart?
You can freeze the unbaked tart. Simply assemble the tart, wrap it tightly, and freeze. When ready to bake, just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
What other nuts can I use in the almond cream?
You can substitute almond flour with hazelnut flour or even pistachio flour to create different variations of the tart.
Enjoy making this delicious Pear Tart with Almond Cream and impress your guests with this stunning French pastry! 😊🍐
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