Ina Garten’s Pear Tart is an elegant and delicious dessert that features sweet pears nestled in a buttery, flaky crust with a rich almond cream filling. Perfect for holidays, dinner parties, or an indulgent treat, this tart is both stunning and surprisingly easy to prepare.

What is Ina Garten Pear Tart?

Ina Garten Pear Tart is a classic dessert that combines the natural sweetness of ripe pears with the rich nuttiness of almond cream, all baked in a crisp tart shell. The flavors are beautifully balanced, creating a dessert that’s light, flavorful, and impressive enough to serve on special occasions.

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Reasons to Try Ina Garten Pear Tart

Elegant presentation: The pear slices create a stunning visual appeal.
Rich and flavorful: The almond cream filling adds a luxurious touch to the tart.
Perfect for entertaining: Ideal for holiday dinners or special gatherings.
Customizable: Works well with other fruits like apples or plums.
Simple ingredients: Made with pantry staples and fresh pears.

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten Pear Tart

For the Tart Crust:

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
3–4 tablespoons ice water

For the Almond Cream Filling:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup almond flour
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

For the Pears:

3–4 ripe but firm pears, peeled, cored, and sliced thinly
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons apricot jam, warmed

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Pear Tart

Prepare the tart crust: In a food processor, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Slowly add the ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, pulsing until the dough comes together. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Roll out the crust: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to fit a 9-inch tart pan. Press it into the pan and trim the edges. Prick the bottom with a fork and refrigerate for another 15 minutes.
Blind bake the crust: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line the crust with parchment paper, fill it with pie weights or dried beans, and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the weights and bake for another 5 minutes. Let it cool completely.
Make the almond cream filling: In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, then mix in the almond flour and all-purpose flour until smooth.
Assemble the tart: Spread the almond cream evenly over the cooled crust. Arrange the pear slices in a fan pattern on top of the almond cream. Brush the pears with lemon juice to prevent browning.
Bake the tart: Bake the tart in the preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 35–40 minutes, or until the filling is set and the pears are golden.
Glaze the tart: While the tart is still warm, brush the pears with warmed apricot jam for a glossy finish.
Cool and serve: Let the tart cool completely before slicing and serving.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten Pear Tart

Pair with whipped cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream complements the tart beautifully.
Serve with vanilla ice cream: The creamy texture of ice cream enhances the tart’s flavors.
Add a drizzle of caramel: A touch of caramel sauce makes this dessert even more decadent.
Enjoy with tea or coffee: A warm beverage is the perfect accompaniment to this elegant tart.
Include fresh berries: A few raspberries or blackberries add a pop of color and flavor.

Key Tips for Making Ina Garten Pear Tart

Use ripe but firm pears: They should be sweet yet firm enough to hold their shape during baking.
Chill the crust: Refrigerating the dough helps prevent shrinkage and ensures a flaky crust.
Slice pears evenly: Uniform slices create a visually appealing design and bake evenly.
Don’t skip the glaze: The apricot jam glaze adds a beautiful shine and enhances the flavor.
Test for doneness: The filling should be set and lightly golden when the tart is done.
Serve at room temperature: Let the tart cool for the best flavor and easier slicing.

Creative Variations of Ina Garten Pear Tart

Swap the fruit: Try apples, plums, or peaches instead of pears.
Add spices: Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg over the pears for a warm, spiced flavor.
Use a premade crust: Save time by using a store-bought tart shell.
Incorporate nuts: Sprinkle chopped almonds or hazelnuts over the tart for added texture.
Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour for the crust and almond cream filling.

Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten Pear Tart

Refrigerate leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freeze for longer storage: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Reheat before serving: Warm the tart in the oven to restore its crisp texture.

Reheating Tips for Ina Garten Pear Tart

Reheat in the oven: Warm slices in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10–15 minutes.
Serve at room temperature: This tart is equally delicious when served at room temperature.
Avoid microwaving: Microwaving may soften the crust and affect its texture.

FAQs

Can I use canned pears for Ina Garten Pear Tart?

Yes, canned pears can be used if fresh pears are unavailable. Drain them well and pat dry to remove excess moisture before arranging them on the tart.

How do I keep the crust from getting soggy?

To prevent a soggy crust, blind-bake the tart shell before adding the almond cream and pears. This creates a barrier and keeps the crust crisp.

Can I make Ina Garten Pear Tart ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the tart a day in advance. Once baked and cooled, store it in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Glaze just before serving for the best presentation.

What type of pears works best for a tart?

Bosc, Bartlett, or Anjou pears work best for a tart. They are sweet, and firm, and hold their shape well during baking.

Wrapping Up

Ina Garten’s Pear Tart is a sophisticated yet approachable dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With its buttery crust, rich almond cream, and sweet pears, this tart delivers a delightful combination of textures and flavors.

Try this recipe to impress your family and guests with a homemade treat that looks as good as it tastes!

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