Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I stood in my kitchen, the sweet scent of cinnamon and vanilla wafted through the air, instantly transporting me to a quaint French patisserie. It was time to create something truly special: a Pear Almond Frangipane Tart. This dessert combines the lusciousness of poached spiced pears with a rich almond filling, nestled in a buttery crust that’s surprisingly easy to make. Not only does this tart evoke the charm and elegance of French cuisine, but it’s also a delightful way to embrace seasonal ingredients. Perfect for impressing guests or simply enjoying a cozy night in, this tart brings the warmth of home-cooked goodness to your table. Are you ready to elevate your dessert game? Let’s delve into this delicious journey together! Why is this tart a must-try? Decadent, the Pear Almond Frangipane Tart is rich yet approachable, bringing a touch of French elegance to your home kitchen. Aromatic spices like cinnamon and cloves dance through the air, making it a feast for the senses. Versatile enough to adapt with different fruits, you can easily swap pears for apples or peaches—perfect for different seasons! Effortlessly impressive, this tart is sure to wow guests at dinner parties or family gatherings. If you love comforting desserts, this recipe is a delightful treat that evokes the charm of a French patisserie right in your own home. Looking for more inspiration? Try pairing it with a refreshing Broccoli Salad for a balanced meal! Pear Almond Frangipane Tart Ingredients For the Pastry Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and depth in both the pastry and frangipane filling. Icing Sugar – Sweetens the pastry while providing a delicate, melt-in-the-mouth texture. Egg – Binds the ingredients and helps to create a tender pastry. Plain Flour – Forms the structure of the pastry, providing a sturdy base. For the Frangipane Filling Granulated Sugar – Enhances the overall flavor of the frangipane. Almond Meal – The star ingredient, giving the filling its rich, nutty flavor. Vanilla Extract – Elevates the taste with a hint of warm aroma. Ground Cloves – Adds a warming spice that complements the sweetness of the pears. For the Poached Pears Ripe Pears – The highlight ingredient offering sweetness and a juicy texture; Packham or Bosc varieties work best. Water – Essential for poaching the pears until perfectly tender. Granulated Sugar (Poaching Syrup) – Sweetens and thickens the poaching liquid to create a delicious syrup. Cinnamon Sticks & Whole Cloves – Infuse the poaching liquid with aromatic spices, enhancing the tart’s overall flavor. This Pear Almond Frangipane Tart is not just a treat for the taste buds; it’s a beautiful way to showcase seasonal ingredients and bring a slice of French elegance into your home! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Pear Almond Frangipane Tart Step 1: Prepare the Pastry In a mixing bowl, cream together softened unsalted butter and icing sugar until smooth and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Beat in one egg until well incorporated, then gradually mix in plain flour until the dough begins to clump together. Shape the pastry into a disc, wrap it in plastic, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours until firm. Step 2: Pre-Bake Tart Shell Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the chilled pastry on a lightly floured surface to fit your tart pan. Carefully transfer the pastry to the pan, pressing into the edges. Line it with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Blind bake for 20 minutes, then remove the paper and weights and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until lightly golden. Step 3: Poach Pears Peel, halve, and core the ripe pears, ensuring even halves for a beautiful presentation. In a saucepan, combine water, granulated sugar, cinnamon sticks, and whole cloves, bringing to a gentle simmer. Add the pear halves and poach for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until soft but not falling apart. Remove the pears and simmer the poaching liquid until thickened, creating a lovely syrup. Step 4: Make Frangipane Filling In a large bowl, beat together granulated sugar and softened unsalted butter until creamy and light. Incorporate eggs, one at a time, followed by vanilla extract and ground cloves, mixing thoroughly. Gradually fold in almond meal and a touch of flour until combined. The filling should have a smooth consistency, ready to envelop the poached pears in the tart. Step 5: Assemble Tart Spread a generous layer of frangipane filling into the pre-baked tart shell, smoothing it to the edges. Slice the poached pear halves and arrange them artfully on top of the filling, fanning them for an elegant look. Brush the pears lightly with the spiced syrup to enhance their flavor and shine. Step 6: Bake and Cool Bake the assembled Pear Almond Frangipane Tart in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until the frangipane is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the tart to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring it holds its shape beautifully. Pear Almond Frangipane Tart Variations Feel free to get creative with this delightful tart and make it your own! Apple Swap: Substitute pears with tart apples for a bright flavor twist. This will give your tart an exciting crunch and a slightly tangy profile. It’s a fabulous option for those cooler months! Peachy Keen: Replace the pears with ripe peaches, adding a juicy sweetness. The lovely aroma of peaches paired with the almond filling will remind you of a warm summer day! Nutty Flour Twist: Swap almond meal with hazelnut flour for a unique nutty flavor. This change adds dimension and richness, perfect for hazelnut lovers looking for something special. Vegan Variation: Use coconut oil instead of butter and flax eggs to create a plant-based version. You won’t lose any of that luscious flavor, and it’s perfect for those following a vegan lifestyle! Spice it Up: Add a dash of nutmeg or allspice to the frangipane for extra warmth. These spices create a cozy and inviting aroma, enhancing the overall comfort of the dessert. Caramel Crunch: Top the tart with caramelized walnuts or pecans for added texture and flavor. The sweet, crunchy nuts provide a delightful contrast to the soft frangipane and pears. Chocolate Lovers: Incorporate chocolate chips into the frangipane for a decadent twist. This addition makes each bite indulgently rich, catering to chocolate enthusiasts! Berry Delight: Layer fresh berries (like raspberries or blueberries) beneath the frangipane for a burst of tartness. They’ll elevate the flavor profile and bring a pop of color to your presentation, making this tart visually stunning! With variations like these, you can always find a reason to whip up a new version of your Pear Almond Frangipane Tart! And if you’re looking for a delectable side dish, consider a vibrant Broccoli Salad to round out your meal. What to Serve with Pear Almond Frangipane Tart Delight your taste buds by pairing this elegant dessert with complementary dishes that enhance its flavors and textures. Vanilla Ice Cream: A creamy scoop adds a smooth, rich contrast to the tart’s fruity sweetness. Fresh Berries: Juicy raspberries or strawberries provide a refreshing burst of tartness, balancing the richness of the frangipane. Whipped Cream: Light and airy, a dollop of freshly whipped cream elevates the tart to a new level of indulgence! Its subtle sweetness enhances the overall experience. Mint Tea: A fragrant, warming cup of mint tea complements the spices in the tart beautifully. This refreshing drink also aids digestion. Almond Biscotti: Crunchy almond biscotti offer a delightful textural contrast, perfect for nibbling alongside your dessert for that café-style experience. Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzling a bit of dark chocolate over the tart brings an extra layer of decadence, creating a luxurious finish that’s hard to resist. Caramel Sauce: Drizzling warm caramel adds a sweet, buttery richness that pairs wonderfully with the spiced pears. Spiced Pear Syrup: Use the leftover poaching syrup as a sweet drizzle over servings to heighten the flavors! It’s a deliciously coherent addition. Make Ahead Options Preparing your Pear Almond Frangipane Tart ahead of time is a fantastic way to save you precious moments on busy days! You can make the pastry and frangipane filling up to 24 hours in advance. Simply chill the pastry dough wrapped in plastic, and store the frangipane in an airtight container in the fridge. The poached pears can also be done up to 3 days ahead; just keep them submerged in the syrup to maintain their flavor and prevent browning. When you’re ready to serve, assemble the tart by spreading the frangipane in the shell, layering the poached pears, and baking according to the instructions. This means you’ll be enjoying a gorgeous, homemade dessert with minimal effort when it’s time to impress your guests! Expert Tips for the Perfect Pear Almond Frangipane Tart Chill the Pastry: Always chill the pastry for at least 2 hours. This prevents shrinkage while baking, ensuring a perfectly shaped crust for your tart. Choose Ripe Pears: Select ripe pears like Packham or Bosc for the best flavor and texture. Unripe pears can be too firm and won’t absorb the spiced syrup well. Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on the tart as it bakes; ovens can vary. Aim for a golden brown color on the frangipane filling, which indicates it’s cooked through. Poach Gently: When poaching the pears, avoid boiling them too hard. A gentle simmer ensures the pears become tender without falling apart, preserving their lovely shape for your Pear Almond Frangipane Tart. Cool Completely: Allow the tart to cool completely in the pan before transferring to avoid collapsing. This step is crucial for maintaining that beautiful presentation. How to Store and Freeze Pear Almond Frangipane Tart Fridge: Store your Pear Almond Frangipane Tart tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps it fresh while preserving that lovely texture. Freezer: For longer storage, wrap the tart well in plastic wrap, then foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving. Reheating: To enjoy the tart warm, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and reheat for about 10-15 minutes. This brings back its delightful aromas and warm textures. Serving Tip: Bring the tart to room temperature before serving if you prefer it that way, enhancing its flavors and making it even more enjoyable! Pear Almond Frangipane Tart Recipe FAQs What kind of pears should I use for the tart? Absolutely! I recommend using ripe pears such as Packham or Bosc. These varieties offer the perfect balance of sweetness and juiciness, which enhances the overall flavor of the tart. Avoid using unripe pears as they can be too firm and won’t absorb the spiced syrup properly. How should I store leftover Pear Almond Frangipane Tart? You can store your Pear Almond Frangipane Tart tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To ensure it maintains its wonderful texture, simply bring it to room temperature before serving or warm it gently in the oven. Can I freeze the Pear Almond Frangipane Tart? Yes, you can freeze it! Wrap the fully cooled tart tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil, to prevent freezer burn. It should last for up to 2 months in the freezer. To enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and gently reheat it at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to restore its delightful aroma and texture. What if my frangipane filling doesn’t rise? If the filling doesn’t rise as expected, it could be due to overmixing. When combining the ingredients, gently fold them together to keep the mixture light and airy. Also, make sure your ingredients, particularly eggs and butter, are at room temperature to ensure better incorporation and a fluffier filling. Can I make this tart gluten-free? Absolutely! You can substitute plain flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Just ensure that the blend you choose contains xanthan gum to help provide structure. You can also use almond flour exclusively for the crust if you prefer an almond-forward flavor! Is this tart safe for pets? While the tart is delicious for humans, be cautious with pets. Ingredients like chocolate are toxic to dogs, but this recipe mainly contains fruits and nuts. However, the sugar content may not be suitable for pets, so it’s best to keep this delightful dessert for human enjoyment only! Decadent Pear Almond Frangipane Tart to Impress Your Guests A delightful Pear Almond Frangipane Tart that combines poached pears and a rich almond filling in an easy buttery crust. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes minsChilling Time 2 hours hrsTotal Time 3 hours hrs 40 minutes mins Servings: 8 slicesCourse: DessertCuisine: FrenchCalories: 350 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Pastry1 cup Unsalted Butter Softened0.5 cup Icing Sugar1 large Egg2 cups Plain FlourFor the Frangipane Filling1 cup Granulated Sugar1 cup Almond Meal1 tsp Vanilla Extract0.25 tsp Ground ClovesFor the Poached Pears4 medium Ripe Pears Packham or Bosc varieties4 cups Water1 cup Granulated Sugar (Poaching Syrup)2 sticks Cinnamon Sticks4 pieces Whole Cloves Equipment Mixing bowlOventart panSaucepanWhisk Method Prepare the PastryIn a mixing bowl, cream together softened unsalted butter and icing sugar until smooth and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Beat in one egg until well incorporated, then gradually mix in plain flour until the dough begins to clump together. Shape the pastry into a disc, wrap it in plastic, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours until firm.Pre-Bake Tart ShellPreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the chilled pastry on a lightly floured surface to fit your tart pan. Carefully transfer the pastry to the pan, pressing into the edges. Line it with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Blind bake for 20 minutes, then remove the paper and weights and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until lightly golden.Poach PearsPeel, halve, and core the ripe pears. In a saucepan, combine water, granulated sugar, cinnamon sticks, and whole cloves, bringing to a gentle simmer. Add the pear halves and poach for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until soft but not falling apart. Remove the pears and simmer the poaching liquid until thickened, creating a lovely syrup.Make Frangipane FillingIn a large bowl, beat together granulated sugar and softened unsalted butter until creamy and light. Incorporate eggs, one at a time, followed by vanilla extract and ground cloves, mixing thoroughly. Gradually fold in almond meal and a touch of flour until combined.Assemble TartSpread a generous layer of frangipane filling into the pre-baked tart shell. Slice the poached pear halves and arrange them artfully on top, fanning them for an elegant look. Brush the pears lightly with the spiced syrup.Bake and CoolBake the assembled Pear Almond Frangipane Tart in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until the frangipane is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the tart to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Nutrition Serving: 1sliceCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 5gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 2gSugar: 20gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg NotesChill the pastry for at least 2 hours, select ripe pears for the best flavor, watch the baking time, poach gently, and cool completely to maintain the presentation. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
