Description
Enjoy a Caramelized Pear & Thyme Tart—rich, sweet pears, fragrant thyme, and a buttery crust for a delicious, elegant dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
- Tart Crust:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour – Provides the structure for the crust.
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar – Adds a touch of sweetness to the crust.
- ½ tsp salt – Enhances the flavor of the crust.
- 10 tbsp cold, cubed unsalted butter – Gives the crust its rich, flaky texture.
- 3–4 tbsp ice water – Binds the ingredients together without making the dough tough.
- Caramelized Pear Filling:
- 4–5 ripe pears, cored and sliced – The star ingredient that adds sweetness and texture.
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter – Used to achieve that rich caramel flavor.
- ½ cup brown sugar – Adds depth and a hint of molasses flavor.
- 2 tbsp honey – Enhances sweetness and flavor complexity.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – Adds warmth and rounds out the flavor profile.
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves – Brings a unique herbaceous element to the dish.
- Pinch of salt – Enhances the sweetness of the caramelized pears.
- Garnish:
- Fresh thyme sprigs – Provides a touch of elegance on top.
- Flaky sea salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
Instructions
- Prepare the Tart Crust:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 2 tbsp granulated sugar, and ½ tsp salt. Whisk these ingredients together to ensure they are evenly mixed.
- Add 10 tbsp cold, cubed unsalted butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add 3–4 tbsp ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to over-mix.
- Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for about 30 minutes.
- Bake the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface until it’s about ¼ inch thick.
- Transfer the rolled-out dough to a tart pan, pressing it into the edges. Trim any excess dough from the edges and poke holes in the bottom with a fork to prevent bubbling.
- Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until it turns golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it cool.
- Prepare the Caramelized Pear Filling:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 4 tbsp unsalted butter. Once the butter has melted, stir in ½ cup brown sugar, 2 tbsp honey, and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring, until the mixture is smooth.
- Add the sliced pears to the skillet, cooking them for about 5-7 minutes until they are tender and caramelized. Take care not to overcrowd the pan.
- Remove the skillet from the heat, and stir in 1 tsp vanilla extract and 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves.
- Assemble the Tart:
- Once the tart crust has cooled, arrange the caramelized pears evenly over the tart shell.
- Drizzle any remaining caramel sauce from the skillet over the pears for added sweetness and a glossy finish.
- Garnish with sprigs of fresh thyme and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt just before serving.
Serve the tart warm or at room temperature, and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures!