Recipe Card
Caramelized Pear & Thyme Tart
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cupsall-purpose flour - Provides the structure for the crust.
- 2 tbspgranulated sugar - Adds a touch of sweetness to the crust.
- ½ tspsalt - Enhances the flavor of the crust.
- 10 tbspcold (cubed unsalted butter - Gives the crust its rich, flaky texture.)
- 3–4 tbsp ice water - Binds the ingredients together without making the dough tough.
- 4–5 ripe pears (cored and sliced - The star ingredient that adds sweetness and texture.)
- 4 tbspunsalted butter - Used to achieve that rich caramel flavor.
- ½ cupbrown sugar - Adds depth and a hint of molasses flavor.
- 2 tbsphoney - Enhances sweetness and flavor complexity.
- 1 tspvanilla extract - Adds warmth and rounds out the flavor profile.
- 1 tspfresh thyme leaves - Brings a unique herbaceous element to the dish.
- Pinchof salt - Enhances the sweetness of the caramelized pears.
- —Fresh thyme sprigs - Provides a touch of elegance on top.
- —Flaky sea salt - Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
Instructions
- 1
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.
- 2
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.
- 3
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.
- 4
Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for about 30 minutes.
- 5
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.
- 6
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.
- 7
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.
- 8
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.
- 9
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.
- 10
Remove the skillet from the heat, and stir in 1 tsp vanilla extract and 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves.
- 11
Once the tart crust has cooled, arrange the caramelized pears evenly over the tart shell.
- 12
Drizzle any remaining caramel sauce from the skillet over the pears for added sweetness and a glossy finish.
- 13
Garnish with sprigs of fresh thyme and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt just before serving.
- 14
Serve the tart warm or at room temperature, and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures!