Pears and Chocolate Packed with a Flaky Tart
If you’re looking for a dessert that combines the sweet, juicy goodness of pears with the rich allure of chocolate, the Twisted Pear & Chocolate Tart is your answer. This recipe is a delightful fusion of textures and flavors, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a little indulgence. It’s surprisingly easy to make, yet it looks like it came straight from a patisserie!
What Makes It “Twisted”?
The “twist” lies in the creative layering of flavors. Instead of a plain chocolate tart, this recipe incorporates caramelized pears, a hint of spice, and a velvety chocolate ganache, all nestled in a buttery, flaky tart shell.
Pear and Chocolate Tart
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Resting Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Ingredients
For the Tart Shell:
- 1 ¼ cups 160 g all-purpose flour
- ½ cup 115 g cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 –3 tbsp cold water
For the Pear Layer:
- 3 ripe but firm pears peeled and sliced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground ginger
For the Chocolate Ganache:
- 200 g dark chocolate chopped
- 1 cup 240 ml heavy cream
- 1 tbsp honey optional for sweetness
Garnish (Optional):
- Crushed hazelnuts or pistachios
- Shaved chocolate
- Fresh mint leaves
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Tart Shell
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Make the Dough: In a large bowl, mix the flour and sugar. Rub in the cold butter until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Add the egg yolk and enough water to bring the dough together.
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Chill: Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
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Roll & Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the chilled dough and press it into a tart pan. Prick the base with a fork, line it with parchment paper, and fill with baking beans or rice.
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Blind Bake: Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the parchment and weights. Bake for another 10 minutes until golden. Set aside to cool.
Step 2: Caramelize the Pears
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Cook the Pears: In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar, cinnamon, and ginger.
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Add Pears: Toss the pear slices in the mixture and cook for 5–7 minutes until they are caramelized but not mushy. Let them cool slightly.
Step 3: Make the Ganache
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Heat Cream: In a small saucepan, heat the cream until it just begins to simmer.
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Melt Chocolate: Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate in a bowl. Let sit for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth. Add honey for extra sweetness if desired.
Step 4: Assemble the Tart
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Layer the Pears: Arrange the caramelized pear slices in a single layer over the cooled tart shell.
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Add Ganache: Pour the chocolate ganache over the pears, spreading it evenly.
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Chill: Refrigerate the tart for at least 2 hours to set the ganache.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
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Add a sprinkle of crushed nuts, shaved chocolate, or a sprig of mint for an extra touch of elegance.
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Slice and serve chilled or at room temperature.
