admin1 A beautifully rustic Apple and Pear Tart combines the sweet-tart flavor of apples with the delicate sweetness of ripe pears, all nestled in a flaky, buttery pastry crust. This elegant dessert is perfect for fall gatherings, holiday celebrations, afternoon tea, or whenever you’re craving a fruit-filled treat that looks impressive yet is surprisingly easy to make.
As the tart bakes, the fruit becomes tender and caramelized while the crust turns golden and crisp. A touch of cinnamon, brown sugar, and vanilla enhances the natural flavors of the fruit, creating a dessert that’s comforting, fragrant, and absolutely irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect balance of apples and pears
- Flaky homemade-style crust
- Beautiful presentation
- Great for holidays and entertaining
- Delicious warm or cold
- Easy to customize
- Wonderful seasonal dessert
- Pairs perfectly with ice cream
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Chill Time: 20 minutes
- Bake Time: 40–45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 8
Equipment Needed
- 9-inch tart pan with removable bottom
- Rolling pin
- Mixing bowls
- Sharp knife
- Pastry brush
- Baking sheet
Ingredients
For the Tart Crust
- 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 3–4 tablespoons ice water
For the Filling
- 2 medium apples, thinly sliced
- 2 medium pears, thinly sliced
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
For the Glaze
- 2 tablespoons apricot jam
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Tart Dough
In a large bowl, combine:
- Flour
- Powdered sugar
- Salt
Add the cold butter.
Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together.
Form into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate.
Chilling Temperature
- 35–40°F (2–4°C)
Chilling Time
- 20 minutes
Step 2: Prepare the Fruit Filling
In a large bowl combine:
- Sliced apples
- Sliced pears
- Brown sugar
- Lemon juice
- Vanilla extract
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Cornstarch
Toss gently until the fruit is evenly coated.
Allow to sit for 10 minutes.
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
Preheat your oven to:
375°F (190°C)
Roll the chilled dough into a circle about 11 inches wide.
Carefully transfer it to a 9-inch tart pan.
Press gently into the bottom and sides.
Trim excess dough if necessary.
Step 4: Arrange the Fruit
Starting at the outer edge, arrange alternating slices of apples and pears in overlapping circles.
Continue working toward the center until the tart is completely filled.
Pour any remaining juices from the bowl over the fruit.
Step 5: Bake
Place the tart pan on a baking sheet.
Bake in the preheated oven.
Baking Temperature
375°F (190°C)
Baking Time
40–45 minutes
Bake until:
- Fruit is tender
- Crust is golden brown
- Filling is bubbling slightly
Step 6: Prepare the Glaze
While the tart is baking, combine:
- Apricot jam
- Water
Heat gently until smooth.
Step 7: Glaze the Tart
Remove the tart from the oven.
Brush the warm glaze over the fruit.
This creates a beautiful glossy finish.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Allow the tart to cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing.
Serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips for Success
Use Firm Fruit
Choose apples and pears that hold their shape during baking.
Good options include:
- Honeycrisp apples
- Granny Smith apples
- Bosc pears
- Anjou pears
Slice Evenly
Uniform slices ensure even baking.
Keep Butter Cold
Cold butter is the key to a flaky crust.
Don’t Skip the Glaze
It adds shine and enhances the fruit’s natural sweetness.
Delicious Variations
Almond Apple Pear Tart
Sprinkle:
- ¼ cup sliced almonds
over the fruit before baking.
Caramel Version
Drizzle:
- ¼ cup caramel sauce
over the tart before serving.
Rustic Galette Style
Skip the tart pan and fold the dough edges over the fruit for a rustic presentation.
Maple Walnut Tart
Replace brown sugar with maple syrup and add chopped walnuts.
Cranberry Apple Pear Tart
Add:
- ½ cup fresh cranberries
for a festive holiday twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with:
- Vanilla ice cream
- Whipped cream
- Crème fraîche
- Caramel sauce
- Hot coffee
- Tea
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator
Store covered for up to 4 days.
Freezer
Freeze the baked tart for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating
Warm slices in a:
325°F (165°C) oven for 8–10 minutes.
Nutritional Information
Per Serving (1 slice)
- Calories: 290
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 22g
- Vitamin C: 8% DV
- Potassium: 6% DV
Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients used.
