12/03/2024
cranberry pear tart
Ingredients
For the Crust:
1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup (115g) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
4–6 tablespoons ice water
For the Filling:
3 ripe pears (e.g., Bartlett or Anjou), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
1 cup (100g) fresh or frozen cranberries
½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
2 tablespoons light brown sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch (or 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour)
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Zest of 1 orange
Juice of ½ orange
For the Topping:
Optional: 2 tablespoons turbinado sugar for sprinkling
Optional: ¼ cup sliced almonds
Instructions
1. Make the Crust:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.
Add the cold butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Gradually add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing just until the dough holds together.
Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced pears and cranberries.
Add granulated sugar, brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, orange zest, and juice. Toss to coat evenly.
3. Assemble the Tart:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to fit a tart pan (about 9 inches) or a free-form galette.
If using a tart pan, press the dough into the pan and trim the edges. If making a galette, transfer the dough to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Arrange the pear-cranberry filling in the crust. If making a galette, leave a 2-inch border and fold it over the edges of the filling.
Sprinkle with turbinado sugar and almonds, if desired.
4. Bake:
Place the tart in the preheated oven and bake for 40–50 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling.
Check halfway through; if the edges of the crust are browning too quickly, cover them with foil.
5. Cool and Serve:
Allow the tart to cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing.
Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Tips:
Pear Ripeness: Use pears that are ripe but still firm for the best texture.
Cranberries: If using frozen cranberries, no need to thaw them before adding.
Make Ahead: The crust can be prepared a day in advance and kept in the refrigerator.
Glaze Option: For a shiny finish, brush the tart with warm apricot jam after baking.
Enjoy your cranberry pear tart!