Pear and Walnut Tart Recipe: A Perfectly Nutty Delight

If you’re looking for a dessert that balances sweet, fruity, and nutty flavors, then a pear and walnut tart is the perfect choice. This elegant yet straightforward dessert combines the smooth, juicy texture of pears with the earthy crunch of walnuts, all baked into a golden, buttery crust. Whether you're serving it at a family gathering, for a festive event, or just as a weekend treat, this tart will impress with its rich taste and presentation.

In this detailed guide, we’ll walk through the process of making the tart from scratch, ensuring that each step is easy to follow. With the right ingredients and attention to detail, you can create a delicious and visually stunning tart that will be the highlight of any table. Let’s dive into the recipe!

Ingredients

For the crust:

• 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (115g) cold butter, cubed
• ¼ cup (50g) sugar
• 1 egg yolk
• 2-3 tablespoons cold water

For the filling:

• 4 medium-sized ripe pears, thinly sliced
• ¾ cup (100g) chopped walnuts
• ⅓ cup (65g) sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons honey (optional for glaze)

Step-by-Step Recipe for Pear and Walnut Tart

1. Preparing the Crust

The foundation of any great tart is its crust. A perfectly flaky, buttery crust will elevate your pear and walnut tart to a new level.

• Step 1: In a large bowl, mix the flour and sugar together.
• Step 2: Add in the cold cubed butter. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The butter should be evenly distributed but still visible in small chunks.
• Step 3: Stir in the egg yolk and add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough begins to come together. Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow it to firm up.

2. Rolling Out the Dough

Once your dough has chilled, it’s time to roll it out and prepare the base for your tart.

• Step 1: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
• Step 2: Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to fit a 9-inch tart pan. The dough should be about ¼ inch thick.
• Step 3: Gently transfer the dough to your tart pan, pressing it into the corners and trimming any excess dough from the edges. Prick the bottom of the dough with a fork to prevent it from puffing up during baking.

3. Blind Baking the Crust

Blind baking is a process that ensures your crust is crisp and doesn’t become soggy from the filling.

• Step 1: Line the dough with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans.
• Step 2: Bake the crust for about 15 minutes, then remove the parchment and weights.
• Step 3: Bake for an additional 5-7 minutes until the edges are lightly golden. Remove the crust from the oven and let it cool while you prepare the filling.

4. Preparing the Filling

The filling is the heart of this tart, combining the sweet, juicy pears with the crunch of walnuts for a perfect flavor balance.

• Step 1: Peel, core, and slice the pears thinly.
• Step 2: In a large bowl, toss the sliced pears with sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract to evenly coat them.
• Step 3: In a separate bowl, mix the chopped walnuts with melted butter.

5. Assembling the Tart

Now comes the fun part—assembling your tart to showcase its beautiful ingredients.

• Step 1: Arrange the pear slices in an overlapping, circular pattern on the cooled crust. Start from the outer edges, working your way toward the center.
• Step 2: Sprinkle the walnut mixture evenly over the top of the pears, making sure to cover any gaps for an even distribution of flavor.

6. Baking the Tart

Your tart is now ready to bake, filling your kitchen with its delicious aroma.

• Step 1: Place the tart in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the pears are tender and the crust is a deep golden brown.
• Step 2: If desired, brush the top of the tart with honey during the last 5 minutes of baking to give it a lovely, glossy finish.

7. Cooling and Serving

Once your tart is out of the oven, allow it to cool slightly before serving.

• Step 1: Let the tart cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. This will help it set and make slicing easier.
• Step 2: Carefully remove the tart from the pan and place it on a serving plate. Slice into wedges and serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips for the Perfect Pear and Walnut Tart

• Selecting the Pears: For the best results, choose pears that are ripe but still firm. Overripe pears can become too mushy when baked. Varieties like Bartlett or Anjou work well in tarts.
• Chopping the Walnuts: Be sure to chop the walnuts finely, so they distribute evenly across the tart. Larger pieces can create uneven texture.
• Adding a Glaze: For an extra layer of sweetness and shine, brush the tart with a simple glaze made of honey or apricot jam after it has finished baking.
• Make Ahead: The tart can be prepared a day in advance and stored at room temperature. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

This pear and walnut tart is a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with your favorite accompaniments. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream, or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce. You can also serve it with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.

Final Thoughts

The pear and walnut tart is a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special. Its buttery crust, tender pears, and crunchy walnuts make it a dessert that’s both comforting and sophisticated. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying your hand at baking tarts for the first time, this recipe will guide you through each step with ease.

Give this recipe a try the next time you’re looking for a dessert that’s sure to impress. Its stunning presentation and delicious flavors are bound to make it a favorite for any occasion!