Upside Down Pear Tart Recipe
Overview:
Indulge in the delightful flavors of this Upside Down Pear Tart, a decadent dessert that combines caramelized pears with a golden pastry crust. Perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to elegant dinners, this recipe promises to impress with its sweet, fruity goodness.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 1 tart
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1/2 cup | Sugar |
| 2 tbsp | Butter |
| 5 tbsp | Margarine |
| 1 | Pears (firm, ripe) |
| 1 | Lemon (for juice and peel) |
| 1 | Vanilla yogurt |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 2024.4
- Fat: 86.3g
- Saturated Fat: 30.2g
- Cholesterol: 61.1mg
- Sodium: 1147.6mg
- Carbohydrates: 315.1g
- Fiber: 28.9g
- Sugars: 181.9g
- Protein: 15g
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Caramelized Sugar:
- Heat the sugar in a heavy 10-inch skillet over medium heat until it melts and turns a light brown color, forming a syrupy consistency.
- Remove from heat and quickly stir in the butter and grated lemon peel until the butter is fully melted.
-
Arrange the Pears:
- Slice the pears thinly and evenly.
- Arrange the pear slices in two layers over the hot caramelized sugar mixture in the skillet, filling any open spaces with additional slices as needed.
- Sprinkle the pears with freshly squeezed lemon juice to enhance their flavor.
-
Prepare the Pastry:
- Roll out the pastry dough on a lightly floured surface to form a 10-inch round shape.
- Carefully place the rolled-out pastry over the arranged pears in the skillet.
-
Bake the Tart:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the pastry crust is golden brown and crisp.
- Remove from the oven and let the tart cool in the skillet for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
-
Serve the Tart:
- If there is excess sauce in the skillet after cooling, carefully pour it into a small container (about 1 pint) for serving alongside the tart.
- To serve, place a shallow serving dish over the skillet and invert the tart onto the dish to reveal the beautiful upside-down arrangement of caramelized pears.
- Serve slices of the Upside Down Pear Tart warm, accompanied by a dollop of vanilla yogurt on the side.
Tips for Success:
- Choosing Pears: Opt for firm, ripe pears that will hold their shape well during baking.
- Caramelization: Be attentive when caramelizing the sugar to achieve a light brown syrup without burning.
- Pastry Crust: Ensure the pastry dough is rolled out to the correct size to cover the skillet and provide a crispy, golden crust.
- Serving: The tart is best served warm, allowing the flavors of caramelized pears and buttery pastry to shine through.
Variations:
- Nut Topping: Sprinkle chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans over the pear layer before adding the pastry for added texture.
- Spice Infusion: Enhance the flavor profile by adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the caramelized sugar mixture.
- Seasonal Fruits: Experiment with different fruits such as apples, peaches, or plums in place of pears for a seasonal twist.
Conclusion:
This Upside Down Pear Tart recipe offers a simple yet elegant dessert option that’s sure to become a favorite among family and friends. With its caramelized pear topping and flaky pastry crust, it strikes the perfect balance between sweet and indulgent. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook, this recipe is easy to follow and guarantees delicious results every time. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla yogurt for a delightful ending to any meal. Enjoy the rich flavors and textures of this classic dessert, perfect for any occasion!
