Luxurious! That is just the word I would use to describe this decadent, buttery tart.
The rich flavor of the pears is perfectly complimented but a sweet but tangy apricot jam, which also gives the finished tart a beautiful shine. Although it’s not at all difficult to make, it seems so rich and special. This beautiful tart is that “show stopper” you’ve been looking for! If you don’t have time to make it right now, make sure to save it on Pinterest so it doesn’t get lost.
I believe an all butter, simple pie crust was just right for this tart. It comes together in minutes and bakes quickly. The crust does need to be baked partway before the filling added, otherwise the bottom will end up soggy and floppy, and we don’t want that!
After gently pressing the pastry crust into the pan, I poke it with fork tines (to make sure large bubbles don’t form). I put some parchment paper on top of the raw crust and fill it with dried beans to hold it flat while baking. It does shrink a smidgen during the quick bake, but nothing to worry about! Ready for filling!
First, a layer of Apricot Jam goes over the crust. I love the Bonne Maman Apricot Jam, but any will do. I sliced the pears vertically thinly, with the skin on. Thin slices will help them to cook quickly, if the slices are to thick, the crust will be burned by the time they are baked through.
I love the effect of the pears layered over each other like a rustic shingled roof! I did have to cut the core out of a couple of pieces but I just put those ones on the bottom layer.
Baking with a few flakes of butter on top is optional, but I feel it helps keep the pears from drying out while baking, and of course, well…butter! I use salted butter because I like everything a bit salty! I sprinkled the pears with a bit of ground cinnamon before baking.
The last step is to apply another layer of apricot jam on top of the tart right after it comes out of the oven. It gives the tart a magical gleam. This tart is rich and decadent, and serving with unsweetened whipped cream would be oh, so elegant! I made a pretty printable recipe below!
If you made or plan to make this recipe, please share your success in the comments. If you have inspiring ideas for other filling options that you would like to see, please let me know. (Raspberry-Peach Tart, eh?) Happy Baking!
