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Pear Tarte Tatin Recipe with caramelized pears and flaky crust, topped with vanilla ice cream and one slice removed.

Pear Tarte Tatin

5 from 1 vote
This cozy upside-down pear tart feels like a little French bakery moment right at home.
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 55 minutes
Chill Time 1 hour
Total Time 2 hours 55 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Baking, Dessert
Cuisine: European, French
Calories: 360

Ingredients
  

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour spooned and leveled for accuracy
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar fine white sugar for light sweetness
  • ¼ teaspoon salt fine sea salt preferred
  • ½ cup unsalted butter very cold and cut into small cubes
  • ¼ cup ice-cold water plus extra if dough seems dry
  • 5 to 6 small pears semi-firm peeled and cored
  • 1 tablespoon citrus juice fresh lemon or orange for brightness
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon for warm spice
  • teaspoon ground nutmeg freshly grated if possible
  • teaspoon ground ginger for subtle heat
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter for the caramel base
  • ½ cup brown sugar light or dark packed for richness

Method
 

  1. Stir the flour, sugar, and salt together in a bowl until evenly blended, then cut in the cold butter with a pastry cutter or forks until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
  2. Pour in the cold water and stir just until the dough starts coming together, adding a little more water if it feels too crumbly.
  3. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface, gently shape it into a ball, flatten into a thick round, wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
  4. While the dough rests, peel the pears, slice them in half lengthwise, remove the cores and stems, and place them in a bowl.
  5. Toss the pears with the citrus juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger until coated, then refrigerate until needed.
  6. Melt the butter in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat, then whisk in the brown sugar and cook for about 3 minutes until a smooth caramel forms, even if it looks separated at first.
  7. Remove the caramel from the heat and let it cool slightly while you roll out the chilled dough.
  8. Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C).
  9. Roll the dough into an 11–12 inch circle and arrange the pears cut-side up over the caramel in the skillet.
  10. Lay the dough over the pears, tuck the edges in around the fruit, and prick the dough a few times with a fork to let steam escape.
  11. Bake for 20 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (191°C) and continue baking for about 25 minutes until the crust is deeply golden.
  12. Let the tart cool for about 10 minutes, then carefully invert it onto a serving plate while everything is still warm.
  13. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature, with ice cream if you like.

Nutrition

Serving: 140gCalories: 360kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 4gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 170mgPotassium: 180mgFiber: 4gSugar: 28gVitamin A: 550IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

Golden caramel, tender pears, and a flaky crust make this a dessert that feels both rustic and special. It’s the kind of bake that fills the kitchen with warmth and makes everyone hover nearby, waiting for the flip.

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