Pear Tart with Maple Mascarpone

Embrace the warmth of autumn with a delicious Pear Tart featuring creamy Maple Mascarpone. This delightful dessert showcases ripe pears nestled in a flaky, buttery crust, perfectly balanced with the sweet richness of mascarpone cheese infused with maple syrup. Ideal for cozy gatherings, each bite is a celebration of fall flavors and a beautiful centerpiece for any occasion. Learn how to create this seasonal treat that brings comfort and joy to your table.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

For the Tart Crust:

1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour

½ cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small cubes

¼ cup powdered sugar

1 large egg yolk

1-2 tablespoons cold water (as needed)

Pinch of salt

For the Pear Filling:

3 medium pears (preferably Bosc or Anjou), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced

3 tablespoons brown sugar

1 tablespoon lemon juice

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

¼ teaspoon nutmeg

1 tablespoon butter, melted

For the Maple Mascarpone:

1 cup mascarpone cheese

2 tablespoons pure maple syrup

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 tablespoon heavy cream (optional, for a lighter texture)

For Garnish:

Chopped walnuts or pecans

Fresh mint leaves (optional)

--

Instructions

Prepare the Tart Crust:

- In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, powdered sugar, and a pinch of salt. Add the chilled butter cubes, and work the mixture with your fingertips or a pastry cutter until it resembles coarse crumbs.

- Create a small well in the center, and add the egg yolk. Mix until just combined. If the dough crumbles too easily, gradually add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough holds together when pressed.

- Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour to ensure it firms up.

Prepare the Pear Filling:

- In a large mixing bowl, combine the thinly sliced pears with brown sugar, lemon juice, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and melted butter. Toss the mixture gently until the pears are well-coated. Allow it to marinate for about 20-30 minutes to enhance the flavors.

Preheat the Oven:

- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Roll Out the Dough:

- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a circle measuring approximately 12 inches in diameter. Carefully transfer the rolled dough to a 9-inch tart pan, pressing it firmly against the sides and trimming any excess dough.

Assemble the Tart:

- Neatly arrange the marinated pear slices in the tart shell, layering them artfully for a visually appealing presentation.

Bake the Tart:

- Place the tart in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is a lovely golden brown and the pears are tender. Keep an eye on it to avoid over-browning. Once baked, let the tart cool for a few minutes.

Prepare the Maple Mascarpone:

- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the mascarpone cheese, pure maple syrup, vanilla extract, and heavy cream (if using) until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

Serve:

- Once the tart has cooled slightly, slice it into wedges and serve warm or at room temperature. Generously top each slice with a dollop of the maple mascarpone.

- For an elegant touch, garnish with chopped walnuts or pecans and fresh mint leaves if desired.

---

Prep Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes | Servings: 8