Pear Vanilla Bean Custard Tart -

Tarts have long held a cherished place in the world of desserts, captivating both amateur bakers and seasoned pastry chefs alike. Their versatility allows for a delightful exploration of flavors and textures, making them an ideal canvas for seasonal ingredients. Among the myriad of tart recipes, the Delicate Pear & Vanilla Bean Bliss Tart stands out as a sophisticated yet accessible option. This dessert not only showcases the natural sweetness of ripe pears but also elevates it with the aromatic richness of vanilla bean, creating a harmonious blend that delights the senses.

Pear Vanilla Bean Custard Tart

Discover the exquisite Delicate Pear & Vanilla Bean Bliss Tart, a perfect blend of juicy pears and rich vanilla custard. This sophisticated dessert features a buttery, flaky crust that serves as the ideal foundation for its creamy filling. Great for fall gatherings, this tart elevates any occasion with its elegant presentation and delightful flavors. Follow the simple steps to impress your guests with this delicious and beautiful treat everyone will love!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

For the Crust:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

½ cup unsalted butter, softened

¼ cup powdered sugar

1 large egg yolk

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/4 tsp salt

For the Custard Filling:

2 large ripe pears, peeled, cored, and sliced

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup whole milk

1 cup granulated sugar

4 large eggs

1 vanilla bean (split and seeds scraped)

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 tbsp cornstarch

For Garnish:

Fresh mint leaves (optional)

Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions

Make the Crust:

- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.

- Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract, mixing until well incorporated.

- Gradually add in the flour and salt, mixing until a dough forms.

- Shape the dough into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Prepare the Tart Pan:

- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

- Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to fit a 9-inch tart pan.

- Press the dough into the pan, trimming any excess. Prick the bottom with a fork to prevent bubbling.

- Line with parchment paper, fill with pie weights, and bake for 15 minutes.

- Remove the weights and parchment, and bake for an additional 10 minutes until golden. Let cool completely.

Make the Custard Filling:

- In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, milk, sugar, and the seeds of the vanilla bean (along with the pod). Heat gently until steam begins to rise, but do not boil.

- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and cornstarch until smooth.

- Gradually pour the warm cream mixture into the egg mixture, whisking continuously until completely combined.

- Remove the saucepan from heat, then stir in the vanilla extract.

Assemble the Tart:

- Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C).

- Arrange the pear slices artfully over the cooled tart crust.

- Pour the custard filling over the pears, ensuring they are fully submerged.

Bake the Tart:

- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the custard is set and a knife comes out clean.

- Remove from the oven and let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set.

Serve:

- Before serving, dust the tart with powdered sugar and garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired. Slice and enjoy the flavors of pear and vanilla!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 1 hour | 8 servings