Caramelized Pear Tart Tatin is a show-stopping dessert that’s surprisingly simple to make. This upside-down tart features juicy, caramelized pears nestled under a flaky, golden crust. It’s a classic French dessert that looks and tastes impressive, perfect for any occasion.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This Caramelized Pear Tart Tatin recipe is a winner because it delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. The combination of sweet, buttery caramel and tender pears creates a melt-in-your-mouth experience. Unlike some pastry recipes, this one uses store-bought puff pastry, saving you time and ensuring a perfectly flaky crust every time. The beauty of this dessert lies in its simplicity – the caramelized pears are the star, and the puff pastry provides the perfect textural contrast. This homemade Caramelized Pear Tart Tatin is sure to become your new favorite dessert.
Ingredients
- 6 medium pears, peeled, cored, and quartered
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 package (14.1 ounces) store-bought puff pastry, thawed
- All-purpose flour, for dusting
- Vanilla extract (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Caramel
Melt the butter in an oven-safe skillet (approximately 9-10 inches in diameter) over medium heat. Once melted, sprinkle the sugar evenly over the butter. Cook, without stirring, until the sugar melts and turns into a deep amber caramel. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent burning!
Step 2: Arrange the Pears
Remove the skillet from the heat. Add the lemon juice and swirl the pan to combine. Arrange the pear quarters tightly in a circular pattern over the caramel. You can be creative with the arrangement, but make sure the skillet is filled completely.
Step 3: Cook the Pears
Return the skillet to medium heat and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the pears are slightly softened and have released some of their juices. The caramel will bubble up around the pears.
Step 4: Prepare the Puff Pastry
While the pears are cooking, lightly flour a clean surface. Unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet and gently roll it out to a slightly larger circle than your skillet.
Step 5: Cover the Pears
Remove the skillet from the heat. Carefully place the puff pastry over the pears, tucking the edges down inside the skillet to create a seal.
Step 6: Bake the Tart
Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and puffed up.
Step 7: Invert the Tart
Remove the tart from the oven and let it cool in the skillet for about 10 minutes. Place a serving plate over the skillet and carefully invert the tart onto the plate. Be careful, as the caramel will be hot! If any pears stick to the skillet, gently remove them and arrange them on the tart.
Step 8: Serve
Let the Caramelized Pear Tart Tatin cool slightly before serving. Cut into wedges and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
A warm slice of Caramelized Pear Tart Tatin is delicious on its own, but it’s even better with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The cold creaminess complements the warm, caramelized pears beautifully.
For a more sophisticated touch, try serving it with a drizzle of crème fraîche or a sprinkle of chopped nuts. A dusting of powdered sugar also adds a lovely visual appeal.
This elegant dessert is perfect for special occasions like dinner parties, holidays, or even a cozy weeknight treat. Its impressive presentation makes it a showstopper for any gathering.
Storage and Reheating
Leftover Caramelized Pear Tart Tatin can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover it loosely with plastic wrap to prevent the pastry from drying out.
To reheat, you can warm individual slices in the microwave for 20-30 seconds. For a crispier crust, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes.
Keep in mind that the crust will soften slightly upon refrigeration, but it will still taste delicious!
Key Details
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Servings: 6-8
- Equipment: Oven-safe skillet (9-10 inch), rolling pin, serving plate
Caramelized Pear Tart Tatin
Ingredients
- 6 medium pears peeled, cored, and quartered
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter cut into cubes
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 package 14.1 ounces store-bought puff pastry, thawed
- All-purpose flour for dusting
- Vanilla extract optional
Instructions
- Melt the butter in an oven-safe skillet (approximately 9-10 inches in diameter) over medium heat. Once melted, sprinkle the sugar evenly over the butter. Cook, without stirring, until the sugar melts and turns into a deep amber caramel. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent burning!
- Remove the skillet from the heat. Add the lemon juice and swirl the pan to combine. Arrange the pear quarters tightly in a circular pattern over the caramel. You can be creative with the arrangement, but make sure the skillet is filled completely.
- Return the skillet to medium heat and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the pears are slightly softened and have released some of their juices. The caramel will bubble up around the pears.
- While the pears are cooking, lightly flour a clean surface. Unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet and gently roll it out to a slightly larger circle than your skillet.
- Remove the skillet from the heat. Carefully place the puff pastry over the pears, tucking the edges down inside the skillet to create a seal.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and puffed up.
- Remove the tart from the oven and let it cool in the skillet for about 10 minutes. Place a serving plate over the skillet and carefully invert the tart onto the plate. Be careful, as the caramel will be hot! If any pears stick to the skillet, gently remove them and arrange them on the tart.
- Let the Caramelized Pear Tart Tatin cool slightly before serving. Cut into wedges and enjoy!
