If there is one dessert that always leaves my guests in awe, it’s a pear tarte tatin. It’s simple, elegant, and just dramatic enough to feel like the grand finale a fall dinner party deserves. What I love most is how approachable it is, it looks like something you’d order at a fancy restaurant, but it’s made with just a few pantry staples, a sheet of puff pastry, and fresh Bartlett pears. It reminds me so much of this delicious apple desert that I first had in Barcelona, Spain, the flavors are almost exact but the pear takes this to the next level.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dessert is the ultimate dinner party secret weapon. You cook everything in one skillet, flip it dramatically onto a plate at the end, and serve it with a big scoop of good vanilla ice cream. It’s buttery, caramelized, and slightly spiced with cinnamon and star anise. My assistant swears it’s the best parts of apple pie and peach cobbler rolled into one, and honestly, I agree. I’m partial to any dessert with a good puff pastry and served with vanilla ice cream but let me tell you right now, this desert is going to be your new party trick because it is THAT good. As someone who can actually skip dessert because I would much rather eat more of the main lol this is something NOT to be missed. I am still quite literally dreaming about it.
Perfect for Fall Dinner Parties
Pear desserts don’t get nearly as much love as apple desserts, this time of year but I promise this will make you a believer. Bartlett pears are sweet, tender, and hold their shape beautifully. Buy a few extra to use as props during your dinner party because they have the prettiest green color. The caramel develops right in the pan, no separate saucepan needed , which means fewer dishes and less stress while hosting. And because it bakes under puff pastry, it’s nearly impossible to mess up.
Serve this at your next fall gathering and watch everyone go quiet for a moment after their first bite. That’s how you know you’ve nailed it. Can’t wait to hear what you think about this one.
Pear Tarte Tatin Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 large Bartlett pears, peeled, cored, and cut in half
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 stick, 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla bean paste, or vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 whole star anise, optional but highly recommended
- Vanilla ice cream, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F. On a lightly floured surface, roll the puff pastry sheet just slightly larger than your skillet (8–9 inches is perfect) and cut it into a circle that will fit snugly over the pears. Set aside.
- In a small oven-safe skillet (cast iron works best), Add butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, star anise.
- Nestle the pear halves cut-side down into the caramel mixture, arranging them in a circle so they fit snugly. Lay the puff pastry circle over the pears, tucking the edges in slightly around the fruit.
- Let this cook on the stove on medium heat until the caramel starts to bubble and turn brown, spilling over the puff pastry just a little bit.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown, puffed, and the caramel is bubbling around the edges.
- Let the tart sit for about 10 minutes so the caramel sets slightly. Then place a plate larger than the skillet on top, use oven mitts to hold both together, and flip carefully so the tart ends up on the plate, pears on top.
- Slice into wedges and serve warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
