Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I pulled the golden-baked Delicate Pear & Vanilla Bean Bliss Tart from the oven, a wave of sweet aromas washed over me, instantly transporting me to a quaint French pastry shop. This elegant dessert seamlessly marries the comforting flavors of ripe, caramelized pears with the sophisticated essence of vanilla bean, creating a delightful symphony of taste. The best part? This tart is not only impressive enough to steal the show at dinner parties, but it’s also wonderfully make-ahead friendly! With gluten-free and dairy-free options, you’ll find it’s a versatile choice for everyone at the table. What do you think—will you delight your loved ones with a slice of this luscious tart? Why is this tart a must-try? Decadent Flavor: This Delicate Pear & Vanilla Bean Bliss Tart combines caramelized pears and aromatic vanilla bean, offering a rich and indulgent dessert experience that’s hard to resist. Make-Ahead Convenience: Perfect for busy schedules, you can prepare this tart ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy quality moments with your loved ones without stress. Diet-Friendly Options: This recipe features gluten-free and dairy-free swaps, ensuring that everyone can revel in its deliciousness, making it a crowd favorite! Gourmet Presentation: With its elegant appearance, this tart is sure to impress guests, just like my Lemon Raspberry Cookies or the delightful Blueberry Cookie Bliss. Comforting Warmth: Serve it warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a cozy evening treat that feels like a warm hug. Timeless Elegance: This tart brings a touch of sophistication to any gathering, effortlessly elevating your dessert game with minimal effort. Pear & Vanilla Bean Bliss Tart Ingredients For the Crust All-purpose flour – Provides structure; can substitute with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free option. Finely ground almond flour – Adds richness and flavor; replace with more all-purpose flour if needed. Unsalted butter, cold and cubed – Ensures richness and flakiness; keep it cold for the best texture. Ice-cold water – Binds the crust together; must remain cold to maintain flakiness. Salt – Enhances flavors; essential for balance in the crust. For the Filling Pears (Bartlett or Bosc), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced – Delivers natural sweetness and texture; choose ripe but firm seasonal fruit for the best results. Heavy cream – Provides creaminess in the custard; use full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free substitute. Egg yolks – Creates a rich, velvety custard. Granulated sugar – Adds sweetness; reduce sugar by half and include stevia for a lower-sugar option. Vanilla bean – Infuses aromatic depth; an almond extract swap offers a nutty profile if desired. Fresh lemon juice – Brightens the overall flavor. For the Glaze Honey – Adds natural sweetness and a lovely glaze; maple syrup is a great alternative for a different twist. Flaky sea salt – Enhances the overall flavor profile of the tart; adds a delightful contrast to the sweetness. This Pear & Vanilla Bean Bliss Tart is sure to become a family favorite, perfect for cozy evenings or special occasions! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Pear & Vanilla Bean Bliss Tart Step 1: Crust Preparation In a food processor, pulse together 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour and ½ teaspoon salt until well mixed. Add ½ cup cold, cubed unsalted butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add 2–4 tablespoons of ice-cold water, pulsing until a dough forms. Shape the dough into a disc, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to ensure it holds its shape during baking. Step 2: Pre-Bake the Crust Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to fit a 9-inch tart pan. Carefully transfer the dough to the pan, pressing into the edges, and trim any excess. Prick the bottom with a fork to prevent bubbling, then blind-bake for 15 minutes until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely before filling with custard. Step 3: Custard Preparation In a mixing bowl, whisk together 4 egg yolks, ½ cup granulated sugar, and the seeds from 1 vanilla bean until thick and pale. In a saucepan, heat 1 cup heavy cream over medium heat until just boiling, then remove from the heat. Gradually whisk the hot cream into the egg mixture to temper, then return the combined mixture to low heat and cook, stirring constantly, until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5 minutes. Step 4: Prepare the Pears While the custard thickens, peel, core, and thinly slice 3-4 ripe pears (such as Bartlett or Bosc), about ¼ inch thick. To prevent browning, toss the slices with a splash of fresh lemon juice. The pear slices should be tender and vibrant in color, ready to be arranged over the baked crust for the ultimate Pear & Vanilla Bean Bliss Tart experience. Step 5: Assemble the Tart Once the crust is cooled, arrange the pear slices neatly over the bottom in a beautiful circular pattern. Carefully pour the prepared custard over the pears, ensuring even coverage. The custard should just cover the pear slices without overflowing. Bake the tart in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the custard is set and slightly golden, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Step 6: Glazing the Tart After baking, allow the tart to cool for about 10 minutes. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of honey, 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice, and a pinch of flaky sea salt until smooth. Brush the honey glaze over the warm pears, allowing it to soak slightly into the custard for added shine and flavor. Allow the tart to cool completely before slicing for a perfect presentation. Step 7: Serving Suggestions This delicious Pear & Vanilla Bean Bliss Tart is delightful served warm or at room temperature. To elevate the experience, pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. For an extra touch, enjoy it with a glass of late-harvest Riesling or sparkling Prosecco, turning any gathering into a classy affair. What to Serve with Delicate Pear & Vanilla Bean Bliss Tart Imagine the perfect meal coming together around this gorgeous dessert, creating a feast for the senses. Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Their buttery texture beautifully contrasts the tart’s crisp crust and silky custard, creating a comforting balance on your palate. Fresh Arugula Salad: A peppery, vibrant salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette offers a refreshing brightness, cutting through the richness of the tart. Honey-Glazed Carrots: The sweet glaze mirrors the tart’s honey topping, while the tender crunch of the carrots provides a delightful texture interplay. Savory Herb Roasted Chicken: Juicy, seasoned chicken brings a savory element to your table, making the sweet dessert shine even brighter as a finale. Sparkling Prosecco: This bubbly drink elevates the dessert experience, its effervescence cleansing the palate and enhancing the tart’s luxurious flavors. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creaminess takes the enjoyment to another level, melting into the warm tart and creating an unforgettable dessert moment. Chocolate Ganache Tart: For the chocoholics, pairing this light dessert with a rich, dark chocolate tart creates an indulgent contrast that is hard to resist. Baked Apples: Serve baked apples with cinnamon and brown sugar alongside the Pear & Vanilla Bean Bliss Tart for a lovely layered fruit experience. Coconut Cream: A dollop of fresh coconut cream adds a tropical note, harmonizing beautifully with the tart’s vanilla undertones while providing a creamy texture. Expert Tips for Pear & Vanilla Bean Bliss Tart Cold Ingredients: Ensure all your ingredients, especially butter and cream, are cold. This is crucial for achieving a flaky crust in your Pear & Vanilla Bean Bliss Tart. Uniform Pear Slices: Slice your pears uniformly, about ¼-inch thick, to ensure they bake evenly and maintain a lovely texture throughout the tart. Avoid Custard Graininess: Don’t over-mix the custard. Mix just until combined to prevent graininess, resulting in a silky custard that complements the fruit beautifully. Blind Baking: Don’t skip the blind-baking step! This prevents a soggy crust and ensures that the tart maintains its structure when filled with custard. Caramelizing Pears: For an extra touch of elegance, use a kitchen torch to gently caramelize the edges of the pear slices, enhancing flavor and presentation. Resting Time: Let the tart rest after baking. This allows the custard to set properly, making for cleaner, more beautiful slices when serving. Variations & Substitutions for Pear & Vanilla Bean Bliss Tart Feel free to get creative and customize your Pear & Vanilla Bean Bliss Tart with these delightful variations! Apple Alternative: Substitute pears for thinly sliced apples to bring a different crunch and sweet-tart flavor that pairs beautifully with vanilla. Quince Twist: For an exotic flair, swap in quince slices for a fragrant, floral note. Just poach them before use for tenderness. Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk for a creamy, dairy-free custard without compromising on flavor. Nutty Essence: Incorporate a splash of almond extract instead of vanilla for a warm, nutty depth that increases the flavor complexity. Spice It Up: Add a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom to the custard for a cozy, spiced note that will elevate your dessert beautifully. Alcohol Infusion: A splash of Calvados or brandy can add an elegant warmth to the custard, making it an intriguing choice for special occasions. Gluten-Free Goodness: Use a gluten-free flour blend to create a tart crust that everyone can enjoy, while ensuring it still has that delightful flaky texture. Sweetener Swap: For a healthier option, cut the granulated sugar to half and replace it with stevia or monk fruit sweetener, enjoying the sweet goodness guilt-free! These adjustments ensure that your Pear & Vanilla Bean Bliss Tart remains a sensational treat, no matter the preference. And if you’re looking for more creative dessert ideas, consider trying out my Lemon Raspberry Cookies or the delightful Taco Pizza Bliss for fun flavor adventures! How to Store and Freeze Pear & Vanilla Bean Bliss Tart Fridge: Store any leftover Pear & Vanilla Bean Bliss Tart in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This will help maintain its freshness and flavor. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil for up to 2 months. This prevents freezer burn while keeping your tart delicious. Reheating: To enjoy your frozen tart, thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and the crust is crisp again. Room Temperature: If serving the tart the same day, it can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 hours before serving to enhance its flavors, but be sure to store leftovers promptly afterward. Make Ahead Options These Pear & Vanilla Bean Bliss Tart preparations are a dream for busy home cooks! You can make the tart crust and custard up to 24 hours in advance, allowing you to enjoy a stress-free baking experience. Simply blind-bake the crust and let it cool completely. For the custard, prepare and refrigerate it in an airtight container to keep it fresh and silky. When you’re ready to serve, just slice your pears and assemble the tart, pouring the custard over arranged pear slices before baking for about 45-50 minutes. This way, you’ll have an elegant dessert that tastes just as delicious as if made fresh, saving you hours on the day of your gathering! Pear & Vanilla Bean Bliss Tart Recipe FAQs What type of pears should I use for this tart? Absolutely! For the best results, I recommend using Bartlett or Bosc pears. They provide the perfect balance of sweetness and firmness, ensuring your tart maintains a lovely texture. Choose pears that are ripe but still firm—ones that give slightly when pressed are ideal. How should I store leftovers from the Pear & Vanilla Bean Bliss Tart? You can store your leftover tart in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep it fresh, cover it well to prevent it from absorbing any fridge odors. If it’s still warm when you put it away, allow it to cool to room temperature before storing. Can I freeze the Pear & Vanilla Bean Bliss Tart? If so, how? Absolutely, freezing this tart is a great option! To freeze, slice the tart and wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. This will help prevent freezer burn. You can keep it in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy a slice, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight, then reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10–15 minutes to restore its warmth and crust crispness. What should I do if the custard is grainy? Very good question! To prevent a grainy custard, ensure that you don’t over-mix your egg yolks and sugar when whisking. Mix just until combined, and always temper the egg mixture with hot cream slowly to avoid cooking the eggs. If your custard does turn out grainy, a quick fix is to strain it through a fine mesh sieve before pouring it into the tart—that will give you a smoother texture. Is this tart suitable for people with dietary restrictions? Yes, this Pear & Vanilla Bean Bliss Tart is versatile enough to accommodate various dietary needs! You can easily make it gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. For a dairy-free version, simply swap heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk. Additionally, you can adjust the sugar content by using stevia or another sugar alternative if necessary. How long does it take to prepare and bake the tart? The entire process, including preparation, baking, and cooling, typically takes about 2 to 2.5 hours. This includes approximately 30 minutes for chilling the dough, 15 minutes for blind baking, and 45-50 minutes for baking the custard-filled tart. Plus, allow at least 10 minutes for cooling before glazing—that’s when the real magic happens! Indulge in Pear & Vanilla Bean Bliss Tart for Cozy Evenings This Pear & Vanilla Bean Bliss Tart is a rich dessert combining caramelized pears and vanilla bean, perfect for cozy evenings. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 50 minutes minsCooling Time 10 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins Servings: 8 slicesCourse: DessertCuisine: FrenchCalories: 320 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Crust1.5 cups all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour blend0.5 teaspoons salt0.5 cups unsalted butter, cold and cubed keep it cold for the best texture2-4 tablespoons ice-cold water must remain cold to maintain flakinessFor the Filling3-4 pieces pears (Bartlett or Bosc), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced choose ripe but firm seasonal fruit1 cups heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free substitute4 pieces egg yolks0.5 cups granulated sugar reduce sugar by half and include stevia for lower-sugar option1 pieces vanilla bean or almond extract for a nutty profile1 tablespoons fresh lemon juiceFor the Glaze2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup for a different twist1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice1 pinch flaky sea salt Equipment Food processorMixing bowlsaucepanTart PanWhisk Method Crust PreparationIn a food processor, pulse together all-purpose flour and salt until mixed. Add butter and pulse until crumbs form. Gradually add ice-cold water until dough forms. Shape into a disc, wrap in plastic, refrigerate for 30 minutes.Pre-Bake the CrustPreheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out chilled dough to fit a 9-inch tart pan, trim excess, prick the bottom with a fork, and blind-bake for 15 minutes until golden. Cool completely.Custard PreparationIn a mixing bowl, whisk egg yolks, sugar, and vanilla bean seeds until thick. Heat heavy cream until boiling, whisk into egg mixture. Return to low heat, stirring until thick, about 5 minutes.Prepare the PearsPeel, core, and slice pears about ¼ inch thick. Toss with lemon juice to prevent browning.Assemble the TartArrange pear slices in circular pattern over crust. Pour custard to cover pears. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until set and golden. Cool for 10 minutes.Glazing the TartWhisk honey, lemon juice, and sea salt until smooth. Brush glaze over warm pears, allow it to soak into custard. Cool completely before slicing.Serving SuggestionsServe warm or at room temperature. Pair with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Enjoy with late-harvest Riesling or sparkling Prosecco. Nutrition Serving: 1sliceCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 5gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 230mgFiber: 2gSugar: 20gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 1.5mg NotesEnsure all ingredients are cold for the crust. Slice pears uniformly for even baking. Don't skip blind baking to avoid a soggy crust. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
