Jamie Oliver Recipes

Jamie Oliver Pear And Almond Tart Recipe

I remember the first time I made Jamie Oliver’s Pear and Almond Tart. I had friends coming over for a casual evening and wanted something that felt special but not fussy. The kitchen filled with the sweet, nutty aroma and I watched as my friends’ eyes lit up when I served it. There was something magical about how simple ingredients could create such a stunning dessert.

  • Baking isn’t just about following instructions.
  • It’s about patience, joy, and sharing.
  • This tart feels like a hug on a plate, sweet and comforting but sophisticated enough to impress.

This recipe is perfect if you love desserts that combine fresh fruit with rich, nutty flavors. It’s approachable but still makes you look like a culinary rockstar.

Jamie Oliver’s Pear And Almond Tart Recipe

I first stumbled across this recipe in one of Jamie Oliver’s cookbooks while browsing in a small bookstore. The moment I read it, I knew I had to try it. The combination of juicy pears and almond cream felt so simple yet so elegant.

  • Sweet pears sit atop a creamy almond filling.
  • The pastry is buttery, crisp, and melts in your mouth.
  • Topped with a light dusting of sugar, it looks like a bakery masterpiece at home.

Jamie’s version is forgiving, meaning even if you make a small mistake with the pastry, the tart still shines.

Ingredients Needed

I always take a moment to admire ingredients before baking. Holding them in your hands connects you to the final dish.

  • For The Pastry

    • 200g plain flour
    • 100g unsalted butter
    • 50g caster sugar
    • 1 egg
    • Pinch of salt

  • For The Almond Filling

    • 100g unsalted butter, softened
    • 100g caster sugar
    • 2 eggs
    • 100g ground almonds
    • 1 tsp vanilla extract
    • 2-3 ripe pears

  • For Finishing

    • Icing sugar for dusting
    • Optional flaked almonds

How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Pear And Almond Tart

The first time I baked this tart, I learned patience is key. Rushing pastry or filling will show in the final bake.

  1. Prepare The Pastry

    • Rub butter into flour and sugar until it resembles breadcrumbs.
    • Add egg and pinch of salt. Mix until it forms a smooth dough.
    • Chill for at least 30 minutes.

  2. Make The Almond Filling

    • Beat butter and sugar until creamy.
    • Add eggs one at a time.
    • Mix in ground almonds and vanilla extract.

  3. Assemble The Tart

    • Roll out pastry and line a tart tin.
    • Spread almond filling evenly.
    • Peel and slice pears, then arrange them on top.

  4. Bake To Perfection

    • Bake at 180°C / 350°F for 35-40 minutes.
    • Let it cool slightly. Dust with icing sugar and serve.

Ingredient Science Spotlight

I love exploring why certain ingredients behave the way they do. This recipe is a great example.

  • Butter in pastry: Creates flakiness by forming layers as it melts.
  • Almonds in the filling: Bind moisture, add richness, and intensify flavor.
  • Eggs: Provide structure and help the filling rise slightly while keeping it creamy.
  • Pears: Their natural sugar caramelizes lightly during baking, giving a golden finish.

Understanding these interactions helps you troubleshoot if your tart doesn’t come out perfect.

Expert Tips

I learned the hard way that small mistakes can make a big difference. These tips save time and heartbreak.

  • Chill your pastry to prevent shrinking in the oven.
  • Use ripe but firm pears so they hold their shape.
  • Don’t overmix almond filling or it can become too runny.
  • Bake on the middle rack for even cooking.

Recipe Variations

I like to experiment once I master a recipe. Here are ways to tweak it:

  • Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling.
  • Fruit swap: Replace pears with apples or plums for seasonal flair.
  • Nut twist: Use hazelnuts instead of almonds for a different flavor profile.
  • Gluten-free: Substitute plain flour with almond or oat flour in the pastry.

Final Words

The first time you take this tart out of the oven, you’ll understand why I fell in love with it. Its aroma fills the room, the textures are irresistible, and it looks like a bakery masterpiece.

  • It’s more than a dessert; it’s an experience.
  • It’s simple enough for weeknight baking but impressive enough for special occasions.

FAQs

Can I Use A Different Fruit Instead Of Pears?

Yes, you can substitute pears with apples or even berries for a different twist on the tart.

How Long Will The Pear And Almond Tart Last?

The tart should stay fresh for about 2-3 days if stored in an airtight container in the fridge.

Do I Need To Blind Bake The Tart Crust?

Yes, blind baking the crust helps it stay crisp and prevents it from becoming soggy.

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