Imagine a dessert so luxurious it could make even the most disciplined foodie weak at the knees - a Caramel Mascarpone Tart with Brown Sugar Rubbed Pears that promises to transform an ordinary evening into an extraordinary culinary experience. This Italian-inspired masterpiece combines the silky smoothness of mascarpone, the rich depth of caramel, and the delicate sweetness of perfectly caramelized pears, creating a dessert that's not just a treat, but a true work of art that will have your guests begging for the recipe.
Prep Time: 25 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pre-made tart shell
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 ripe pears, sliced
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Remove the pre-made tart shell from refrigeration and allow it to come to room temperature.
- In a medium saucepan, combine granulated sugar and 2 tablespoons of water. Heat over medium-high heat without stirring, allowing the sugar to caramelize until it turns a deep amber color (approximately 8-10 minutes).
- Carefully add heavy cream to the caramel, whisking continuously. The mixture will bubble vigorously, so be cautious. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, combine mascarpone cheese, caramel sauce, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and well incorporated.
- Slice pears thinly and evenly, ensuring uniform thickness for consistent cooking and presentation.
- Sprinkle brown sugar over the pear slices, gently rubbing to create an even coating that will caramelize during baking.
- Pour the mascarpone caramel mixture into the tart shell, spreading evenly with a spatula.
- Arrange the brown sugar-rubbed pear slices decoratively on top of the mascarpone filling.
- Place the tart in the preheated oven and bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the pears are slightly caramelized.
- Remove from oven and let cool completely at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set.
- Optional: Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle additional caramel sauce before serving for extra indulgence.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Allow your tart shell to reach room temperature before filling to prevent cracking and ensure even baking.
- Caramel Technique: When making caramel, resist the urge to stir. Instead, gently swirl the pan to ensure even heating and prevent burning.
- Pear Selection: Choose ripe but firm pears for the best texture and flavor. Bosc or Anjou pears work wonderfully in this recipe.
- Uniform Slicing: Use a sharp mandoline or a very sharp knife to create thin, even pear slices for a professional presentation.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow the tart to cool completely before serving to let the filling set properly and enhance the flavor melding.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This tart can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator, making it perfect for entertaining.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 75mg
