Imagine a dessert that captures the essence of fall in every single bite - delicate, crispy filo pastry embracing tender, warmly spiced pears that practically melt in your mouth. This Spiced Pear Filo Tart is not just a recipe; it's a culinary experience that transforms simple ingredients into a sophisticated French-inspired delicacy that will have your guests begging for seconds. Whether you're looking to impress at a dinner party or treat yourself to a luxurious weekend dessert, this recipe promises to elevate your baking game and transport your senses to a cozy, aromatic kitchen.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 4 ripe pears, peeled and sliced
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 6 sheets filo pastry
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine sliced pears, cinnamon, nutmeg, brown sugar, and lemon juice. Gently toss until pears are evenly coated with the spice mixture.
- Carefully lay out the filo pastry sheets and brush each sheet lightly with melted butter. Layer the sheets on top of each other, creating a delicate, flaky base.
- Arrange the spiced pear slices in an elegant overlapping pattern in the center of the prepared filo pastry, leaving a border of about 2 inches around the edges.
- Carefully fold the edges of the filo pastry over the pears, creating a rustic, free-form tart shape. Brush the folded edges with remaining melted butter.
- Place the tart in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry turns golden brown and crisp, and the pears are tender.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes. Dust generously with powdered sugar before serving.
- Slice and serve warm, optionally accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Tips
- Choose ripe but firm pears for the best texture - they should yield slightly when gently pressed but not be mushy.
- Work quickly with filo pastry and keep it covered with a damp towel to prevent drying out. Brush each layer gently with melted butter for maximum flakiness.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a handful of chopped toasted almonds or a sprinkle of ground cardamom to the spice mixture.
- If the edges of your filo start browning too quickly, cover them loosely with aluminum foil during baking.
- Serve immediately after cooling for the crispiest pastry - the filo will lose its crunch if left sitting too long.
- For a more decadent version, drizzle some caramel sauce or add a dollop of mascarpone cream when serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 20mg
