Easy Puff Pastry Pear Tarts Recipe

If you’re anything like me and love a dessert that’s both stunning and fuss-free, you’re going to adore this Easy Puff Pastry Pear Tarts Recipe. It feels fancy enough for guests but is surprisingly simple to whip up on a weekday. The buttery layers of puff pastry paired with soft, spiced pears and a touch of fig jam—it’s honestly magical. Stick with me, and I’ll share all my tips so you can nail it perfectly every single time!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe balances those flaky puff pastry layers with juicy, spiced pears. I recommend ripe but firm pears so they hold their shape during baking. Also, don’t skip the fig jam—its natural sweetness and slight tartness really elevate the tart’s flavor.

• Ripe Pears: Choose pears that are just softening; too mushy and they’ll fall apart, too firm and they won’t soften enough in the oven.
• Lemon Juice: This keeps the pears from browning and adds a fresh zing.
• Granulated and Brown Sugar: The mix provides sweetness with a hint of caramel depth from the brown sugar.
• Cinnamon: A pinch warms the pears beautifully without overpowering them.
• Coarse Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all flavors.
• Puff Pastry Sheets: Look for quality frozen sheets—thaw just enough to handle for easy slicing.
• Egg and Milk: Make the egg wash that gives the pastry a gorgeous golden finish.
• Fig Jam: Slightly warmed brush creates a shiny glaze and adds a rich fruitiness.
• Sliced Almonds: Toasted almonds add crunch and a nutty contrast.
• Powdered Sugar: For a light dusting that finishes the tarts with a pretty touch.

Variations

I love how flexible this Easy Puff Pastry Pear Tarts Recipe is—you can easily tweak it according to what’s in your pantry or your mood. Over time, I’ve adjusted it with fun twists and it’s always a hit!

• Apple or Peach Substitution: If pears aren’t in season, swapping with sliced apples or peaches works beautifully and changes up the flavor while keeping the same technique.
• Nut Options: I’ve tried pecans instead of almonds for a buttery crunch—equally delicious.
• Spice Variations: Adding cardamom or nutmeg along with cinnamon gives a lovely warm twist.
• Vegan Version: Use a plant-based puff pastry and substitute the egg wash with almond milk or aquafaba—you won’t lose any crispiness.

How to Make Easy Puff Pastry Pear Tarts Recipe

Step 1: Prep Pears and Puff Pastry

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper—that way, cleanup is a breeze. While that’s warming, gently toss your sliced pears with lemon juice, both sugars, cinnamon, and salt. This softens the pears slightly and infuses them with flavor while preventing browning. Next, unfold your thawed puff pastry sheets and cut each into thirds vertically, then each strip in half horizontally—this gives you 12 rectangles, each about 4 1/4 by 3 inches. Keep everything cold until you’re ready to bake; it helps the pastry puff beautifully.

Step 2: Score and Assemble the Tarts

Lay your puff pastry rectangles on the lined sheets, spaced out by about 2 to 3 inches. Now, this part’s a bit of a game changer: Using a sharp knife, score a rectangle about 1/2-inch from the edge of each pastry, but don’t cut all the way through. This border will puff up and create that classic tart “frame.” Inside that scored rectangle, lightly prick with a fork about six times to prevent puffing. Then, whisk together your egg and milk to make an egg wash and brush this onto the pastry borders—it gives your tarts that irresistible golden sheen.

Step 3: Add Pears and Bake

Arrange your pear slices inside the bordered area, slightly overlapping them to create a beautiful pattern. I find this step relaxing—almost like edible art. Pop them into your preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. You want to see the pastry puffing up and turning golden brown while the pears become tender and juicy. Keep an eye near the end so they don’t over-bake—nobody likes burnt edges here!

Step 4: Glaze and Finish

Out of the oven, immediately brush your warm tarts with gently warmed fig jam. This glaze adds shine and another layer of fruity sweetness. Sprinkle toasted sliced almonds on top for a satisfying crunch and depth of flavor. Let the tarts cool completely on a wire rack before dusting lightly with powdered sugar. The final dusting makes them look like they belong in a bakery window.

How to Serve Easy Puff Pastry Pear Tarts Recipe

Garnishes

I love finishing these tarts with a dusting of powdered sugar because it’s simple and pretty. Sometimes I add a sprig of fresh mint or a tiny drizzle of honey if I’m feeling fancy—it adds freshness and a little sweet balance that plays beautifully with the toasted almonds.

Side Dishes

These tarts hold their own, but I like pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly whipped cream for an indulgent touch. They’re also wonderful alongside a cup of hot tea or coffee when you’re lounging with friends or family.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I’ve arranged these tarts on a rustic wooden board lined with autumn leaves or small flower petals—it turns a simple dessert into a centerpiece. You could also serve them individually on pretty dessert plates with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of crushed nuts for extra flair. Presentation makes it feel like an event, even if you just baked it for yourself!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), store them covered at room temperature for up to a day. Puff pastry is at its best fresh, but you can keep them overnight and still enjoy the crisp texture.

Freezing

I’ve frozen baked tarts wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil with good results. Just thaw them at room temperature and reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes. They might lose a bit of puff, but the flavor holds up well.

Reheating

To bring back that flaky crispness, avoid the microwave. Instead, pop leftover tarts into a preheated oven at 350°F for a few minutes until warm and slightly crisp again. This simple trick makes them taste almost fresh-baked.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Easy Puff Pastry Pear Tarts Recipe makes dessert feel so accessible yet special. When I first tried it, I was amazed how little effort it took to achieve something that looks and tastes so elegant. My family goes crazy for these tarts —they’re a sure-fire crowd-pleaser. I’m sharing it with you because I want you to experience that same joy and confidence in your kitchen. Grab some pears, thaw your puff pastry, and give it a go—I promise you’ll be impressed with how delicious and beautiful these tarts turn out on your first go!

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