Macadamia-Pear Tart
A delightful tart featuring tender pear slices topped with crunchy macadamia nuts and sweet batter, perfect for elegant dessert occasions or a sophisticated afternoon treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Butter a pie or tart pan.
- Combine flour, 1/2 cup sugar, chopped macadamia nuts, and baking powder in a bowl.
- Stir well to mix.
- In a small bowl, stir together milk, egg, and vanilla until blended.
- Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until smooth.
- Place each pear half, cut side down, on a cutting board.
- Cut each pear into crosswise slices about 1/4 inch thick.
- Slide a spatula under each pear slice to keep its shape and place in the buttered pan with the stem end facing toward the center.
- Pour the batter over the pears.
- Sprinkle the tops of pears with the remaining 1 teaspoon sugar.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes or until golden brown and a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool completely on a wire rack.
- Cover and refrigerate until well chilled.
- Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider toasting macadamia nuts before adding them to the batter. If you don’t have Bartlett pears, Bosc or Anjou pears can be great substitutes. You can also add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth. For a gluten-free version, swap the flour with a gluten-free blend.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Macadamia-Pear Tart warm or chilled, topped with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for indulgence. Pair it with a light salad or a cup of tea for a delightful afternoon treat. This dessert also pairs wonderfully with coffee, making it perfect for brunch or a gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or warm in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through. This keeps the tart moist and retains the pear's texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Macadamia-Pear Tart contains roughly 297 calories, with 4g protein, 44g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is a good source of calcium (19% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (11% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this tart ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the tart a day in advance. After baking, let it cool completely, then cover and refrigerate. This allows the flavors to meld. Just remember to bring it to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
What can I use instead of macadamia nuts?
If you don’t have macadamia nuts, you can substitute them with walnuts or pecans for a different flavor profile. Keep in mind that the texture and taste will vary slightly, but both will still provide a delicious crunch to the tart.
How do I know when the tart is done baking?
The tart is done baking when it is golden brown on top and a wooden pick inserted into the center comes out clean. It’s important to keep an eye on it towards the end of the baking time to prevent over-baking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).