Pear-Ginger Tart
A delightful pear and ginger tart with a creamy filling and a crisp almond topping. The sweet pears complement the spicy ginger, creating a sophisticated dessert suitable for special occasions or an elegant afternoon treat. Perfect for those who enjoy fruity, spicy flavors in a baked custard-like dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Spray a 10-inch quiche pan with vegetable cooking spray.
- Peel and slice pears; arrange in the prepared pan.
- In a blender, combine lowfat milk, sugar, egg whites, egg yolk, crystallized ginger, vanilla, salt, and flour.
- Blend until smooth.
- Pour the batter over the arranged pears in the pan.
- Top with sliced almonds.
- Bake for 1 hour or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool, then sprinkle with confectioners' sugar before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using half-and-half instead of lowfat milk, or a dairy-free alternative like almond milk. You can also substitute the crystallized ginger with fresh ginger for a more intense flavor. If pears are not available, apples or peaches can be used instead. Ensure the pears are ripe for optimal sweetness and texture. This tart pairs beautifully with Apricot Rum Cake for a delightful dessert spread.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Pear-Ginger Tart warm or at room temperature, dusted with confectioners' sugar for an elegant touch. It pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a light salad or a cheese platter featuring soft cheeses to balance the tart's sweetness.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, cover the tart with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. When ready to enjoy, reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds, or warm the entire tart in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pear-Ginger Tart contains roughly 359 calories, with 11g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (22% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1040mg per serving (45% 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 gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily make this tart gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the blend contains a binding agent like xanthan gum for the best texture, and check that all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
What can I use instead of crystallized ginger?
If you don't have crystallized ginger, you can use fresh ginger, but reduce the amount to about half, as fresh ginger has a more potent flavor. Alternatively, ground ginger can be used; just use about 1 teaspoon in place of the crystallized ginger for a warm, spicy note.
Can I add other fruits to the tart?
Absolutely! You can mix in other fruits like apples or berries for added flavor and texture. Just ensure that the combined fruits have similar moisture levels to maintain the tart's consistency. A mix of pears and apples would work particularly well.
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).