If you’re looking for a dessert that looks elegant but is surprisingly simple to make, these Easy Puff Pastry Pear Tarts with Almonds and Cinnamon are the perfect choice. Imagine buttery, flaky pastry wrapped around tender, sweet pear slices, all sprinkled with crunchy almonds and a warm hint of cinnamon. It’s a dessert that feels special but comes together in almost no time—ideal for impromptu dinner parties or cozy weekend treats.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Minimal ingredients, big flavor
- No advanced baking skills needed
- Flexible: you can swap fruit or nuts based on what you have
- Perfect for autumn or anytime you want a cozy dessert
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry (store-bought, thawed)
- 2 ripe but firm pears (Bosc or Anjou work well), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup sliced or slivered almonds
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: apricot jam or honey, for glazing
Instructions
- Preheat & prepare pastry
Preheat your oven to 200 °C (approx 400 °F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Unfold the puff pastry sheet and place it on the lined sheet. Use a knife to gently score (don’t cut all the way through) a border about 1 cm (⅜ in) from the edges. This helps the edges rise higher. - Mix topping
In a bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. - Arrange pears & brush
Within the scored border, fan out the pear slices to overlap slightly, covering most of the area. Brush the pear slices and exposed pastry inside the border with the butter‑sugar mixture. - Add almonds & cinnamon sugar
Sprinkle the sliced almonds over the pears, then dust a little extra cinnamon sugar (a mix of cinnamon + sugar) on top for extra flavor. - Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for about 20–25 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden and the pears are soft but still hold shape. - Optional glaze
If you like, warm a tablespoon of apricot jam (or honey) with a teaspoon of water, then brush it over the tarts to give them a shiny glaze. - Serve
Let the tarts cool slightly before cutting. Serve warm or at room temperature—great with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Preparation Time
15 minutes
Cooking Time
20–25 minutes
Total Time
Approximately 35–40 minutes
Serving Size
Serves 4 (about 1 tart per person, depending on how you slice)
Nutrition Information (approximate, per serving)
- Calories: ~320 kcal
- Fat: ~16 g
- Carbohydrates: ~40 g
- Protein: ~4 g
Tips, Variations & Serving Suggestions
- Fruit swaps: Try apples, peaches, or plums instead of pears if they’re in season.
- Nut options: Use chopped walnuts, pecans, or pistachios in place of almonds.
- Gluten-free version: Use a gluten-free puff pastry and proceed similarly (check baking times).
- Extra flavor: Add a pinch of cardamom or nutmeg to the cinnamon sugar mix.
- Presentation tip: Serve on a wooden board or slate with fresh mint or edible flowers for added flair.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 day, or refrigerate up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a warm oven or toaster oven to crisp the pastry again.