Pear Tart with Almond Cream (Tarte Bourdaloue) 🍰: A Classic French Delight

If you’re a fan of sophisticated desserts that offer a balance of sweetness, texture, and elegance, then the Tarte Bourdaloue, or Pear Tart with Almond Cream, is an absolute must-try. This classic French pastry, which originated in Paris, is renowned for its buttery pastry crust, delicate almond cream filling, and perfectly ripe pears.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps of making this delicious tart, explore its history, and discuss why it’s a beloved treat in French pastry shops and home kitchens alike.

What is Tarte Bourdaloue?

Tarte Bourdaloue is a quintessential French dessert that blends the sweetness of pears with the nutty richness of almond cream, or frangipane. The tart is typically made with a buttery, flaky pastry crust, a layer of almond cream, and sliced pears that are arranged in a beautiful, artful pattern on top. The combination of flavors—sweet, nutty, and fruity—makes it an irresistible treat for any occasion.

This dessert is named after the Bourdaloue neighborhood in Paris, and while its exact origins are unclear, it is believed to have been first created in the late 19th century. Since then, it has become a popular choice for both special celebrations and casual gatherings. The tart’s balance of textures and flavors has made it a staple in French patisseries, and it’s equally loved by home bakers around the world.

Why You’ll Love This Pear Tart with Almond Cream

There’s no denying that Tarte Bourdaloue is a showstopper. Here’s why it’s worth making this classic French pastry at home:

The Perfect Combination of Flavors
The almond cream filling (frangipane) has a rich, nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the pears. The slight bitterness of the almonds and the juicy pears create a harmonious contrast, making every bite a delight for the taste buds.
Elegant and Impressive
When you serve Tarte Bourdaloue, you’ll immediately impress your guests with its refined appearance. The pear slices are arranged in a stunning fan shape, making this tart not only delicious but visually striking. It’s perfect for holidays, dinner parties, or any occasion when you want to impress.
Balance of Textures
The buttery, crisp tart crust provides a beautiful contrast to the soft, juicy pears and creamy frangipane filling. The combination of textures—crisp, smooth, and soft—makes every bite satisfying and indulgent.
Versatile for Any Season
While pears are typically in season during the fall and winter, this tart can be enjoyed year-round by using canned or poached pears. Whether made with fresh, in-season fruit or preserved pears, it’s a dessert that works no matter the season.

Ingredients for Pear Tart with Almond Cream

Making Tarte Bourdaloue requires a few key ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to recreate this French pastry at home:

For the Tart Crust:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
1 egg yolk
2 tablespoons cold water

For the Almond Cream (Frangipane):

1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup almond flour (or ground almonds)
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

For the Pears:

2 to 3 ripe pears (Bartlett or Anjou pears work best)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons apricot jam (for glazing)

Optional:

Sliced almonds (for garnish)

For Complete Cooking STEPS Please Head On Over To Next Page Or Open button (>) and don’t forget to SHARE with your Facebook friends