The festive season in the United Kingdom is a time filled with cozy evenings, warm fireplaces, and delicious treats to enjoy with loved ones. One classic Christmas baking recipe that perfectly captures the spirit of the holidays is the Marzipan Pear Tart. This delightful dessert combines the sweetness of ripe pears with the rich, almond flavor of marzipan, all nestled in a buttery pastry crust. It’s a perfect addition to any holiday table, whether you serve it as a show-stopping dessert or enjoy a slice with a cup of tea by the fire.
Marzipan Pear Tart
Ingredients:
– 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– ¾ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
– ¼ cup granulated sugar
– Pinch of salt
– 2-3 ripe pears, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
– 7 oz marzipan, grated
– 1 egg, beaten
– 2 tbsp apricot jam
– Slivered almonds for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a tart pan or pie dish.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and rub it into the flour mixture using your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add a little cold water, about 2-3 tablespoons, and mix until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overwork the dough. Shape it into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
4. Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to fit your tart pan. Carefully line the pan with the dough, trimming any excess edges.
5. Evenly spread the grated marzipan over the bottom of the tart shell.
6. Arrange the sliced pears on top of the marzipan in an attractive pattern.
7. Brush the edges of the pastry with the beaten egg to give it a golden finish while baking.
8. Place the tart in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the pears are tender.
9. In a small saucepan, warm the apricot jam until it becomes liquid. Brush the warm jam over the pears for a beautiful glaze.
10. Optionally, sprinkle slivered almonds over the tart for added crunch and visual appeal.
11. Allow the tart to cool before serving. Enjoy a slice of this delightful Marzipan Pear Tart with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
This Marzipan Pear Tart is a lovely addition to your holiday baking repertoire. Its sweet, nutty flavors and beautiful presentation make it a standout dessert that will impress your guests. Whether you’re hosting a festive dinner party or simply craving a cozy treat on a chilly evening, this tart is sure to delight all who taste it. Embrace the warmth and joy of the holiday season with this scrumptious recipe that embodies the spirit of Christmas in every bite.
