Ingredients:

  • 1 1/4 cups (150g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1/2 cup (115g) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
  • 1/4 cup (25g) confectioners' sugar (icing sugar)
  • Pinch of salt
  • 3-5 tablespoons (45-75ml) ice water
  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (100g) almond flour (ground almonds)
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
  • 3 medium ripe pears (such as Bosc or Anjou), peeled, cored, and sliced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 2 tablespoons apricot jam, warmed (for glazing)

Instructions:

  1. Combine flour, butter, confectioners' sugar, and salt in a food processor or by hand. Pulse/Rub until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  2. Gradually add ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together.
  3. Flatten into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour.
  4. Cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  5. Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
  6. Gradually add almond flour, all-purpose flour, and almond extract (if using), mixing until just combined.
  7. Toss pear slices with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  8. Roll out chilled pastry on a lightly floured surface.
  9. Carefully transfer to the tart pan, pressing into the bottom and up the sides.
  10. Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork.
  11. Line with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans.
  12. Bake blind at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes.
  13. Remove parchment and weights; bake for another 5 minutes until lightly golden.
  14. Spread frangipane filling evenly over the pre-baked crust.
  15. Arrange pear slices decoratively on top of the frangipane.
  16. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45-55 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the frangipane is set.
  17. Brush the warm tart with warmed apricot jam for a glossy finish.
  18. Let cool completely on a wire rack before serving.