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