Mini Pear & Almond Tartlets 🍐🌰
A Delicate French-Inspired Pastry with Elegant Flavor
Mini Pear & Almond Tartlets are refined little pastries made with a buttery tart crust, a soft almond cream filling, and tender slices of pear baked until lightly golden. The combination of sweet fruit and nutty almond creates a dessert that is both comforting and elegant.
This dessert is inspired by the famous Tarte Bourdaloue, a beloved pastry from Paris. In the mini version, the same delicious flavors are presented in individual portions that are perfect for tea time, dessert platters, or special occasions.
The buttery crust, fragrant almond cream, and juicy pears make these tartlets irresistibly delicious.
Why You’ll Love These Tartlets
These mini tartlets are appreciated because they offer:
Elegant flavor combination – sweet pears and nutty almonds
Beautiful presentation – perfect individual pastries
Soft and crisp textures – creamy filling with crisp crust
Perfect portion size – ideal for gatherings or dessert tables
They look like bakery-style pastries but are simple to prepare at home.
Ingredients (Makes about 10–12 mini tartlets)
Tart Dough
200 g (1½ cups) all-purpose flour
100 g (½ cup) cold unsalted butter, cubed
50 g (¼ cup) powdered sugar
1 egg yolk
2 tablespoons cold water
Pinch of salt
Almond Cream (Frangipane)
100 g (1 cup) almond flour
80 g (⅓ cup) sugar
80 g (⅓ cup) softened butter
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon almond extract
Pear Topping
2 ripe pears, peeled and sliced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon sugar
Decoration
Powdered sugar
Sliced almonds
Honey glaze (optional)
Equipment Needed
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Mini tart molds or muffin pan
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Rolling pin
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Mixing bowls
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Electric mixer or whisk
Step 1: Preparing the Tart Dough
In a bowl combine:
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flour
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powdered sugar
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salt
Add the cold butter cubes and rub them into the flour using your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Add the egg yolk and cold water.
Mix gently until the dough comes together.
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Chilling helps the dough become easier to handle and keeps the crust crisp.
Step 2: Forming the Tart Shells
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
Roll the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about 3 mm thickness.
Cut circles slightly larger than the tart molds.
Press the dough gently into each mold and trim the edges.
Prick the bottoms lightly with a fork.
Place the tart shells in the refrigerator for 10 minutes before filling.
Step 3: Preparing the Almond Cream
In a bowl beat together:
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softened butter
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sugar
Mix until creamy.
Add the egg and whisk until smooth.
Stir in:
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almond flour
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vanilla extract
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almond extract
The result should be a thick, fragrant almond cream called frangipane.
Step 4: Preparing the Pears
Peel the pears and slice them thinly.
Place the slices in a bowl and toss with:
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lemon juice
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sugar
This prevents browning and enhances the natural sweetness of the fruit.
Step 5: Assembling the Tartlets
Spoon 1–2 tablespoons of almond cream into each tart shell.
Arrange the pear slices neatly on top, slightly overlapping them in a fan pattern.
Sprinkle sliced almonds over the pears.
Step 6: Baking the Tartlets
Place the tartlets in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes.
The crust should become golden and the almond filling slightly puffed and fragrant.
Allow the tartlets to cool before removing them from the molds.
Step 7: Finishing Touch
Dust the tartlets lightly with powdered sugar before serving.
For extra shine and flavor, brush the pears with a little warm honey glaze.
Flavor and Texture
These tartlets offer a perfect balance:
Buttery crisp pastry crust
Soft almond cream filling
Sweet juicy pears
Lightly toasted almonds
The result is a delicate dessert with warm nutty aromas and natural fruit sweetness.
Tips for Perfect Tartlets
Choose ripe but firm pears
They should hold their shape during baking.
Chill the dough
Cold dough produces a crisp and flaky crust.
Use almond flour
It gives the filling its traditional texture and flavor.
Slice pears evenly
Uniform slices cook more evenly and look elegant.
Delicious Variations
Apple Almond Tartlets
Replace pears with thin apple slices.
Chocolate Pear Tartlets
Add small chocolate chips to the almond filling.
Honey Almond Tartlets
Drizzle honey over the tartlets after baking.
Raspberry Almond Tartlets
Add a few raspberries under the pear slices.
Storage Tips
Room temperature:
Best enjoyed the same day.
Refrigerator:
Store in an airtight container for 2–3 days.
Reheating:
Warm briefly in the oven to refresh the crust.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per tartlet)
Calories: 230
Carbohydrates: 24 g
Protein: 4 g
Fat: 13 g
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned pears?
Yes, but drain them well before using.
What pears are best for baking?
Varieties like Bosc pear or Anjou pear work very well.
Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes, the dough can be refrigerated for 2 days.
Can I freeze the tartlets?
Yes, baked tartlets can be frozen for 1 month.
Final Thoughts
Mini Pear & Almond Tartlets are elegant little pastries that combine buttery crust, fragrant almond cream, and naturally sweet pears. Inspired by classic French pâtisserie, they deliver both beauty and flavor in every bite.
Perfect for afternoon tea, dessert platters, or special occasions, these tartlets bring a refined touch of French pastry tradition to your kitchen. 🍐🌰✨