If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that perfectly blends cozy spices, fresh fruit, and a satisfyingly crisp topping, look no further than this delightful Chai-Spiced Pear & Almond Crumble Tart Recipe. This tart brings together tender, warmly spiced pears nestled under a crunchy almond-oat crumble, all set in a buttery homemade crust. Each bite is like a warm hug, bursting with flavors that evoke relaxed afternoons and festive gatherings. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just craving a special treat, this recipe is your ticket to a show-stopping yet approachable dessert.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Chai-Spiced Pear & Almond Crumble Tart Recipe lies in its simple but purposeful ingredients. Each element plays a key role: the buttery crust provides a sturdy, flaky base; the ripe pears lend juicy sweetness and natural softness; the chai spice blend adds uplifting aromatic warmth; and the almond crumble offers both texture and nuttiness that finishes the tart perfectly.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for the tender, flaky crust that holds everything together.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to the dough without overpowering.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors in the crust for balanced taste.
- 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed: The secret to a flaky, rich crust that melts in your mouth.
- 1/4 cup ice water: Helps bring the dough together without making it tough or sticky.
- 4 ripe pears, peeled, cored, and sliced: The star of the filling, offering juicy sweetness and tender texture.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: Adds deep caramel notes that complement the natural pear flavor.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Thickens the pear juices to create a luscious filling.
- 1 teaspoon chai spice blend: Infuses the tart with warming aromatics like cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger: Gives a gentle spicy kick that brightens the filling.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom: Adds floral and citrusy notes to deepen the chai flavor profile.
- 1 cup rolled oats: Provides the perfect rustic base for the crunchy crumble topping.
- 1/2 cup chopped almonds: Adds nutty crunch and a lovely contrast to the soft pears.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: Sweetens the crumble with rich molasses undertones.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Binds the crumble ingredients together and adds richness.
How to Make Chai-Spiced Pear & Almond Crumble Tart Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Begin by whisking together the flour, granulated sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Next, cut in the cold cubed butter until the mixture looks crumbly but still has small visible chunks of butter throughout—that’s what makes the crust delightfully flaky. Gradually add the ice water a tablespoon at a time until the dough just comes together. Shape it into a disk, wrap it in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to relax the gluten and chill the butter.
Step 2: Toss the Pears With Spices
While the dough chills, get the filling ready by tossing the sliced pears with brown sugar, additional flour, and the warm chai spice blend along with ground ginger and cardamom. This mixture will become wonderfully fragrant and develop into a juicy, spiced filling that’s bursting with autumn-inspired flavor.
Step 3: Make the Crumble Topping
In another bowl, combine rolled oats, chopped almonds, brown sugar, and melted butter. Stir just until the ingredients are moistened and clump together. This topping will bake up golden and crisp, making a glorious textural contrast to the tender pears.
Step 4: Assemble the Tart
Roll the chilled dough into a 12-inch circle and carefully press it into a 9-inch tart pan, trimming off any excess. Fill the shell evenly with your spiced pear mixture, then sprinkle the crumble topping over the pears in an even layer so every bite gets that lovely crunch.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake the tart at 375°F (190°C) for 40 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the crust is golden brown, the crumble is toasted, and the pear filling bubbles gently around the edges. Let it cool slightly before slicing to let everything set beautifully.
How to Serve Chai-Spiced Pear & Almond Crumble Tart Recipe
Garnishes
This tart is stunning on its own, but for an extra-special touch, top slices with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream. A sprinkle of toasted almond slivers or a light dusting of cinnamon can make it even more inviting and elegant.
Side Dishes
Pair this tart with a cup of warm chai tea or spiced coffee to echo the flavors in the filling. For a brunch spread, it complements nutty cheeses or a fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette beautifully, balancing sweetness and spice.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving individual mini tarts for parties, using a muffin tin for perfectly portioned delights. Alternatively, turn the crumble topping into a standalone crisp or scatter it over ice cream for a quick dessert twist inspired by the Chai-Spiced Pear & Almond Crumble Tart Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover tart can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it loosely covered so the crumble stays a bit crunchy but the filling stays moist and flavorful.
Freezing
This tart freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. It can be frozen for up to 2 months and thawed overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, place slices on a baking sheet in a 325°F (160°C) oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through and the crumble topping regains its crispness. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve texture.
FAQs
Can I use other fruits instead of pears?
Absolutely! Apples or quinces work wonderfully with chai spices. Just adjust the baking time slightly depending on the fruit’s firmness.
Do I have to make the crust from scratch?
While homemade crust is wonderful here, you can use a store-bought pie crust in a pinch. Just make sure it fits the tart pan and follow the same assembly steps.
Where can I find chai spice blend?
Chai spice blends are often available in grocery stores near baking spices or online. You can also make your own by combining cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg.
Can I make this tart vegan?
Yes! Substitute the butter with a plant-based butter alternative and choose a suitable sugar that’s vegan to make this dessert fully plant-based.
How do I know when the tart is fully baked?
The crust should be golden brown, the crumble topping toasted, and you’ll see the pear filling bubbling along the edges—these are signs everything is perfectly cooked.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Chai-Spiced Pear & Almond Crumble Tart Recipe, it’s going to become your go-to dessert for cozy gatherings and festive occasions alike. It’s the kind of dish that feels special but is wonderfully easy to make, filling your kitchen with irresistible aromas and your heart with pure comfort. So grab those pears and spices, and get baking — you’ll be amazed at how quickly this tart wins everyone over!
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Chai-Spiced Pear & Almond Crumble Tart Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Chai-Spiced Pear & Almond Crumble Tart is a delightful blend of warm chai spices, tender pears, and a buttery almond oat crumble baked to golden perfection. Featuring a flaky homemade tart crust and a fragrant filling infused with cardamom and ginger, this dessert is perfect for cozy gatherings or special occasions. Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an indulgent treat.
Ingredients
Tart Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/4 cup ice water
Pear Filling
- 4 ripe pears, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon chai spice blend
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
Crumble Topping
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup chopped almonds
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Prepare the Tart Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, and salt until combined. Cut in the cold cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture becomes crumbly with small visible pieces of butter.
- Add Ice Water: Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough just starts to come together and holds when pressed. Avoid overworking to keep the crust tender.
- Chill Dough: Form the dough into a disk shape, wrap tightly with plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up the butter and relax the gluten.
- Prepare Pear Filling: In a separate bowl, toss the sliced pears with brown sugar, flour, chai spice blend, ground ginger, and ground cardamom until the fruit is well coated and spiced.
- Make Crumble Topping: Combine the rolled oats, chopped almonds, brown sugar, and melted butter in another bowl. Mix until the ingredients are evenly incorporated to form the crumble topping.
- Roll and Assemble Tart: On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer and press it into a 9-inch tart pan, trimming any excess dough from the edges.
- Add Filling and Topping: Spoon the pear filling evenly into the prepared tart shell. Sprinkle the oat and almond crumble topping evenly over the pears.
- Bake the Tart: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the tart on the center rack and bake for 40 to 50 minutes, until the crust is golden brown, the crumble topping is toasted, and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the tart to cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to enhance the flavors and texture.
Notes
- For best results, use ripe but firm pears to maintain texture during baking.
- Chilling the dough is crucial for a flaky crust and easy handling.
- If preferred, substitute the almonds in the crumble topping with walnuts or pecans.
- The chai spice blend typically includes cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and black pepper; adjust to taste if desired.
- Leftover tart can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and gently reheated before serving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
