Description
A delicate French almond pear gratin featuring ripe pears baked in a creamy almond-flavored custard, topped with toasted sliced almonds for a crunchy finish. This elegant dessert blends subtle almond extracts with tender baked fruit to create a luscious, comforting dish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Pears
- 4 ripe but firm pears (such as Bosc or Bartlett)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- unsalted butter for greasing
Almond Custard
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup almond flour (finely ground almonds)
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
Topping
- 2 tablespoons sliced almonds
- Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9-inch round or oval baking dish with butter to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Pears: Peel the pears, then cut each into halves and core them. Slice each half thinly while keeping the slices together in their half shape. Drizzle lemon juice over the pears to prevent browning.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter together with the granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, ensuring even incorporation.
- Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, incorporating each fully before adding the next to maintain a smooth texture.
- Mix Almond Custard: Stir in the almond flour, vanilla extract, almond extract, salt, and heavy cream until the batter is smooth and well combined.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Pour the almond custard mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth the surface evenly.
- Arrange Pears: Place the pear halves on top of the custard, fanning the slices slightly for an attractive presentation.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle the sliced almonds evenly over the pears for a crunchy, toasted texture after baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the gratin to cool slightly before optionally dusting with powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness and presentation. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Choosing firm pears like Bosc or Bartlett helps the slices hold their shape during baking.
- Drizzling lemon juice on pears prevents discoloration and keeps them visually appealing.
- You can substitute almond flour with finely ground almonds if unavailable.
- For added flavor, consider lightly toasting the sliced almonds before sprinkling them on top.
- Powdered sugar dusting is optional but adds a nice finishing touch.
- This dessert can be served warm or at room temperature and pairs well with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
