Easy Mary Berry Pear Tarte Tatin Recipe

Making Mary Berry’s Pear Tarte Tatin is like discovering a simple yet elegant dessert. This French tart features caramelized pears on top of a buttery pastry. It’s easy to make but looks and tastes sophisticated, perfect for any occasion. It’s sure to impress your guests and have them asking for more.

Serving 6-8 people, this recipe is a testament to the joy of baking, requiring about 1 to 1.5 hours from start to finish.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the steps to creating this exquisite Pear Tarte Tatin, complete with personal insights and professional tips to elevate your baking game.

What is Mary Berry Pear Tarte Tatin?

Mary Berry’s Pear Tarte Tatin is an exquisite variation of the traditional French tart, featuring caramelized pears laid atop a rich, buttery pastry. This upside-down tart is renowned for its elegant presentation and the harmonious blend of flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simplicity Meets Elegance: The straightforward preparation leads to a visually impressive dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.

• Rich and Decadent: Every bite offers the perfect balance of sweet caramelized pears and crisp pastry.

• Versatile Serving Options: Whether served warm or at room temperature, it’s a delight on its own or paired with cream or ice cream.

Ingredients Needed for Mary Berry Pear Tarte Tatin

• Pears: 4-5 large, ripe pears (approximately 1 kg or 2.2 pounds), peeled, cored, and halved.

• Sugar: 150g (5.3 oz) of granulated sugar for caramelizing.

• Butter: 75g (2.6 oz) of unsalted butter, cut into small pieces, adds richness to the caramel.

• Puff Pastry: 1 sheet of ready-rolled puff pastry, enough to cover your pan, brings a flaky texture.

• Lemon Juice: A splash (about 1 tablespoon) to prevent the pears from browning and add a hint of acidity.

Equipment

• Ovenproof Skillet or Tarte Tatin Dish: 23cm (9 inches) in diameter, suitable for both stove-top caramelization and baking.

• Rolling Pin: For adjusting the puff pastry to fit your dish, if necessary.

• Peeler and Corer: Essential for preparing the pears.
• Baking Sheet: Placed underneath the skillet in the oven to catch any drips.

Instructions to Mary Berry Pear Tarte Tatin

Step 1: Preparation of Pears

• Prep the Pears: Begin by peeling, halving, and coring the pears. A sprinkle of lemon juice over the cut pears will keep them from browning as you prepare the caramel.

Step 2: Creating the Caramel

• Caramelize the Sugar: In your ovenproof skillet, melt the sugar over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it turns a golden amber color. This should take around 5-7 minutes. Avoid over-stirring to prevent crystallization.
• Add Butter: Once the caramel is ready, reduce the heat and carefully add the butter, stirring until it’s fully incorporated into the caramel. Be cautious of splattering.

Step 3: Assembling the Tarte

• Arrange the Pears: Arrange the pear halves in the caramel, cut side up, fitting them snugly together. Cook over low heat for about 10 minutes, allowing the pears to soften slightly and absorb the caramel.

• Prepare the Pastry: While the pears are cooking, roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Cut a circle slightly larger than your skillet to cover the pears and tuck in the edges.
• Cover with Pastry: Place the pastry over the pears, carefully tucking the edges down the sides of the skillet. This helps to contain the caramel and juices during baking.

Step 4: Baking the Tarte

• Bake: Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F). Bake the tarte for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.

Step 5: Serving the Tarte

• Cool and Flip: Let the tarte cool for a few minutes, then place a large plate over the skillet. Carefully flip the tarte onto the plate, revealing the caramelized pears on top.

What Do I Serve With Mary Berry Pear Tarte Tatin?

Pairing the perfect accompaniment with Mary Berry’s Pear Tarte Tatin transforms it from merely a dessert to a symphony of flavors and textures.

Here’s how to elevate your tarte:

• Classic Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a cool, creamy contrast to the warm tarte.
• Whipped Cream: Offers a light, airy complement that melts into the warm pear and caramel flavors.
• Crème Fraîche: Its tangy taste cuts through the sweetness, balancing the dessert beautifully.
• Salted Caramel Sauce: Drizzle over for an extra layer of decadence.
• Custard: Warm, vanilla-scented custard envelops each bite with comfort and richness.

Expert Tips to Make Perfect Mary Berry Pear Tarte Tatin

Achieving the perfect Pear Tarte Tatin is an art that requires attention to detail and a sprinkle of love.

Here are tips to ensure yours is flawless:

• Caramel Patience: Heat the sugar slowly for an even, golden caramel without bitterness.
• Pear Placement: Arrange the pears tightly from the center outwards for a packed fruit layer.
• Pastry Perfection: Keep your pastry cold until it’s time to bake, ensuring a beautifully risen crust.
• Quick Flip: After baking, wait no more than 5 minutes before flipping to prevent sticking.
• Serve Warm: This tarte is best enjoyed warm, allowing the flavors to fully emerge.

Variations of Mary Berry Pear Tarte Tatin

The beauty of this tarte lies in its versatility.

Here are some delightful variations to try:

• Apple Tarte Tatin: Swap pears for apples for a classic version of this French dessert.
• Spiced Pear Tarte: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or cardamom over the pears before baking for a spiced twist.
• Chocolate Pear Tarte Tatin: Introduce a few pieces of dark chocolate between the pears for a luxurious variation.
• Mixed Fruit Tarte: Combine pears with other fruits like apricots or plums for a multi-flavored treat.
• Savory Tarte Tatin: For a savory spin, replace sugar with a balsamic reduction and add goat cheese atop the pears.

Storing Mary Berry Pear Tarte Tatin Leftovers

Ensuring your delicious tarte retains its quality for later enjoyment is simple with the right approach.

• Cool Completely: Before storing, allow the tarte to cool to room temperature.
• Airtight Storage: Use an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent the absorption of odors.
• Refrigerate: Place the container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Layer Wisely: If stacking slices, separate them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Reheating Mary Berry Pear Tarte Tatin Leftovers

Reviving the warmth and crispness of your tarte is easy, ensuring it tastes as good as when first baked.

• Preheat and Heat: Warm your oven to 180°C (350°F) and reheat the tarte for 10-15 minutes.
• Pan Technique: For individual slices, gently heat in a pan over low heat until warm.
• Skip the Microwave: To preserve the pastry’s texture, avoid using a microwave.
• Serve Warm: Enjoy your tarte as soon as it’s reheated for the best experience.

Nutrition Value List (per serving):

• Calories: Approximately 300-400 kcal

• Fat: 20g (Saturated Fat: 12g)

• Carbohydrates: 40g (Sugar: 25g)

• Protein: 3g

• Fiber: 3g

• Sodium: 150mg

FAQs

Can I make Mary Berry Pear Tarte Tatin ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this tarte ahead of time. Bake it as instructed, allow it to cool, and then store it in the refrigerator. Before serving, reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10-15 minutes to refresh the pastry and warm the pears.

Can I use canned pears for Mary Berry Pear Tarte Tatin?

Yes, canned pears can be used as a convenient alternative to fresh pears. Ensure they are well-drained and patted dry to remove excess moisture before caramelizing to maintain the texture and flavor integrity of the tarte.

How long does it take to caramelize sugar for the tarte?

Caramelizing sugar for this tarte typically takes 5-7 minutes over medium heat. Watch closely for the sugar to melt and turn a golden amber color, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.

What’s the best way to flip the tarte after baking?

The best way to flip Mary Berry Pear Tarte Tatin is to place a large, flat serving plate over the skillet or baking dish. Using oven mitts to protect your hands, hold the skillet and plate together tightly and quickly turn them over. Gently lift the skillet, and the tarte should release onto the plate.

Final Words

Diving into the art of making Mary Berry’s Pear Tarte Tatin is more than just baking; it’s creating a moment of joy, a slice of elegance, and a memory that lingers on the taste buds. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this recipe promises a delightful experience. Happy baking!