Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transport your taste buds to a realm of pure enchantment! This sophisticated dessert combines the luscious sweetness of ripe pears, the rich depth of dried figs, and the delicate floral notes of elderflower in a creamy almond custard that will make your dinner guests swoon. Whether you're looking to impress at a dinner party or treat yourself to a luxurious dessert, this recipe is about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: European
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 ripe pears
- 4 dried figs
- 1 cup almond milk
- 2 tablespoons elderflower cordial
- 3 eggs
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Wash and halve the pears, carefully removing the cores with a melon baller or small spoon. Place the pear halves cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet.
- Chop the dried figs into small, fine pieces and sprinkle them evenly over the pear halves.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and elderflower cordial until smooth and well combined.
- Gradually pour in the almond milk, continuing to whisk until the custard mixture is fully integrated and has a silky texture.
- Carefully pour the custard over the pears and figs, ensuring even coverage. Sprinkle sliced almonds over the top of each pear half.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pears are tender and the custard is set with a slight golden color on top.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. The custard will continue to set during this time.
- Serve warm, optionally garnishing with an extra drizzle of elderflower cordial or a sprinkle of additional sliced almonds.
Tips
- Choose the Right Pears: Select ripe but firm pears that will hold their shape during baking. Bartlett or Bosc pears work wonderfully for this recipe.
- Custard Consistency is Key: Whisk the custard mixture thoroughly and slowly add almond milk to prevent lumps. The goal is a silky-smooth texture.
- Watch the Baking Time: Every oven is slightly different, so start checking your dessert around the 25-minute mark. The custard should be set but still have a slight wobble.
- Serving Suggestions: For an extra touch of elegance, serve the pears with a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the pears and custard mixture earlier in the day and bake just before serving to ensure maximum freshness and flavor.
- Ingredient Substitutions: If elderflower cordial is hard to find, you can use a small amount of rose water or orange blossom water as an alternative.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 95mg
