Imagine a dessert that combines the rich, velvety decadence of dark chocolate with the delicate, caramelized sweetness of ripe pears, all nestled within a perfectly golden, flaky puff pastry. This Chocolate and Pear Trellis Tart is not just a recipe; it's a culinary masterpiece that will transport you straight to the charming patisseries of France with every single bite. Prepare to impress your guests and elevate your dessert game with this show-stopping treat that looks as stunning as it tastes!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 sheet of puff pastry
- 3 ripe pears, sliced
- 200g dark chocolate, chopped
- 100g sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 egg, beaten for glazing
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add sugar and cook until it begins to caramelize to a golden brown color, stirring gently.
- Add sliced pears to the caramel and cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing them to soften and coat evenly with the caramel sauce. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Melt the dark chocolate using a double boiler or microwave, stirring until smooth and completely liquid.
- Roll out the puff pastry sheet on the prepared baking sheet, gently stretching it to create an even surface.
- Spread the melted chocolate evenly across the pastry, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Arrange the caramelized pear slices in a decorative trellis pattern over the chocolate layer.
- Brush the exposed pastry edges with beaten egg to create a golden glaze.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown and the pears are caramelized.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips
- Choose Your Pears Wisely: Select ripe but firm pears that will hold their shape during caramelization. Varieties like Bosc or Anjou work best.
- Caramelization is Key: Watch your sugar carefully when creating the caramel. The perfect golden-brown color means maximum flavor without burning.
- Chocolate Quality Matters: Use high-quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content for a rich, intense chocolate flavor.
- Pastry Perfection: Keep your puff pastry cold until just before use, and handle it gently to ensure maximum flakiness.
- Egg Wash Technique: Use a soft pastry brush and apply the egg wash lightly to achieve a beautiful, glossy golden finish.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow the tart to cool slightly before serving to let the flavors meld and the pastry set properly.
- Presentation Tip: Serve slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 340kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
