Dark Chocolate & Almond Tart with Spiced Pears and Maple Glaze
This indulgent fall tart features a crisp almond crust, a silky dark chocolate ganache filling, and is crowned with poached or roasted spiced pears and a maple-cinnamon glaze. It’s a showstopper that balances richness with spice, crunch with creaminess, and bitter-sweet depth with the natural sweetness of fall fruit.
Servings 7
Ingredients
Almond Tart Crust:
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour or GF flour blend
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter cold & cubed (or coconut oil for vegan)
- 1-2 tbsp cold water
Dark Chocolate Filling:
- 200 g 7 oz dark chocolate (70% or higher), chopped
- 3/4 cup heavy cream or coconut cream for vegan
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt
Spiced Pear Topping:
- 2 firm pears like Bosc or Anjou, sliced thin
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- Pinch of nutmeg
- 1 tsp lemon juice
Instructions
Make Crust:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix almond flour, flour, sugar, and salt. Add butter and rub into dry ingredients until crumbly.
- Add cold water a little at a time until the dough holds together.
- Press into a 9-inch tart pan. Prick with a fork.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes until lightly golden. Cool completely.
Make Ganache Filling:
- Heat cream in a small saucepan until just simmering.
- Pour over chopped chocolate, add maple syrup, vanilla, and a pinch of salt.
- Let sit 2 minutes, then whisk until smooth.
- Pour into cooled crust. Chill for 1 hour until set.
Prepare Spiced Pears:
- In a skillet, melt butter, add pear slices, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice.
- Cook 5–7 minutes until tender but not mushy. Let cool slightly.
Assemble the Tart:
- Arrange spiced pears in a fan or circular pattern over the set ganache.
- Drizzle with remaining maple glaze from the pan.
Optional Garnishes:
- Toasted slivered almonds or cacao nibs
- A dusting of cinnamon or gold leaf for flair
Notes
Tasting Notes:
- Bittersweet chocolate brings depth
- Toasty almonds add texture and nuttiness
- Warm fall spices balance sweetness with fragrance
- Maple & pear add a luscious seasonal lift
- Serve chilled or room temperature
- Add a dollop of whipped cream, mascarpone, or spiced coconut cream
- Pairs beautifully with coffee, mulled wine, or a chai latte
