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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.
Course Dessert
Cuisine Modern European / Fall-Inspired
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
chill time 1 hour
Total Time 2 hours
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
 
Serving Suggestions:
  • 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