This post has been updated August 2021. The original recipe was published May 2014.
Sweet cream and ripe pears are brought together for an easy, elegant cake that can be served for low key dinner soirees or quiet week nights in need of something a little indulgent.
Typically, when one thinks of a tart, a pastry shell filled with a custard might come to mind. Today's tart is actually quite a dense, buttery cake, weighted by fresh pears. However, it's not your average cake.
It's a one-bowl wonder, requiring few ingredients and minimal effort. You're not going to get a large batter or a cake large enough to divide. Thus, it's more like a tart- simple, single-layer deliciousness.
I have also tried this recipe with apples and peaches which both work beautifully as well. I also suggest sprinkling it with some turbinado before baking for a sugar crust on top, though this is optional.
It's delicious served warm with some whipped cream as well, but like many dishes, this one is even better the next day.
Recently, Netflix released the documentary, Lady Boss, giving us a deeper look into the powerhouse novelist's career and personal life, and I think it'll become easier to understand what a pioneer she was in her own right, when you see it.
Adapted from the Lucky Santangelo Cookbook by Jackie Collins, it remains to be one of my favorite simple cakes to date.
I think back quite often to my interview with Ms. Collins way back in the day when Living the Gourmet was just getting off the ground. I was honored to have had the opportunity to meet such a lovely person and even count her among my friends. Not many people can say that, but I had the exquisite pleasure of keeping in touch with her long after our first meeting.
Her kindness, wisdom, and wit was indelible. I think of her often and still feel inspired by her strength and beauty.
So, Jackie, this one is for you dear. Cheers!
Pear Tart
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 1x
Ingredients
- 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 or 3 ripe pears, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 tsp. vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup AP flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- Canola oil, for greasing the pan
- Turbinado sugar, for sprinkling (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven 350 degrees F. Grease an 8-inch cake pan lightly with the oil and line with parchment.
- In a bowl, cream the butter, sugar, and vanilla with a hand mixer.
- Add the eggs one at a time and beat to incorporate.
- Add the flour, baking powder, and salt to the butter mixture. Mix to combine, but do not overbeat.
- Spread the batter in the prepared pan.
- Press the pear slices into the batter in a pinwheel pattern. Cram in as many as you can. The batter will rise and partially cover the pears. The more pears, the moister the tart will be. Sprinkle with Turbinado sugar if desired.
- Bake 45 minutes or until the cake tester comes out clean.
- Transfer and let cool on a wired rack. Serve with whipped cream and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
Sandee says
Yummy, that would go good with my coffee right now.
Have a fabulous weekend Catherine. Big hugs. 🙂
Rose says
I love pears! I, too would enjoy it with my coffee right now! Hugs, Rose
Elisa Ciarlantini says
I love tart...this is fantastic!
lenia says
A yummy tart!I love pears!
Hugs,dear!
David says
Catherine, That is a great looking tart... I love pears but I'm not very good at picking them out when they're ready to eat...or to cook with. Take Care and have a Great Memorial Day weekend! Big Daddy Dave
Chatty Crone says
What a great combination!
June says
Yes everyone loves a good tart indeed, and this seems like a fantastic example of one! Pears are just lovely in desserts. 🙂
Joanne DiPalo says
I love this pear tart, it looks so EASY to make as well as being delicious. Thanks so much for sharing on Foodie Friends Friday Party this week. I've pinned/shared. We look forward to seeing you next week with another delicious recipe.
Joanne/WineLady Cooks
Silvia Brisigotti says
Really delicious!!
Alison Agnew says
I would love to be chewing on a forkful of this as I blog browse! Looks delectable! Thanks for sharing at Fridays Unfolded!
Alison
Nancherrow
Adita Donaire says
Que esponjoso y rico te ha quedado, me encanta, besos
Liz Berg says
I adore simple cakes with apples or pears! This looks sublime, my friend! Hope you're enjoying a relaxing holiday weekend! xo
Dottie says
Dear Catherine, looks really yummy. I love pears and any kind of fruit in tarts, pies, or cakes. I love the way the pears look in that pinwheel pattern. So pretty. Thanks for sharing this, delicious treat. Hope that you and your family have a wonderful holiday weekend. Blessings, Dottie 🙂
Elzbieta Hester says
Lovely, the oven picture looks fantastic!
ela h.
Gray Apron
Zainab Mansaray says
Yes!! Especially a moist looking tart like this!
Ginny says
I want to jump right into this picture and eat it!
Angie Schneider says
It must be delectable! Thank you for sharing, Catherine.
Have a great Sunday!
Angie
Medeja says
I might still have few pears left.. this tart looks just delicious!
HOOTIN ANNI says
Sounds yummy. For my age, I have to admit, I don't think I've eaten anything with pears baked in some pastry/cake. May have to try this. Thanks for the know-how!
Chelsea says
Oh my gosh, I love, love, love desserts like this! Pears sound so delicious right now.
~ Nee ~ says
Hi Catherine , what a great dessert for Memorial day .... well for any day for that fact . Thanks for sharing 🙂
Laura Carraro says
Ciao, grazie della visita, ottimo dolce, mi piace!!!
Chris Scheuer says
Looks wonderful, really moist and delicious!
Diane Balch says
I make something like this with apples. Can't wait to try yours. Thanks for sharing it with us on foodie friday. Pinned.
Adelina Priddis says
that sounds absolutely scrumptious with the pears pressed into it. Thank you for sharing on Foodie Friday
Reeni Pisano says
What a beautiful pear tart! I'd love a slice. Or two. Hope you're enjoying your weekend! xoxo
Kathy says
Oh Catherine, This looks fabulous..I love pears, they are a perfect addition to cake! I’d like a piece right now with my tea!
Felice Geoghegan says
Adding pears to the shopping list so I can try this over the weekend. Yum!
Danielle Miller says
I agree, everyone does love a good tart! thanks so much for sharing this at the Friday Frenzy!
Emma @ Fork and Good says
beautiful!