“Cooking with flowers is an art; it paints your plate with nature’s poetry.”
There’s something magical about the way floral and spice can transform a dessert into an aromatic masterpiece. This Lavender Pear and Ginger Tart was inspired by my love for the delicate balance between sweet and savory, with a floral twist that feels both unique and comforting. As I prepared this tart for a gathering with friends, the fragrant notes of lavender and ginger mingling in the air reminded me how small details can create unforgettable experiences.
Perfect for a dinner party centerpiece or an afternoon indulgence, this tart combines the buttery flakiness of puff pastry with the warm spice of ginger and the subtle floral essence of lavender. Trust me, it’s a dish that will linger in your memory as much as on your taste buds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Combines the elegance of floral and spice in every bite.
- Features poached pears for a soft, luxurious texture.
- Uses puff pastry for an easy yet impressive dessert base.
- The almond cream adds richness and depth to the tart.
- Stunning presentation with fanned pears and a glossy glaze.
- Perfect for entertaining or as a thoughtful gift.
Floral Spotlight: Lavender
Lavender lends this tart its distinctive aroma and delicate floral flavor, complementing the sweetness of the pears and the warmth of ginger. Its unique profile makes it a wonderful addition to desserts. Always ensure your lavender is food-grade and pesticide-free for safe consumption.
- Flavor Profile: Subtle floral with earthy undertones.
- Culinary Uses: Ideal for baking, infusions, and garnishing desserts.
- Health Benefits: Known for its calming properties. Learn more about the health benefits of edible flowers.
- Varieties: English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is the best choice for culinary use.
- Harvesting Tips: Harvest early in the morning and dry flowers in a cool, dark place.
- Preparation: Gently crush dried buds to release their flavor.
For detailed guidance, check out my post: How to Source and Prepare Edible Flowers.
Discover the Magic of Cooking with Lavender
Unleash your culinary creativity with this versatile and fragrant bloom. Explore tips, recipes, and inspiration to make lavender the star of your kitchen creations.
👉 Learn More About Cooking with Lavender and bring its enchanting flavor to your table!
What is a French Tart?
A French tart is a beautifully crafted pastry that combines a crisp, buttery shell with a rich filling, often made from cream, fruit, or nuts. In France, you’ll find a classic tart with pears and almond cream in many bakeries, and for good reason — it’s simply amazing. Known as Tarte Bourdaloue, this tart is named after the small Parisian street, Rue Bourdaloue, where it was invented in the 1800s. The street itself was named after the Jesuit priest Louis Bourdaloue in the 1600s.
Also referred to as tarte amandine aux poires (almond pear tart), this dessert features a delicate almond cream filling that pairs perfectly with the soft, poached pears, creating a delicious contrast of textures and flavors. The floral notes from lavender in our version elevate this timeless classic, offering a modern twist on an age-old favorite. Whether enjoyed as an elegant dessert or a special treat, this French tart brings a little piece of Parisian charm to your table.
Ingredients Breakdown
- Puff Pastry: Provides a flaky, buttery base. Use store-bought for convenience or homemade for a personal touch.
- Pears: Choose ripe yet firm pears for poaching, ensuring they hold their shape during baking.
- Dried Lavender: A little goes a long way—use sparingly to avoid overpowering the dish.
- Fresh Ginger: Adds warmth and spice; finely grate for even distribution.
- Vanilla Bean: Enhances the flavor of the poached pears and almond cream.
- Apricot Preserves: Used for glazing, giving the tart a glossy finish.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Tart Tin: A 9-inch tart tin ensures even baking and a crisp crust.
- Saucepan: For poaching the pears with an even, gentle simmer.
- Rolling Pin: To roll out the puff pastry to the perfect thickness.
- Pastry Brush: For glazing and brushing egg wash.
- Fine Grater: Ideal for grating ginger and zesting.
Tips for Success
- Poach Pears Gently: Simmer on low heat to maintain their structure and flavor.
- Chill the Pastry: Keep the puff pastry cold before baking for optimal puff and flakiness.
- Balance the Lavender: Start with a small amount and adjust to taste.
- Fan the Pears Neatly: Use a spatula for easy placement on the tart.
- Glaze While Warm: Apply the apricot glaze immediately after baking for a smooth finish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Lavender Pear and Ginger French Tart slightly warm or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture. The delicate almond cream pairs beautifully with a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. For a more decadent pairing, try a drizzle of caramel sauce infused with a hint of lavender.
To elevate the experience, serve the tart with a warm beverage, such as Earl Grey tea, which complements the lavender’s floral notes, or a ginger-spiced chai to highlight the tart’s warming spices. A sparkling white wine or a light dessert wine like Moscato also pairs wonderfully, enhancing the fruity and floral elements.
For a visual flourish, garnish slices with a sprig of fresh lavender or a sprinkle of crushed candied ginger, creating a stunning presentation that’s perfect for dinner parties or celebratory occasions.
Explore more recipes to elevate your floral-inspired table.
Variations and Dietary Adjustments
Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free puff pastry and replace the all-purpose flour in the almond cream with almond flour or a gluten-free blend.
Vegan Alternative: Substitute the butter in the almond cream with a plant-based alternative, such as coconut oil or vegan butter. Use a flaxseed egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 tbsp water) in place of the egg, and brush the pastry with plant-based milk instead of egg wash.
Sugar-Free Version: Replace the sugar in the almond cream and poaching liquid with a natural sweetener like erythritol or monk fruit sweetener for a lower-calorie option. Ensure the sweetener dissolves well during preparation.
Citrus Twist: For a brighter flavor, swap the ginger in the almond cream with finely grated orange or lemon zest. You can also add a splash of citrus juice to the poaching liquid for a zesty undertone.
Spiced Variation: Enhance the tart’s warming notes by adding a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to the almond cream.
Pear Alternatives: If pears are unavailable, substitute them with firm apples, nectarines, or plums for a different flavor and texture while maintaining the tart’s elegant presentation.
Storage Instructions
Refrigeration: Store the tart in an airtight container or tightly covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This preserves its freshness while preventing the pastry from becoming soggy.
Freezing the Whole Tart: You can freeze the fully assembled and baked tart for up to one month if none of its components were previously frozen. Wrap the tart securely in plastic wrap, ensuring it is completely covered, then add an outer layer of foil or another wrap to protect against freezer burn.
Freezing Individual Slices: For added convenience, freeze individual slices instead of the entire tart. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, and label with the freezing date. It’s a wonderful surprise to find ready-to-enjoy slices in the freezer!
Thawing and Reheating: Thaw the tart (or slices) in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. Enjoy the tart cold, at room temperature, or reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and the pastry is crisp again.
Pairing Suggestions
Enhance your culinary experience by pairing this Lavender Pear and Ginger French Tart with:
Floral Cocktails: Pair with a lavender or pear-infused cocktail, like a lavender gin fizz or a pear martini, for a harmonious floral-themed dessert course.
Tea: Serve with a cup of Earl Grey tea, where the bergamot complements the tart’s lavender notes, or opt for chamomile tea to emphasize its gentle floral undertones.
Coffee: A lightly spiced latte, such as a cinnamon or cardamom latte, pairs beautifully, adding warmth and depth to the tart’s flavors.
Dessert Wine: A chilled glass of Sauternes or Moscato adds a sweet, fruity contrast that elevates the poached pears and almond cream.
Cheese Plate: Pair small slices of the tart with a selection of mild cheeses like Brie or mascarpone for a sophisticated dessert spread.
Whipped Cream or Ice Cream: A dollop of lavender-infused whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla or ginger ice cream enhances the tart’s textures and flavors.
Fresh Fruit: Serve with a side of fresh berries, such as raspberries or blackberries, to add a vibrant, tart contrast to the dish.
Sparkling Wine: A crisp Prosecco or sparkling rosé balances the richness of the tart while complementing its floral and fruity notes.
Discover more about the art of floral cooking.
As you savor each bite of this Lavender Pear and Ginger French Tart, let it remind you of the delicate beauty that blooms in nature and the subtle artistry of cooking with flowers. May this dessert bring a moment of joy, a touch of elegance, and a sense of tranquility to your table. The harmony of floral, fruity, and spiced flavors has a way of turning even the simplest moments into something extraordinary.
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear about your experience! Please share your thoughts in the comments below, and tag your creations with #PetalPoetryCuisine on Instagram—let’s celebrate the beauty of floral-infused cooking together! Don’t forget to subscribe for more floral-inspired recipes, culinary tips, and inspiring stories from the kitchen.
Thank you for visiting Petal Poetry: Floral-Infused Cuisine. Let’s keep blossoming, one dish at a time! 🌸
Lavender Pear and Ginger Tart: A Harmonious Blend of Floral Elegance and Spice
A whisper of lavender, soft and sweet,
Meets the warmth of ginger at our feet.
Pears, like jewels, in layers lie,
A dance of flavors beneath the sky.
Golden crust, crisp and fine,
Holds a story in each line.
Almond cream, smooth and light,
Brings the tart to pure delight.
Each bite a bloom, each taste a song,
A symphony of flavors all along.
A moment paused, a garden’s grace,
In every slice, a gentle embrace.
Ingredients
For the Puff Pastry:
For the Almond Cream:
For the Poached Pears:
For the Glaze:
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Poached Pears
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In a saucepan, combine water, sugar, lemon juice, vanilla bean, lavender, and ginger slices. Bring to a simmer.
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Halve, core, and peel the pears, leaving the stem attached to one half of each for presentation.
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Add pears to the simmering liquid, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and poach on low heat for 10–20 minutes, turning occasionally.
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Test with a toothpick—pears should be tender but not overly soft. Allow them to cool in the poaching liquid.
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Step 2: Make the Almond Cream
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Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
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Beat in the egg until well combined.
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Mix in ground almonds, flour, lavender, ginger, and vanilla extract to form a smooth filling.
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Step 3: Prepare the Puff Pastry
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Roll out puff pastry to fit a 9-inch tart tin. Trim excess and prick the base with a fork. Chill for 15 minutes.
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Brush the edges with the beaten egg for a golden crust.
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Step 4: Assemble the Tart
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Spread almond cream evenly over the chilled pastry base.
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Slice and fan the poached pear halves. Gently transfer each fanned pear onto the almond cream, arranging them decoratively.
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Step 5: Bake the Tart
Bake for 40–45 minutes or until the pastry is golden and puffed, and the almond cream is set.
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Step 6: Glaze the Tart
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Warm apricot preserves with water in a small saucepan.
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Brush the glaze over the warm tart for a shiny finish.
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Step 7: Cool and Serve
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Allow the tart to cool completely. Dust the edges with powdered sugar.
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Slice and serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an elegant touch.
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Servings 8
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 300kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 18g28%
- Saturated Fat 7g35%
- Cholesterol 40mg14%
- Sodium 100mg5%
- Total Carbohydrate 35g12%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Sugars 20g
- Protein 4g8%
- Calcium 30 mg
- Iron 2 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Pears Selection: Choose ripe but firm pears, such as Bosc or Bartlett, for the perfect balance of sweetness and texture. Avoid overripe pears, as they may break down too much during baking.
Lavender Infusion: For the lavender flavor to shine through, make sure to infuse the lavender in the cream or sugar mixture for the recommended time (around 10-15 minutes). Don't overdo it, as lavender can become bitter if steeped too long.
Ginger Kick: Fresh ginger adds a delightful spicy warmth to the tart. Adjust the amount based on your preference for ginger’s boldness, especially if you’re sensitive to spice.
Tart Crust: The crust can be pre-baked or blind-baked for best results, especially if you prefer a crisp, flaky base. Be sure to chill the dough before rolling it out to avoid shrinking during baking.
Almond Cream Filling: The almond cream can be made in advance and refrigerated for up to 2 days. If it becomes too thick when chilled, just stir in a tablespoon of cream to loosen it up before filling the tart shell.
Freezing: This tart freezes beautifully! If you want to prepare it ahead of time, freeze the unbaked tart before adding the pears. Bake it from frozen when you’re ready to serve.
Serving Suggestions: For extra indulgence, serve the tart with a dollop of lightly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of crushed almonds also adds a nice touch.
Lavender Sourcing: Ensure that the lavender you use is culinary grade and pesticide-free. If you're unsure, it’s best to use dried lavender from a reputable source, such as a specialty spice or herb shop.
Variations: You can swap the pears for other seasonal fruits like apples, figs, or quinces. The almond cream also pairs wonderfully with other fruits like stone fruits (peaches or plums) for a different twist.
Final Touch: If you want to enhance the tart’s visual appeal, you can glaze the pears with a bit of warmed apricot jam or a honey glaze for a shiny, elegant finish.
