Name: French Almond Pear Gratin Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 2/3 cup (150g) unsalted butter, at room temperature (+ some extra for greasing the dish); 6 tbsp (75g) sugar; ¼ tsp salt; 1 1/2 cup (155g) ground almonds (meal or flour); 3 large eggs, at room temperature; 1/4 tsp almond extract; 4 to 5 large pears; 2 tbsp (25g) sugar, for sprinkling; 1 tbsp powdered sugar (optional)

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Introduction

French Almond Pear Gratin is a delightful dessert combining the rich nuttiness of almonds with tender, sweet pears. This simple yet elegant gratin offers a lovely balance of textures and flavors, perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy treat at home.

A baked pear cake sits in a white square baking dish with handles, showing a golden-brown top layer dusted with powdered sugar. The top layer has cut-out shapes revealing soft, cooked pear slices underneath, with the pears’ pale yellow and light green tones contrasting with the warm brown cake. The texture of the cake’s surface is slightly cracked and airy, with the pear slices appearing tender and juicy. The dish is placed on a wooden surface with a green and white checkered cloth nearby, and two whole green pears and a large silver spoon are next to the dish. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2/3 cup (150g) unsalted butter, at room temperature (+ some extra for greasing the dish)
6 tbsp (75g) sugar, + 2 tbsp (25g) for sprinkling
¼ tsp salt
1 1/2 cup (155g) ground almonds (meal or flour)
3 large eggs, at room temperature
1/4 tsp almond extract
4 to 5 large pears
1 tbsp powdered sugar (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, sugar, and salt until smooth. Add the ground almonds and mix until just combined. Then add the eggs and almond extract, stirring again until evenly incorporated.
Step 2: Grease a baking dish with butter. Spread the almond mixture evenly over the bottom of the dish.
Step 3: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) with a rack in the middle position.
Step 4: Peel, core, and cut the pears into quarters. Arrange the pear quarters on top of the almond mixture about ½ inch (1.25cm) apart, gently pressing each piece in so they are nestled nicely. Avoid overcrowding; you may not need all the pear pieces.
Step 5: Sprinkle the 2 tablespoons of sugar evenly over the pears and almond base.
Step 6: Bake for about 40 minutes until the top is lightly golden. Test doneness by inserting a knife or toothpick into the almond mixture; it should come out clean.
Step 7: Once slightly cooled, dust the top with powdered sugar if using. Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Tips & Variations

For a different nutty flavor, try substituting hazelnuts or pecans for the ground almonds.
Use ripe but firm pears to ensure they hold their shape during baking.
Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the almond mixture for extra warmth.
Serve with a drizzle of honey or caramel sauce for added sweetness.

Storage

Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a low oven or microwave before serving to restore the warm, tender texture. This gratin is best enjoyed fresh but keeps well if stored properly.

How to Serve

A white square baking dish holds a golden brown pear cake with whole and sliced pear pieces embedded on the top, their soft yellow-green color contrasting with the cake’s warm surface dusted lightly with powdered sugar. The cake has a slightly uneven texture with some browned edges and visible pockets where the pear slices rest. The dish sits on a white marbled surface next to two fresh whole pears and a large tarnished silver spoon, with a green and white checkered cloth partially visible underneath the dish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use canned or frozen pears instead of fresh?

Fresh pears are recommended for the best texture and flavor. Canned or frozen pears may become too soft and watery, affecting the gratin’s consistency.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as it uses ground almonds instead of flour. Just ensure any additional toppings or serving accompaniments are gluten-free as well.