Description
A delicate and comforting French dessert made with ripe pears nestled in a creamy almond filling. This naturally gluten-free gratin is subtly sweet with hints of vanilla and almond, baked until golden and fragrant. Perfect for fall and winter entertaining or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
4 ripe but firm pears (such as Bosc or Bartlett)
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (plus more for greasing)
1/3 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1/2 cup almond flour (finely ground almonds)
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons sliced almonds
Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9-inch round or oval baking dish with butter.
- Peel the pears, cut them in half, remove the cores, and slice each half thinly while keeping the slices together. Drizzle with lemon juice to prevent browning.
- In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- Stir in the almond flour, vanilla extract, almond extract, salt, and heavy cream until the mixture is smooth.
- Pour the almond mixture into the greased baking dish and smooth the top.
- Arrange the pear halves on top, fanning them slightly for an attractive presentation.
- Sprinkle sliced almonds over the top.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden and the filling is set.
- Let cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.
Notes
Substitute apples (like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith) for a variation.
Add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom for added warmth.
Use coconut cream and vegan butter for a dairy-free version.
Reduce sugar to 1/4 cup for a less sweet dessert.
Top with whipped cream or crème fraîche for extra indulgence.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or in a 300°F oven.
Delicious served warm or cold.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
