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Mini Chai-Spiced Pear Tarts

Miranda | The Herby Eater
A delicate French-inspired tart with poached pears infused in a homemade chai spice blend, nestled into a crisp, sweet pâte sucrée crust. Perfect for cozy fall afternoons or a stunning dinner party dessert.
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Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine French
Servings 4 mini tarts

Ingredients
  

Chai Spice Blend (makes extra)

  • 3 Tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 2 Tbsp ground cardamom
  • 1 Tbsp ground ginger
  • 1 Tbsp ground cloves
  • 2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 2 tsp ground black pepper

Pâte Sucrée (Sweet Tart Dough)

  • 1 ¼ cups 150 g all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup 30 g powdered sugar
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ½ cup 113 g unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract

Chai-Poached Pears

  • 2 ripe but firm pears peeled, halved, and cored
  • 2 cups water
  • ½ cup sugar or honey/maple
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tsp chai spice blend
  • 1 strip lemon or orange peel optional

Instructions
 

Make the Pâte Sucrée

  • Cream the butter and powdered sugar together in a bowl until smooth.
  • Beat in the egg yolk and vanilla.
  • Add flour and salt, mixing until dough just comes together.
  • Shape into a disk, wrap in plastic, and chill at least 30 minutes.
  • Roll out on a floured surface and press into 3–4 mini tart pans. Trim edges. Chill again while preparing pears.

Poach the Pears

  • In a small saucepan, combine water, sugar, vanilla, chai spice, and citrus peel. Bring to a simmer.
  • Add pear halves, cut side down, and simmer gently for 15–20 minutes, turning halfway. Pears should be tender but not mushy.
  • Remove pears with a slotted spoon. Slice thinly.
  • Continue simmering liquid for 5–10 minutes until syrupy.

Assemble the Tarts

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Place pear slices neatly in the chilled tart shells (fan them for a pretty effect).
  • Drizzle each tart with 1–2 teaspoons of reduced chai syrup.
  • Bake 20–25 minutes, until crust is golden.
  • Brush tops with extra syrup for shine.

Notes

Pâte sucrée is delicate: chill your dough well so it rolls out cleanly.
You’ll have leftover chai spice blend — sprinkle it over oatmeal, coffee, or cookies.
For an extra flourish, serve with lightly whipped cream, crème fraîche, or a drizzle of dark chocolate.
Keyword Date Night, Dessert, Vegetarian