Pear Walnut Emmentaler Tart

Let’s talk about a fall-inspired tart that’s both classy and comfort food—because who says you can’t have both? This Pear Walnut Emmentaler Tart is the kind of dish that makes your guests believe you secretly went to culinary school. It’s European fancy. As a matter of fact, I found a version of this recipe in a German cooking magazine. Just open a package of puff pastry. And that is the beauty of it. Puff pastry is the ultimate shortcut to elegance—it’s buttery, flaky, and does all the heavy lifting while you take all the credit.

The Pear Walnut Emmentaler Tart recipe starts with lining a tart pan with puff pastry. Next, lay down a sprinkle of breadcrumbs. Why breadcrumbs, you ask? They soak up any excess moisture, keeping the crust crisp instead of soggy. Think of them as tiny flavor guardians. Then, a quick whisk of sour cream and an egg, seasoned with nutmeg, cloves, salt, and pepper, forms the creamy base layer that hugs the pears like a cozy autumn sweater.

Now for the star players: juicy slices of ripe pears and a shower of grated Emmentaler cheese. Also, feel free to use any variety of pear you have at hand, or use your favorite kind. This tart is sweet, nutty, and slightly tangy—basically, the cheese equivalent of a charming dinner guest. Into the oven it goes for 25 golden minutes of transformation.

Caramelizing the Walnuts

While the Pear Walnut Emmentaler Tart bakes, it’s walnut time! Toss chopped raw walnuts and powdered sugar into a naked skillet (yes, no oil—scandalous!). Stir until the sugar melts and coats every crunchy bit. Spread them on parchment to cool. Resist the urge to eat them all. When the tart’s ready, scatter those caramelized nuggets on top and bake for a final 10 minutes of glory.

The result? A golden, aromatic tart that balances savory Emmentaler, sweet pears, and crunchy caramelized walnuts in one perfect bite. Serve it warm with a crisp green salad, and you’ve got yourself the ultimate fall meal. Easy, elegant, and dangerously delicious.

Print

Pear Walnut Emmentaler Tart

Course Brunch, Lunch, Main Course

Cuisine European

Keyword Caramelized walnuts, fall recipes, fall tart, Pear cheese tart, Pear Tart, savory tart, Walnut tart

Prep Time 30 minutes

Cook Time 35 minutes

Servings 6

Author Lora Wiley-Lennartz

Ingredients

• 1 sheet puff pastry
• 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 egg
• 1+1/2 cups grated Emmentaler cheese
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg divided
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 4 pears
• 1 cup walnuts
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar

Instructions

1. Grease and flour a 10-inch tart pan.
2. Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface.
3. Transfer to the pan and trim to fit, pinching the sides to create a frame.
4. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the bottom of the shell.
5. Preheat the oven to 350°F
6. Mix the sour cream, egg, and half of the grated cheese.
7. Season with salt, pepper, remaining 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, and cloves. Set aside.
8. Core the pears and cut vertically into slices.
9. Spread the creamy mixture evenly over the puff pastry.
10. Arrange pear slices at the bottom of the pan.
11. Sprinkle with the remaining cheese on top.
12. Bake for 25 minutes.
13. Roughly chop the walnuts.
14. Caramelize them in a hot pan with the powdered sugar and 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg..
15. Once the sugar has melted, transfer to a sheet of baking paper. Don’t let them get too brown.
16. Break them apart if necessary.
17. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with walnuts.
18. Bake for another 10minutes.
19. Let cool for 10 minutes, then slice and serve.

So, do you like this Pear Walnut Emmentaler Tart? Then also check out some of these other delicious recipes: 

WHOLE WHEAT KÄSESPÄTZLE WITH WALNUTS

HERBY PUMPKIN FENNEL SOUP

BAKED PEARS WITH BLUE CHEESE & WALNUTS