Magnolia & Pear Tarte Tatin
A romantic, seasonal floral twist on a French classic.This elegant tart features ripe pears nestled in a delicately infused magnolia caramel, with fresh magnolia petals tucked beneath. When flipped, the petals imprint their subtle beauty and scent into the golden fruit—both stunning and delicious.
Takes 30 minutes
Serves 6
Ingredients
For the caramel:
- 75 g ⅓ cup caster sugar or light brown sugar
- 2 tbsp water
- 6 fresh magnolia petals ensure an edible variety, e.g. Magnolia × soulangeana, torn for infusion
- 75 g ⅓ cup plant-based butter, cubed
For the tart:
- 2 ripe pears
- 5 –6 fresh magnolia petals whole or halved (for layering under the pears)
- 1 sheet of plant-based puff pastry
Instructions
Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F).
Infuse the caramel with magnolia:
- In a 20cm (8-inch) ovenproof frying pan, combine the caster sugar, water, and torn magnolia petals. Warm gently for 2–3 minutes on low to allow the petals to infuse. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium and cook for 4–5 minutes until the mixture turns a light golden colour. Using tongs, remove and discard the petals.
Add butter to the caramel:
- Remove the pan from heat and stir in the cubed plant-based butter. It may look like it’s splitting, but it will come together in the oven.
Layer magnolia and pears:
- Slice the pears lengthways and fan them over the caramel in a spiral or rosette shape, overlapping slightly. These slices will be the top of your tart once it’s flipped, so arrange them with care.
- Halve or quarter the remaining magnolia petals and place them over the pears in a scattered or circular pattern.
Top with pastry:
- Roll out the puff pastry sheet and cut it slightly larger than your pan. Carefully lay it over the fruit and petals, tucking the edges down around the sides. Prick the pastry in a few places with a fork to let steam escape.
Bake until golden:
- Bake for 20 minutes or until the pastry is puffed and golden.
Flip and serve:
- Allow the tart to cool for 2 minutes. Place a serving plate over the pan and flip it over swiftly and confidently. Gently lift the pan away to reveal the beautifully caramelised pears and delicate floral magnolia.
- Reposition any petals that may have shifted, slice, and enjoy!