Jamie Oliver’s Pear Tarte Tatin is a simple yet elegant dessert featuring caramelized pears baked under a golden puff pastry crust. This classic French-inspired dish is perfect for any occasion and is best served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try
- Rich caramel flavor – The pears are cooked in buttery caramel for a deep, sweet taste.
- Easy to make – Requires only a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation.
- Impressive presentation – The glossy, golden crust and caramelized pears look stunning.
- Perfect balance of textures – Crispy pastry contrasts with soft, juicy pears.
- Versatile dessert – Enjoy it warm or cold, with ice cream, custard, or crème fraîche.

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What is Jamie Oliver’s Pear Tarte Tatin?
Jamie Oliver’s Pear Tarte Tatin is a French-style upside-down tart where pears are caramelized in butter and sugar before being covered with puff pastry and baked until golden brown. Once flipped, the pastry becomes the base, revealing beautifully glazed pears on top.
Ingredients for Jamie Oliver Pear Tarte Tatin
- 4 ripe pears, peeled, cored, and quartered
- 100g caster sugar
- 50g unsalted butter
- 1 sheet of ready-made puff pastry
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp cinnamon (optional)
- Flour (for dusting)
- Whipped cream or ice cream (for serving)
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Jamie Oliver Pear Tarte Tatin
Prepare the caramelized pears
- Heat an ovenproof frying pan over medium heat and add the sugar. Let it melt and turn golden brown.
- Stir in the butter and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Place the pears in the pan, cut side down, and cook for 5 minutes until caramelized.
Prepare the pastry
- Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface to fit the pan.
- Trim the edges slightly so it covers the pears without excess overhang.
Assemble the tarte tatin
- Lay the pastry over the pears, tucking the edges around them.
- Prick the pastry a few times with a fork to allow steam to escape.
Bake the tart
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) and bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
- Let it cool for 5 minutes, then carefully flip the tart onto a serving plate.
Serve and enjoy
- Slice and serve warm with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or crème fraîche.

What to Serve with Jamie Oliver Pear Tarte Tatin Pear Tarte Tatin
- Vanilla ice cream – A classic pairing that enhances the caramel flavor.
- Crème fraîche – Adds a slight tanginess that balances the sweetness.
- Whipped cream – Light and fluffy, perfect for complementing the rich caramel.
- Toasted nuts – Sprinkle almonds or walnuts for added crunch.
- Drizzle of caramel sauce – For extra indulgence.
Expert Tips for Perfect Jamie Oliver Pear Tarte Tatin
- Choose ripe but firm pears – They hold their shape better when caramelized.
- Don’t overcook the caramel – Too dark can turn bitter.
- Use a non-stick ovenproof pan – Makes flipping the tart easier.
- Cool slightly before flipping – Helps set the caramel for a neat presentation.
- Work quickly with the pastry – Puff pastry needs to be chilled to bake properly.
Variations of Jamie Oliver Pear Tarte Tatin
- Apple Tarte Tatin – Swap pears for apples for a classic alternative.
- Spiced Tarte Tatin – Add nutmeg or star anise for warmth.
- Nutty Tarte Tatin – Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
- Chocolate Drizzle – A light drizzle of melted chocolate for a gourmet twist.
- Savory Version – Use goat cheese and thyme for a unique take.
How to Store Leftover Jamie Oliver Pear Tarte Tatin
- Refrigerate in an airtight container – Keeps fresh for up to 3 days.
- Cover with foil – Prevents the pastry from drying out.
- Do not store at room temperature – The caramel can become too soft.
How to Reheat Pear Tarte Tatin
- Oven method: Warm at 180°C (350°F) for 10 minutes to crisp up the pastry.
- Microwave method: Heat for 30 seconds, but the pastry may soften.
- Air fryer method: Heat at 160°C (320°F) for 5 minutes for a crisp texture.
Nutrition Value (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~320 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 15g
- Sugar: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
FAQs
How do you prevent the caramel from burning in a pear tarte tatin?
To avoid burning, cook the caramel over medium heat and watch closely as the sugar melts. Stir gently once it turns golden brown, then add butter and pears quickly. Remove from heat as soon as it reaches a deep amber color.
Can I use store-bought puff pastry for pear tarte tatin?
Yes, store-bought puff pastry works perfectly for this recipe. Just roll it out slightly to fit the pan and keep it chilled until ready to use for the best texture.
What type of pears work best for tarte tatin?
Firm varieties like Bosc, Anjou, or Conference pears hold their shape well when caramelized, preventing them from becoming too mushy.
How do you flip a tarte tatin without breaking it?
Let the tart rest for a few minutes after baking, then place a serving plate over the pan. Using oven mitts, hold the plate and pan together firmly, then flip quickly and carefully to avoid losing any caramel sauce.
Final Words
Jamie Oliver’s Pear Tarte Tatin is a beautifully caramelized and indulgent dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make. The soft, sweet pears and crisp puff pastry make it a timeless favorite. Whether served warm with ice cream or enjoyed as a light treat, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.
Print
Jamie Oliver Pear Tarte Tatin Recipe
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 25
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Description
Jamie Oliver’s Pear Tarte Tatin is a French-style upside-down tart where pears are caramelized in butter and sugar before being covered with puff pastry and baked until golden brown. Once flipped, the pastry becomes the base, revealing beautifully glazed pears on top.
Ingredients
-
- 4 ripe pears, peeled, cored, and quartered
-
- 100g caster sugar
-
- 50g unsalted butter
-
- 1 sheet of ready-made puff pastry
-
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
-
- ½ tsp cinnamon (optional)
-
- Flour (for dusting)
-
- Whipped cream or ice cream (for serving)
Instructions
Prepare the caramelized pears
-
- Heat an ovenproof frying pan over medium heat and add the sugar. Let it melt and turn golden brown.
-
- Stir in the butter and vanilla extract until smooth.
-
- Place the pears in the pan, cut side down, and cook for 5 minutes until caramelized.
Prepare the pastry
-
- Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface to fit the pan.
-
- Trim the edges slightly so it covers the pears without excess overhang.
Assemble the tarte tatin
-
- Lay the pastry over the pears, tucking the edges around them.
-
- Prick the pastry a few times with a fork to allow steam to escape.
Bake the tart
-
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) and bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
-
- Let it cool for 5 minutes, then carefully flip the tart onto a serving plate.
Serve and enjoy
-
- Slice and serve warm with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or crème fraîche.