Combining the delectable flavours of cardamom, orange and pear, this tarte tartin created by Tracey Pattison is as spectacular as it is delicious. You’ll need a 20cm (base) ovenproof frypan for this recipe.
Cardamom, orange and pear tarte tatin
55 perfect pear recipes that will warm you to your core
For the foodie, the cooler nights and falling of leaves don’t just signify the arrival of autumn and winter. More importantly, this means the return of pear season. Celebrate the fruit in all its mellow, juicy glory with this collection of cooking ideas, from the obligatory crumble – served with lots of ice cream, of course – and pear tarts and cakes to pear jams, muffins, croissants and even pavlovas, we’ve got every sweet treat a pear-lover could dare dream of. But there’s plenty for savoury lovers, too, from salads and breads to the perfect pairing (pearing?) for your pork roast or cheese platter. So taste the fruit and make the most of the season by digging in to all of our favourite pear recipes.
Poached pear and hazelnut crumble cake
This great make-ahead cake by Darren Robertson and Magdalena Roze tastes better over time, and will also save you time when entertaining.
Whole pear and spiced brownie loaf with espresso mousse
Tracey Pattison uses autumn's abundant pears as the perfect partner for chocolate and coffee in this spectacular loaf.
Autumn pear streusel cake
"The Mornington Peninsula has a long history of growing magnificent apples and pears, so in autumn, it makes perfect sense to eat a cake that celebrates some of the new season local fruits.” – Sophie O'Neil, director of Torello Farm. Recipe by Sophie O’Neil & Fiona Hammond. You'll need a a 24cm springform cake pan for this recipe.
Pear tarte tatin with mocha ice cream
Syrupy pears encased in a crisp pastry, finished with a scoop of no-churn mocha ice-cream – this delectable dessert is sure to impress.
Fresh ideas
Grapes
Grapes are at their peak right now, look for firm, bright fruit for a sweet juicy snack.
Ginger and pear cake
“This is one of my favourite cakes. It’s so easy to make, has the best chewy, moist texture and lots of spiced flavour. This can also be made with rhubarb instead of pear.” – Jo Barrett
Spiced trifles with red wine poached pears
"These beautiful little spiced trifles are perfect for Christmas Day dessert; all the components can be made in advance and assembled before serving." – Emelia Jackson
Roasted pears in chai syrup
Lucy Nunes pairs perfectly roasted autumn pears with a honey and chai syrup for a deliciously easy dessert.
Upside-down walnut pear cake
“Delicious served warm or at room temperature, this buttery, soft crumb cake pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of tea or coffee." – Tracey Pattison
Maple and vanilla poached pear muffins with almond crumble
“The gentle sweetness of poached pear complements the maple and vanilla, and the toasty almond. Crumble on top is the perfect finish!” – Helena Moursellas
Roasted pork belly with spiced pear sauce
If anyone knows how to master a roast, Matt Moran does. Here, the Australian chef provides an easy pork belly recipe with a spiced pear sauce to add an aromatic side to this centrepiece dish. "Roasted pork belly is a classic," Moran says. "In this recipe, I'm using the original salt recipe from Aria back in the 2000s – the star anise and cinnamon flavours add a slightly different flavour profile. The secret is to always make a bit extra to have roast pork rolls for lunch the day after with apple slaw and mayo… Perfect!"
Poached pears with Milawa blue, candied pecans and bush honey
This sweet and tangy poached pears recipe is a real dish with a difference. Serve it up with a cheese platter, as a surprising side or for a uniquely delicious way to end a leisurely meal.
Giant almond and pear croissant
This pastry looks and tastes amazing, but only takes minutes to put together.
Poached pears in spiced honey syrup (baesuk)
"Traditionally, in Korea, if you see baesuk, the peppercorns are embedded into the pear pieces. If you’d like to serve this the traditional way then that is how we do it, but I just put the peppercorns into the poaching liquid, because when they’re pressed into the pear you have to remove them to eat the pear!" – Eun Hee An
Maple-roasted pears with nut crumble
This fuss-free crumble is one to commit to memory – sprinkle it over any in-season fruit for an easy weeknight dessert.
