French Almond Pear Gratin Gluten Free Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it’s the perfect blend of sweet, juicy pears and nutty almond goodness wrapped up in a cozy, golden-brown blanket. Plus, there’s something so satisfying about how the warm, buttery almond topping pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream – it’s like a hug in dessert form!

I love bringing flavors together and accommodating dietary needs when I create dishes. My French Almond Pear Gratin is a delightful recipe that can be made gluten free and that I suspect will wow people it serves.

The dish features ripe pears; their flavor enhanced by the subtle tang of lemon juice they were sprinkled with before going into the oven; and by the almost humble layer of soft, almond-scented custard that sits beneath them and is made with almond flour, unsalted butter, and brown sugar. If I were to call this dish what it is, that would be the equivalent of calling it baked pears with an almond custard.

Maybe that is what it should be called; anyway, enjoy!

Ingredients

Pears:
Sweet, fibrous, and good sources of vitamin C.

Lemon Juice:
Imparts sourness; stops pear from going brown.

Almond Flour:
Free of gluten, low in carbs, high in vitamin E.

Brown Sugar:
Imparts sweetness and a whisper of caramel flavor.

Heavy Cream:
Delivers fat and a smooth mouthfeel.

Sliced Almonds:
Provides a crisp texture as well as nutritious fats.

Ingredient Quantities

• 4 ripe pears, peeled, cored, and sliced
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup almond flour
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds

Instructions

1. Set your oven to 350 °F (175 °C) and prepare a baking dish or gratin dish by applying butter to it.

2. In a large bowl, mix the following ingredients: pears, sliced, and juice from 1 lemon. Toss them together so that the juice evenly coats the pears.

3. Dissolve one tablespoon of cornstarch in two tablespoons of water and mix it into the mixture of pears and sugar. This will help you achieve a slightly thicker sauce.

4. Evenly arrange the pear slices in the baking dish you have prepared.

5. Mix together in a separate bowl the following: almond flour, melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt. Form a smooth batter.

6. Spread the almond batter evenly over the pears in the baking dish, using a spatula to ensure the fruit is entirely covered.

7. Evenly scatter sliced almonds over the surface of the almond batter.

8. Put the baking dish into the oven, which has been preheated to the correct temperature, and bake it for 35 to 40 minutes. Watch for the moment when the top looks golden brown and the almond mixture appears to be set. That’s when you can safely remove the dish from the oven!

9. Take the gratin off the heat, and allow it to cool slightly before serving. Letting it cool gives the flavors a chance to meld together. For best results, cool it for about 15 minutes before serving.

10. Enjoy served warm, either standing alone or accompanied by a fluffy mountain of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, for an extra-special treat.

Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Baking dish or gratin dish
3. Butter knife or pastry brush (for applying butter to the dish)
4. Large bowl
5. Small bowl
6. Mixing spoon or spatula
7. Measuring spoons
8. Measuring cups
9. Peeler (for pears)
10. Knife (for coring and slicing pears)
11. Lemon juicer (optional, for lemon juice)
12. Small whisk or fork (for dissolving cornstarch)
13. Cooling rack

FAQ

• Can I use a different fruit instead of pears?You may use apples or peaches in place of pears, making certain to modify for sweetness and moisture content.
• Is there a substitute for almond flour?Oat flour or a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend can replace nut flour in this recipe. The texture and flavor of the finished product will, however, differ a bit from those made with nut flour.
• Can I make this recipe dairy-free?Certainly! You should replace the butter with a plant-based alternative. Instead of heavy cream, you should use coconut cream. This will render the recipe dairy-free.
• How do I know when the gratin is done?When it is golden brown atop and the pears tender, the gratin is ready. The center should be set and a bit jiggly.
• What’s the best way to store leftovers?Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you are ready to serve, reheat them gently in the oven.
• Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?However, if you’re entertaining, you might choose to do just that and keep the textured batter a secret. Prepare the pear filling ahead of time, and buzz the unexpected flavors of cardamom and ginger into the batter just before you pour it over the pears in a skillet.
• Which type of pears are best for this recipe?Pears of the Bartlett or Anjou varieties are suitable because they are sweet and have a texture that holds up well to baking.

Substitutions and Variations

2 tablespoons of granulated sugar—replace with 2 tablespoons of coconut sugar if you want a flavor that’s more reminiscent of caramel.
1/2 cup of almond flour – when you substitute 1/2 cup of oat flour instead, you’ll get a different texture and a slight change in flavor.
1/4 cup coconut oil, melted – make a substitution that provides a non-dairy alternative to melted unsalted butter.
1/4 cup heavy cream – substitute with 1/4 cup coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative.
1/4 cup sliced almonds – swap in 1/4 cup of chopped pecans for a totally different, nutty flavor.
1/4 cup sliced almonds – cross them out; you won’t be needing them. Instead, call in 1/4 cup chopped pecans. You can also use plain, toasted, unsalted pecans. You get a different flavor with pecans.

Pro Tips

1. Select Pears Wisely: Choose ripe but firm pears to ensure they hold their shape during baking. Bartlett or Bosc pears are excellent options due to their sweetness and texture.

2. Almond Flour Tip: Toast the almond flour lightly before making the batter. This enhances the nutty flavor, making the finished dish even more aromatic and flavorful.

3. Spice it Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of almond extract to the almond batter for an extra layer of warmth and depth in flavor.

4. Caramelized Topping: For a beautiful caramelized top, sprinkle a little extra brown sugar over the sliced almonds before baking. This will create a lovely crunchy layer.

5. Gluten-Free Option: To ensure the entire dish is gluten-free, double-check that both your almond flour and any other additives (like vanilla extract) don’t contain hidden gluten ingredients.