Pear Frangipane Pithivier

A pithivier is the original double-crust pie. Frankly it’s the best double-crust pie because what’s better than luscious almond frangipane smooshed between two delectable rounds of puff pastry? Still thinking about that? That’s right! Nothing!
Photography By | November 01, 2012

Ingredients

SERVINGS: Makes one 10-inch pastry
  • ¼ batch Quick Puff Pastry*
  • 5 ounces almond paste
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 egg
  • 1 pear, cored and thinly sliced
  • Egg wash (1 egg whisked with 2 tablespoons water)

Instructions

Prepare the crust:

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a sheet pan with parchment.

Divide the puff pastry in half and roll each piece into a 10-inch round approximately ? inch thick. Refrigerate for 20 minutes.

Prepare the filling:

Place the almond paste in a food processor and pulse until the paste is broken apart. Add the butter, flour and egg, and process until smooth.

Assemble the pithivier:

Place the first round of dough on the prepared sheet pan. Brush the edge of the dough with the egg wash and mound the frangipane on top, leaving a 1-inch border all around. Fan the pear slices on top of the frangipane.

Place the second round over the first and press down on the edges so that they adhere. Using a sharp knife, cut the edges of the pastry to create a fluted edge. Pierce the center of the pastry to create a steam hole and then, using the same sharp knife, score the pastry, starting at the steam hole and gently etching a curved line to the edge of the pastry. Repeat this curve evenly around the pastry.

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the pastry has puffed and is a deep golden brown.

Adapted from Pie It Forward

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Quick Puff Pastry

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Ingredients

SERVINGS: Makes one 10-inch pastry
  • ¼ batch Quick Puff Pastry*
  • 5 ounces almond paste
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 egg
  • 1 pear, cored and thinly sliced
  • Egg wash (1 egg whisked with 2 tablespoons water)