Pear Tortilla Tart

If you want a dessert that feels elegant but won’t keep you in the kitchen all night, this pear tortilla tart is a perfect holiday pick. It bakes up golden and crisp around the edges with soft, spiced pears in the center in under 30 minutes.

“The beauty of fruit-based holiday desserts is that they offer natural sweetness, fiber and antioxidants,” says Samantha Oldman, RD, with Hartford HealthCare Medical Group. “You can get that warm, festive flavor without relying on a lot of heavy ingredients.”

Here’s what makes this dessert both seasonal and nutrient friendly.

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1. Pears

Pears bring natural sweetness, fiber and vitamin C — all without added sugar.

“They’re packed with soluble fiber, which supports digestion and helps balance the sweetness of a dessert,” Oldman says.

When they bake, they soften into a texture that feels just like a traditional tart filling.

2. Whole-wheat tortilla

Swapping a traditional pastry crust for a whole-wheat tortilla keeps things lighter while still delivering that crisp, bakery-style finish.

“A whole-grain base adds fiber and keeps the dessert more balanced overall,” Oldman explains.

It also cuts prep time dramatically.

3. Light butter or avocado oil

Just a thin layer helps the tortilla brown and crisp.

“You don’t need much fat here — just enough to create a golden edge,” Oldman says. “Using lighter options keeps the calories and saturated fat down.”

4. Cinnamon and a sprinkle of sugar

A touch of sugar adds sparkle and caramelization, while cinnamon boosts flavor without extra sweetness.

“Cinnamon naturally enhances the sweetness of fruit, so you can use much less sugar,” Oldman notes.

It also brings that unmistakable holiday aroma.

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5. Apricot preserves (optional)

A light glaze makes the pear tortilla tart glossy and adds fruity brightness.

“A thin layer of reduced-sugar preserves adds flavor and shine without needing extra butter or cream,” Oldman says.

You can skip it or brush on just a little — either way, it looks festive.

6. Pistachios

A sprinkle on top brings color, crunch and healthy fats.

“Pistachios offer plant-based protein, antioxidants and a vibrant green pop that feels perfect for the holidays,” Oldman explains.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 25 - 30 minutes

Serves 4

Ingredients

1 whole-wheat flour tortilla (7–8 inch)
2 medium pears, peeled and thinly sliced
1 Tbsp light butter or 1½ tsp avocado oil
2–3 tsp sugar (or sugar substitute)
½ tsp cinnamon
1–2 Tbsp reduced-sugar apricot preserves, warmed (optional)
1 Tbsp chopped unsalted pistachios (optional)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment.
Peel the pears, core them, and slice them thinly into wedges.
Spread ½ Tbsp light butter (or ¾ tsp oil) over one side of the tortilla. Sprinkle with 1–1½ tsp sugar.
Lay tortilla butter-side down on the baking sheet.
Arrange the pear slices across the top in overlapping circles.
Dot with remaining butter (or drizzle the remaining oil) and sprinkle with cinnamon and the rest of the sugar.
Bake 25–30 minutes, until pears are tender and the tortilla is crisp and browned.
Brush with warm preserves if using, then top with pistachios.
Slice into 4 wedges and serve warm or at room temperature.