1- Creating a delicious pear tart starts with simple steps that anyone can follow, even if you’re new to baking. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and setting up the racks as needed. This guide incorporates the full directions for a flaky pear tart with a sweet glaze, making it straightforward and fun.

2- First, mix 1 1/2 cups flour, 5 tablespoons sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a bowl, then add 12 tablespoons melted butter to form the dough. Press this dough evenly into a 9-inch tart pan and bake on the middle rack for 30 minutes until golden. Let it cool while you prepare the rest.

3- Next, heat 3/4 cup fig preserves in the microwave for 40 seconds and strain out any chunks. Slice five pears into 1/2-inch slices, discarding the cores, then melt 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet. Add the pear slices and 1 tablespoon water, cover, and cook over medium heat for about 3 minutes until slightly tender. Cool these slices and prepare the remaining three pears the same way.

4- Then, melt 2 tablespoons butter in the skillet and add the additional pear slices, the strained fig chunks, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cook covered for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until very tender. Mash into a puree and cook for another 5-7 minutes until thickened, then spread over the cooled crust.

5- Arrange the cooled pear slices in layered circles on top of the puree. Bake on the middle rack at 350°F for 30 minutes, warm the remaining fig liquid for 20 seconds, and brush it over the pears. Broil briefly on the top rack to caramelize, then cool for at least 1.5 hours before slicing into eight pieces. The whole process takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes, with 20 minutes prep and 1 hour cooking.