Ricotta Pear Chocolate Cake

Ricotta, Pear, and Chocolate Cake Recipe

Category: Desserts | Servings: 8

This delightful ricotta, pear, and chocolate cake combines the creamy texture of ricotta with the sweetness of ripe pears and the rich bitterness of dark chocolate. Perfect for a cozy family dessert or a special occasion, this cake is easy to make and bursting with flavor. With its moist crumb, decadent chocolate, and fragrant pear topping, it’s a treat that will delight both kids and adults alike.

Ingredients:

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: ~300 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Protein: 6g
• Fat: 15g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 28g

Please note that the nutritional values are estimates and can vary depending on ingredient substitutions.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pears and Ricotta:

   • Drain the ricotta cheese a few hours before you begin, allowing any excess liquid to be removed.
   • Wash and peel the pears. Remove the stem and core, then slice the pears into thin wedges.
   • Set aside one-third of the pear slices for decoration and chop the remaining two-thirds into small pieces for the cake batter.

2. Melt the Chocolate:

   • Roughly chop the dark chocolate and melt it gently using a double boiler or microwave in short bursts. Stir until smooth and set aside to cool slightly.

3. Make the Cake Batter:

   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs and granulated sugar. Beat with electric mixers for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
   • Add the softened butter (melted but cooled to room temperature) to the egg and sugar mixture. Mix for another minute until well combined.
   • Incorporate the ricotta cheese and baking powder into the bowl, and continue mixing until the batter becomes smooth and well-combined.
   • Add the chopped pears and melted chocolate to the batter, folding them in gently with a spatula.

4. Prepare the Baking Pan:

   • Line a 22cm (9-inch) springform pan with parchment paper to prevent the cake from sticking.
   • Pour the prepared batter into the pan and smooth the top using the back of a spoon.

5. Decorate the Cake:

   • Take the reserved pear slices and carefully arrange them on top of the batter. To create a fan-like design, arrange the pear slices in concentric circles, changing directions with each layer.
   • Sprinkle a small amount of granulated sugar over the pear slices to give them a golden finish when baked.

6. Bake:

   • Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake the cake for about 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
   • Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

7. Serve:

   • Once the cake has cooled, dust with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness and presentation. Slice, serve, and enjoy!

This ricotta, pear, and chocolate cake is perfect for a winter dessert or any occasion that calls for a light yet indulgent treat. The combination of creamy ricotta, sweet pears, and rich chocolate is a match made in heaven, making each bite a delightful experience. Enjoy it as is, or pair it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special touch.

Tips for Success:

• Ricotta Texture: Make sure the ricotta is drained well to avoid a soggy batter. You can even use whole milk ricotta for a richer texture.
• Chocolate Variations: If you prefer, you can swap the dark chocolate with milk chocolate or even white chocolate for a different flavor profile.
• Pear Substitution: While Williams pears are ideal for their sweetness and texture, you can substitute them with other pear varieties like Bartlett or Anjou, depending on what is available.

This cake is a perfect dessert to serve at gatherings, and its visually stunning pear decoration adds an elegant touch to your dessert table. The light, creamy texture from the ricotta contrasts beautifully with the juicy pears and chocolatey goodness, making it a showstopper for any occasion.