Soft Ricotta and Pear Cake: A Delightful Dessert for Every Occasion
This Soft Ricotta and Pear Cake is a scrumptious and velvety dessert that combines the rich creaminess of ricotta cheese with the sweetness of ripe pears. It’s a perfect treat for any occasion, from family gatherings to special celebrations. The soft texture and delicate flavors of this cake are sure to leave a lasting impression on your taste buds. Whether you serve it as a light afternoon snack or after a hearty meal, this cake is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients for Soft Ricotta and Pear Cake
To make this heavenly cake, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Pears (Abate variety) | 400g |
Ricotta cheese (cow’s milk) | 350g |
All-purpose flour | 250g |
Baking powder | 16g |
Eggs | 3 |
Sugar | 170g |
Lemon zest | 1 lemon |
Vanilla pod | 1 |
Nutritional Information
This cake is a delicious indulgence, and here’s a general idea of the nutritional breakdown per serving (based on 10 servings):
Nutrient | Amount per serving |
---|---|
Calories | ~250 kcal |
Protein | ~6g |
Carbohydrates | ~35g |
Fat | ~10g |
Saturated Fat | ~4g |
Fiber | ~2g |
Sugar | ~20g |
Instructions for Soft Ricotta and Pear Cake
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Prepare the Pears:
Start by peeling the pears, removing the cores, and cutting them into small cubes. To prevent browning, place the cubed pears in a bowl and sprinkle with a tiny bit of lemon juice. -
Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, use a whisk (or a stand mixer) to beat together the sugar and ricotta cheese. Once the mixture is smooth, add the seeds scraped from the vanilla pod, giving the batter a subtle, aromatic flavor. -
Add the Eggs:
Crack the eggs one by one into the mixture, making sure to blend each egg thoroughly before adding the next. The batter should become light and airy as you incorporate the eggs. -
Add Lemon Zest:
Grate the zest from one lemon and add it to the mixture. This will infuse the batter with a fresh, citrusy note that pairs wonderfully with the sweet pears. -
Sift and Combine Dry Ingredients:
Sift the all-purpose flour and baking powder into the wet mixture to avoid any lumps. Gently fold the flour mixture into the wet ingredients using a wooden spoon. Stir until the batter is smooth and free of lumps. -
Incorporate the Pears:
Carefully fold in the diced pears, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. This will allow the pears to soften during baking and blend beautifully with the cake’s texture. -
Prepare the Cake Pan:
Grease and flour a 24 cm (9.5-inch) springform pan. This will help the cake to release easily after baking and give it a smooth, flawless finish. -
Bake the Cake:
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and level the top with a spatula. Place the pan in a preheated oven set to 180°C (350°F) in static mode. Bake for 50 to 70 minutes, depending on your oven. To check for doneness, insert a wooden skewer into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready.Tip: If the cake starts to darken too much on top before it’s fully cooked, cover it loosely with a piece of aluminum foil to prevent burning while it continues to bake.
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Cool and Serve:
Once the cake is fully baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for a few minutes. Then, carefully remove the cake from the pan and place it on a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, dust the top with powdered sugar for a touch of elegance before serving.Optional: For extra flavor and presentation, you can garnish the cake with some additional fresh pear slices or a drizzle of honey.
Conclusion
This Soft Ricotta and Pear Cake is a luxurious dessert that combines the richness of ricotta with the natural sweetness of pears, creating a cake that’s soft, moist, and full of flavor. The delicate vanilla and lemon zest elevate the taste, making this cake a standout dessert that’s both easy to make and delicious to eat. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or as an everyday treat, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Try making it today and share this delightful dessert with friends and family—everyone will be asking for the recipe!