Chocolate and Pear Cheesecake Recipe
This delectable chocolate and pear cheesecake is a perfect dessert for those who enjoy rich, decadent flavors with a touch of fruitiness. The combination of creamy chocolate and sweet pears on a crispy biscuit base creates a mouthwatering treat that will leave everyone wanting more. Here’s how you can recreate this indulgent dessert at home.
Serves: 10
Category: Desserts
Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Difficulty: Medium
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Digestive biscuits (or any dry biscuits) | 180g |
| Butter | 100g |
| Pears (peeled and cored) | 400g |
| Cream cheese (softened) | 300g |
| Dark chocolate (chopped) | 300g |
| Powdered sugar | 100g |
| Cornstarch (corn flour) | 80g |
| Whole milk | 50ml |
| Eggs | 3 large |
| Water | 4 tbsp |
| Sugar | 1 tbsp |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 pinch |
| Lemon juice | ½ lemon |
| Whole pear (for decoration) | 1 |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Biscuit Base
- Crush the Biscuits: Start by placing the dry biscuits in a food processor or blender. Pulse until they are finely crushed into crumbs.
- Melt the Butter: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. While the butter melts, transfer the biscuit crumbs into a bowl.
- Combine Biscuits and Butter: Slowly pour the melted butter into the crushed biscuits, mixing as you go, until the crumbs are fully coated.
- Prepare the Pan: Grease a 22 cm (8.5-inch) springform pan with butter, then line the bottom and sides with parchment paper. You can also use a regular round cake pan, but a springform pan is ideal for easy removal.
- Form the Base: Pour the biscuit mixture into the prepared pan. Use the back of a spoon to press the crumbs firmly down to form an even, compact base.
- Chill the Base: Place the pan in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes, or in the freezer for 10 minutes to allow the base to firm up.
Step 2: Prepare the Pear Filling
- Peel and Dice the Pears: Peel, core, and chop the pears into small cubes.
- Cook the Pears: Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and add the diced pears, lemon juice, a pinch of ground cinnamon, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Cook the pears for 10-12 minutes until they soften and release their natural juices. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
Step 3: Prepare the Chocolate and Cream Cheese Mixture
- Melt the Chocolate: In a heatproof bowl, melt the dark chocolate over a double boiler or in the microwave. Stir until smooth, then allow it to cool slightly.
- Make the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a stand mixer or large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and melted chocolate. Beat on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add the Eggs and Milk: Add the eggs, one at a time, while continuing to mix. Pour in the milk gradually, and mix until everything is well combined.
- Add the Cornstarch: Sift the cornstarch into the mixture and mix well until smooth and thickened.
- Fold in the Pears: Gently fold the cooked pears into the chocolate and cream cheese mixture using a spatula, making sure they are evenly distributed.
Step 4: Assemble the Cheesecake
- Add the Filling: Take the chilled biscuit base from the refrigerator and pour the chocolate-pear cream mixture on top, spreading it evenly to cover the base.
- Bake the Cheesecake: Preheat the oven to 170°C (338°F) for static heat, or 150°C (302°F) for fan-assisted heat. Place the cheesecake in the oven and bake for 1 hour, or until the cheesecake is set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cheesecake: Once baked, remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool to room temperature. Afterward, refrigerate it for at least 4 hours to allow it to set completely.
Step 5: Decorate and Serve
- Prepare the Pear for Decoration: Take the remaining pear and slice it thinly. Arrange the pear slices on top of the cheesecake in a decorative pattern, such as a fan shape, or simply scatter them in a pleasing arrangement.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once decorated, your cheesecake is ready to serve! Slice it into 10 generous pieces and enjoy the perfect balance of chocolate, cream cheese, and fresh pear in every bite.
Tips for Success
- Chill the Base: Make sure to properly chill the biscuit base to ensure it holds together when sliced.
- Use High-Quality Chocolate: Opt for a good-quality dark chocolate for the best flavor in the cheesecake.
- Adjust Sweetness: Depending on your preference, you can adjust the sugar levels in the filling to suit your taste.
- Decoration Ideas: You can also drizzle some melted chocolate over the pears for extra flair or serve with a dollop of whipped cream.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 410 kcal |
| Protein | 5g |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Fat | 25g |
| Saturated Fat | 15g |
| Cholesterol | 75mg |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 32g |
| Sodium | 150mg |
This Chocolate and Pear Cheesecake is the ideal dessert to impress your guests at your next gathering. The combination of rich dark chocolate, creamy cheese filling, and sweet pears makes for a dessert that is as elegant as it is delicious. Enjoy!
