Pear and Chocolate Cake
Category: Desserts
Servings: 8
This Pear and Chocolate Cake is a delightful dessert that pairs the luscious sweetness of ripe pears with the deep, rich flavor of dark chocolate. The addition of Moscato wine infuses the pears with a delicate aromatic sweetness, while the buttery, moist cake made with a combination of chocolate, amaretti cookies, and eggs creates a perfect balance. It’s an easy-to-make cake that’s as delicious as it is impressive for any gathering or a cozy treat at home.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Dark chocolate | 200g |
| Pears (coscia variety) | 470g |
| Sugar | 100g |
| Butter (room temperature) | 170g |
| All-purpose flour | 200g |
| Baking powder | 8g |
| Amaretti biscuits (crushed) | 100g |
| Eggs (room temperature) | 220g |
| Moscato wine | 200g |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~375 kcal |
| Protein | ~5g |
| Fat | ~22g |
| Carbohydrates | ~40g |
| Fiber | ~2g |
| Sugars | ~27g |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Pears:
- Start by peeling the pears. Cut them into wedges and place them into a non-stick skillet.
- Pour the Moscato wine over the pears and let them simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the wine has reduced and the pears are tender.
- Once cooked, remove from heat and set the pears aside to cool slightly.
-
Melt the Chocolate:
- While the pears are cooling, break the dark chocolate into small pieces and melt it gently. You can do this by placing the chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water (double boiler method) or in the microwave in 30-second intervals.
- Once the chocolate is completely melted, remove it from the heat and stir in the room-temperature butter until fully combined. Set this mixture aside to cool.
-
Prepare the Cake Batter:
- Separate the egg yolks from the whites, placing the yolks in a large mixing bowl and the whites in another clean bowl.
- Using an electric mixer, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add in 50g of the sugar and continue to beat until the whites are firm and glossy.
- In the bowl with the egg yolks, add the remaining sugar and beat until the yolks are light and creamy.
- Slowly pour the melted chocolate and butter mixture into the yolks while mixing on low speed.
-
Incorporate the Dry Ingredients:
- Break the amaretti biscuits into small pieces by hand, or use a rolling pin to crush them. Add the crushed amaretti to the wet ingredients.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour and baking powder. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, folding gently to incorporate.
-
Fold in the Egg Whites:
- Carefully fold the beaten egg whites into the batter. Be gentle to maintain the airy texture of the egg whites and avoid deflating the mixture.
-
Assemble the Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Grease and line a round cake tin (approximately 22cm in diameter). Start by arranging the pear wedges at the bottom of the tin in a decorative circular pattern. Ensure there’s about a half-centimeter gap between the pears and the edge of the tin for even baking.
- Pour the cake batter over the pears, spreading it evenly with a spatula to cover them completely. Smooth the top of the batter.
-
Bake:
- Place the cake tin in the preheated oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the tin for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
-
Serve:
- Once the cake has cooled, slice it into wedges and serve. The pear and chocolate combination makes for a rich, decadent dessert that pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or a glass of dessert wine.
Tips for the Perfect Cake:
- For extra richness, serve the cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- If you prefer a stronger wine flavor, feel free to let the pears simmer in the Moscato for a little longer, allowing more of the wine to reduce and intensify the flavor.
- This cake can be made a day ahead, and it actually improves as the flavors meld together overnight.
This Pear and Chocolate Cake is a true celebration of flavors—rich chocolate, tender pears, and the unique twist of Moscato wine. Whether you’re hosting a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this cake is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it!
