Ricotta and Pear Bundt Cake
Category: Desserts
Serves: 6
This delightful Ricotta and Pear Bundt Cake is a perfect blend of creamy ricotta, sweet pears, and a soft, tender crumb. The cake’s richness is balanced by the fruitiness of the pears, making it an indulgent yet light treat, ideal for any occasion. Whether it’s for an afternoon tea or a special dessert, this cake is sure to impress.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour (00) | 250g |
| Ricotta cheese (cow’s milk) | 250g |
| Granulated sugar | 120g |
| Eggs | 4 |
| Pears (preferably ripe) | 3 |
| Sunflower seed oil | 50g |
| Baking powder | 16g |
| Butter | As needed |
| Additional flour (for dusting) | As needed |
| Powdered sugar (for dusting) | As needed |
Instructions
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Prepare the Batter: Start by cracking the eggs into a large mixing bowl. Add the granulated sugar and whisk them together until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and slightly pale. This helps incorporate air, which will give the cake a soft texture.
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Incorporate Ricotta: Add the ricotta cheese to the egg and sugar mixture. Using an electric whisk or hand mixer, continue mixing until the ricotta is fully integrated and the batter is smooth and creamy.
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Add the Oil: Gradually pour in the sunflower seed oil while continuing to beat the mixture. This step helps to make the batter moist without overwhelming the texture.
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Mix in the Dry Ingredients: Sift the all-purpose flour and baking powder together. Slowly add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently to combine. The goal is to achieve a dense, yet smooth batter, which should hold its shape when spooned.
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Prepare the Pears: Peel the pears, then slice them into quarters and remove the cores. Cut the pear quarters into small cubes. Gently fold these pear cubes into the batter using a spatula or marisa (a type of mixing spoon). The pears should be evenly distributed throughout the batter.
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Prepare the Bundt Pan: Grease and flour your bundt cake pan. Make sure to dust it thoroughly to prevent the cake from sticking when you remove it later.
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Bake: Pour the prepared batter into the bundt pan, spreading it evenly. Place the pan in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) and bake for about 45 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake – it should come out clean when the cake is fully baked.
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Cool and Unmold: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes in the pan. Then, carefully remove the cake from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
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Dust with Powdered Sugar: Once the cake has completely cooled, dust the top with powdered sugar for a delicate, sweet finish.
Serving Suggestions
Slice and serve the Ricotta and Pear Bundt Cake at room temperature. It pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee, and the sweetness of the pears adds a perfect touch to the rich, creamy texture of the ricotta. For an extra indulgent treat, top with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
This cake is an excellent dessert for any season, and the combination of pears and ricotta makes it a unique and delicious treat. Enjoy the perfect balance of texture and flavor with every bite!
