Cake with marzipan and pears in red wine

Marzipan and Pear Cake in Red Wine

Are you dreaming of a dessert that impresses with flavor and elegance? The marzipan and pear cake in red wine is the perfect choice! This refined dessert combines the sweetness of caramelized pears with the fine texture of marzipan, offering a unique experience for the taste buds. Moreover, its preparation is simpler than you might think. The final result will be a delicious cake that will attract all eyes at any festive table.

Total preparation time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Ingredients:

For the pear sauce:
- 750 ml dry red wine (opt for a quality wine with complex aromas)
- 180 g sugar
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 6 firm-fleshed green pears (the Abate variety is recommended for its sweetness and texture)

For the batter:
- 200 g flour
- 180 g sugar
- 120 g butter at room temperature (make sure it is soft, but not melted)
- 200 g marzipan (choose a quality marzipan for an authentic taste)
- 1/2 packet baking powder
- 3 large eggs (if smaller, adjust the flour to 180 g)

Preparation:

1. Start by preparing the pear sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine the red wine, sugar, and cinnamon stick. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes until the sugar is completely dissolved.

2. Meanwhile, wash the pears and cut them in half, being careful not to remove the stems. Use a melon baller to carefully scoop out the seeds. Place the pears in the wine sauce and let them simmer for 15-20 minutes until they become tender but retain their shape. Once cooked, remove the pears from the sauce and let them cool.

3. In a large bowl, beat the butter and remaining sugar until fluffy. Add the diced marzipan and continue mixing. Then, incorporate the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is well integrated before adding the next.

4. Sift the flour and baking powder over the egg mixture and gently fold with a spatula until the ingredients are fully incorporated. Avoid overmixing to prevent a dense batter.

5. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease a cake pan with butter and dust it with flour. Pour half of the batter into the pan, place the caramelized pears on top, then cover them with the remaining batter.

6. Bake the cake for about 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

7. Serve the cake with some of the remaining wine sauce drizzled over each slice, and if desired, garnish with some toasted almonds or whipped cream.

Helpful tips:
- Experiment with different varieties of pears, each bringing a unique flavor.
- Substitute some of the flour with cocoa for a chocolate cake.
- You can add a splash of vanilla extract to the batter for an extra hint of flavor.

This marzipan and pear cake in red wine is not just a dessert, but a true culinary masterpiece, perfect for special occasions. Enjoy it alongside a glass of red wine and cherish the moments spent with loved ones!