Cheese and pear cake

Cheese and Pear Cake - A Sweet and Fragrant Delight

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10

The cheese and pear cake is an excellent choice for those who appreciate simple yet delicious desserts. This recipe combines the creamy texture of cheese with the juicy sweetness of pears, resulting in a cake that melts in your mouth. It's perfect for a weekend dessert, but also for a sweet snack during the week.

A bit of history and inspiration
Cheese desserts have a long-standing tradition, being prepared in various forms around the world. The combination of cheese and fruit is a classic, and pears add a touch of freshness and flavor to our cake. Whether you serve it at a gathering with friends or enjoy it alone with a cup of coffee, this cake will surely win hearts and taste buds.

Ingredients:
For the dough:
- 3 eggs
- 1 pinch of salt
- 10 tablespoons sugar
- 8 tablespoons oil (preferably sunflower or olive oil)
- 12 tablespoons flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the filling:
- 3 ripe pears
- 200 g cheese (preferably cottage cheese or ricotta)
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons semolina

Steps to follow for a dream cake:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by washing the pears well under cold running water. Peel and slice them thinly. Place the pear slices in a bowl and sprinkle a little lemon juice on top to prevent browning and keep the beautiful color.

2. Preparing the filling: In another bowl, mix the cheese with the egg, sugar, and semolina. Make sure the cheese is well crumbled and blended so that the filling is creamy and easy to spread. Set the mixture aside.

3. Preheating the oven: Set the oven to 180 degrees Celsius (medium heat) to prepare for baking. While it heats up, you can work on the dough.

4. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, beat the eggs with a pinch of salt using a whisk. Add the sugar and mix again until the mixture becomes fluffy. Pour in the oil and continue to blend.

5. Incorporating the dry ingredients: In another bowl, mix the flour with the baking powder. Start adding the flour mixture to the liquid mixture, stirring gently to avoid lumps. It is important not to overmix, so you achieve a fluffy dough.

6. Assembling the cake: Line a 24x24 cm (or 20x30 cm) baking pan with parchment paper. Pour 3/4 of the dough mixture into the pan, leveling it evenly. Then, add the cheese filling in spots, followed by the pear slices. Finally, pour the remaining dough mixture on top, ensuring that the pears and cheese are covered.

7. Baking: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, until the cake is nicely browned and passes the toothpick test. Insert a toothpick in the middle of the cake; if it comes out clean, it is ready.

8. Cooling and serving: Once the cake is baked, let it cool on a rack. Once cooled, you can slice it as desired. It is delicious both warm and cold.

Serving suggestions:
This cheese and pear cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of aromatic coffee or creamy yogurt for the little ones. You can also drizzle a bit of honey or maple syrup on top for added sweetness. Additionally, a dollop of whipped cream can turn each slice into a true delight!

Tips and variations:
- You can experiment with other fruits, such as apples, peaches, or plums, depending on the season.
- If you want a more intense flavor, add cinnamon or nutmeg to the cheese filling.
- Substitute sugar with a natural sweetener for a healthier version.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can use mascarpone or ricotta cheese, keeping in mind that the texture will be slightly different, but the taste will be just as delicious.

2. What if I don't have semolina?
If you don't have semolina, you can use extra flour, but semolina helps achieve a more consistent texture for the filling.

3. How can I store the cake?
The cake stores well in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-4 days.

Nutrition:
This cake is not only delicious but also relatively healthy, being rich in protein due to the cheese and eggs, as well as fiber from the pears. Each serving (approximately 100g) contains about 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients used.

Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself, the cheese and pear cake will always bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones. So gather the ingredients, put on an apron, and start your culinary adventure! Enjoy!