Pear cake with raisins and semolina cream

Pear, raisin and semolina cream cake - a delicacy that combines sweet flavors and fine textures, perfect for any occasion. This recipe has its roots in culinary traditions that teach us to make the most of seasonal fruits, and pears, with their natural sweetness, are the star of this dessert. Whether you serve it at a party, a family gathering, or simply as a little reward for yourself, this cake promises an unforgettable taste.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40-50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Servings: 12

Ingredients:
- 350 g flour
- 1 packet dry yeast
- 850 ml milk (divided)
- 150 g semolina
- 150 g sugar (divided)
- 100 g butter (melted)
- 7 eggs
- 2 packets vanilla sugar
- Grated zest of 1 lemon
- 100 g biscuits (crumbled)
- 1 jar of pear compote (about 400 g)
- 100 g raisins

Preparation:

1. Preparing the dough:
In a bowl, mix the flour with the dry yeast. In another container, warm 150 ml of milk (it should be warm to the touch, not hot) and add 80 g of sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Pour this mixture over the flour, along with 100 g of melted butter and 1 egg. Use a wooden spoon or your hands to knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic. Let it rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes, covered with a clean towel.

2. Preparing the semolina cream:
Meanwhile, in a saucepan, bring the remaining 700 ml of milk to a boil, adding 70 g of sugar and the vanilla sugar. When the milk starts to boil, gradually add the semolina, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Continue to simmer the mixture on low heat for 5-7 minutes, until the semolina is fully cooked and the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and add the grated lemon zest and the yolks of the 6 eggs, mixing well. Allow to cool.

3. Finishing the cream:
Once the semolina cream has cooled, beat the egg whites until they form stiff peaks. Gently fold them into the semolina cream using a spatula to maintain the airiness.

4. Assembling the cake:
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease a baking tray of about 30x20 cm with butter and dust it with flour. Spread the risen dough evenly in the tray. Sprinkle the crumbled biscuits over the entire surface of the dough. Arrange the sliced pears from the compote and distribute the raisins evenly.

5. Adding the cream:
Carefully pour the semolina cream over the pears and raisins, ensuring everything is evenly covered.

6. Baking:
Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 40-50 minutes or until golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the tray for a few minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack.

Serving:
This pear, raisin, and semolina cream cake is delicious both warm and cold. You can sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top for an elegant look or serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a contrast of temperatures and textures. A cup of fragrant tea or coffee pairs perfectly with such a dessert.

Helpful tips:
- Pears: If you don’t have pear compote, you can use fresh pears, sliced and lightly sautéed in butter and sugar to caramelize them before adding to the cake.
- Raisins: You can soak the raisins in a little warm water or rum to revive them and enhance the flavor.
- Variations: You can experiment with other fruits, such as peaches or apples, depending on your preferences.

Nutritional information:
This cake is a good source of carbohydrates from flour and semolina, as well as vitamins and minerals from the fruit. Each serving contains approximately 250 calories, making it a wonderful choice for an occasional dessert.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use another type of milk? Yes, you can use almond or soy milk, but the texture and taste may vary.
- How can I make the cake less sweet? You can reduce the amount of sugar in the cream and dough, adjusting the sweetness to your taste.
- Can the cake be frozen? Yes, you can freeze the cake, but it is recommended to let it cool completely before wrapping it.

This recipe for pear, raisin, and semolina cream cake will not only delight your taste buds but will also turn every meal into a special moment. So, dress up with the best ingredients and let’s enjoy a delicacy cooked with love!