Pear, caramel, and cheese cake

Pear, caramel, and cheese cake: a delicacy that combines sweet and creamy flavors into an unforgettable dessert. This recipe blends the soft texture of caramelized pears, a fluffy base, and a layer of fine cheese cream, turning each portion into a refined culinary experience. Let's discover step by step how to prepare this delicious cake, which will surely become the star of festive meals or gatherings with loved ones.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 35 minutes
Total: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients

For the base:
- 1.5 kg ripe but firm pears
- 5 fresh eggs
- 200 g sugar
- 250 g flour
- 150 ml oil (preferably sunflower oil or light olive oil)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 vanilla essence (or a vanilla pod)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- A pinch of salt

For the caramel:
- 400 g sugar
- 100 g butter (preferably high-fat content)
- 200 ml liquid cream (30% fat)

For the cheese cream:
- 500 g cottage cheese (ideally well-drained)
- 250 g mascarpone
- 100 g sugar
- 2 tablespoons yogurt (Greek yogurt can be used for a thicker consistency)
- Grated zest of one lemon
- 1 vanilla essence

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the caramel
1. In a heavy-bottomed pot, add 400 g of sugar and place it over medium heat. Do not stir the sugar, but gently swirl the pot to help the sugar melt evenly.
2. When the sugar turns golden and has a caramel color, remove the pot from the heat and let it cool for 1-2 minutes. This is when the sugar begins to stabilize.
3. Add 100 g of butter and mix well with a silicone spatula until the butter completely melts.
4. Add 200 ml of liquid cream and mix again. Place the pot over low heat and let it simmer until the sauce becomes smooth and has a fine texture. I recommend stirring constantly to prevent burning.
5. Once the caramel is ready, let it cool completely before using.

Step 2: Preparing the pears
1. Wash the pears, remove the cores, and slice them thinly. Make sure they are ripe but firm so they do not break down during baking.
2. In a baking dish, pour some of the cooled caramel and place the pear slices on top. Sprinkle a bit of sugar and a pinch of cinnamon to enhance the flavors.
3. Place the dish in a preheated oven at 180°C and let the pears soften for 10-15 minutes.

Step 3: Preparing the base
1. In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar using an electric mixer or whisk until the mixture becomes light in color and doubles in volume.
2. Gradually add the oil, continuing to mix. Finally, incorporate the flour mixed with baking powder, salt, and vanilla essence. Use a spatula to gently mix until the ingredients are well combined.
3. Pour the base mixture over the pears in the baking dish. Make sure it is evenly distributed.

Step 4: Baking
1. Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. Once baked, turn off the oven and let the cake cool in the dish for a few minutes, then run a knife around the edges and invert the cake onto a platter.

Step 5: Cheese cream
1. In a bowl, mix the cottage cheese with mascarpone, sugar, yogurt, lemon zest, and vanilla essence until you obtain a smooth and homogeneous cream.
2. Once the cake has completely cooled, spread the cheese cream on top.

Serving
Place the cake in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving. This step will help firm up the cheese cream and blend the flavors. You can decorate the cake with some toasted nuts or fresh mint leaves for a more sophisticated look.

Useful tips
- Pears: Choose pears that are ripe but firm, such as Williams or Conference pears. They caramelize beautifully and maintain their shape.
- Cheese cream: You can substitute mascarpone with ricotta for a lighter and less caloric option.
- Caramel: If you have leftover caramel, you can use it as a sauce for ice cream or pancakes.

Calories and nutritional benefits
This pear, caramel, and cheese cake is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Pears are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, contributing to healthy digestion. Depending on the portion, a slice of cake may contain approximately 300-400 calories, but remember that each ingredient brings something valuable to the body.

Frequently asked questions
- Can I replace sugar with a natural sweetener? Yes, you can use sweeteners like stevia or erythritol, but the final taste may vary.
- Can I use other fruits? Absolutely! Apples or peaches are excellent alternatives that pair well with caramel and cheese cream.
- How can I store the cake? It keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, covered with plastic wrap.

Delicious pairings
To complement this cake, I recommend serving it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a berry sauce. Additionally, a white wine or aromatic tea can add a touch of sophistication to your meal.

Enjoy this simple and quick recipe for pear, caramel, and cheese cake, which will bring smiles and pleasant moments with loved ones. Whether you serve it on a special occasion or simply to indulge yourself, each slice is a perfect choice!