Pear and cream cheese cake

Pear and cream cheese cake – a delicacy that combines the sweetness of aromatic fruits with the creaminess of fresh cheese. This recipe is perfect for any occasion and will transform an ordinary meal into a true feast. Whether you want to impress at a dinner with friends or simply indulge in a delicious dessert, this cake will surely please everyone.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 70 minutes
Number of servings: 12 servings

Ingredients

For the dough (25x25 cm pan):
- 375 g flour
- 125 g sugar
- 25 g vanilla sugar
- 175 g melted butter
- 1 pinch of salt

For the pear filling:
- 1 kg peeled pears (about 5-6 large pears)
- 50 g sugar
- 30 g vanilla sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon heaped starch

For the cream cheese:
- 500 g fresh cow cheese
- 150 g butter (at room temperature)
- 100 g sugar
- 30 g vanilla sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla essence
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons starch

Step-by-step preparation

1. Preparing the pears
Start by peeling the pears and removing the seeds. Cut them into rough slices. Place them in a large bowl. Add the sugar, vanilla sugar, and cinnamon. Mix well to combine the ingredients. Let the pears chill for 20-30 minutes so the sugar melts and forms a delicious syrup. This syrup will add moisture and flavor to your cake.

Tips: Choose pears that are ripe but firm to avoid them disintegrating during baking. Williams or Conference pears are excellent choices.

2. Preparing the dough
In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the melted butter and mix vigorously with a spatula or by hand until you obtain a sandy dough, similar to crumble. This will form the base of the cake and contribute to its crunchy texture.

3. Preparing the cream cheese
In another bowl, mix the fresh cow cheese with the soft butter, sugar, and vanilla sugar. Add the vanilla essence and incorporate the eggs, mixing until it becomes a homogeneous mixture. If the cheese is watery (as is the case when using fresh cheese from the farm), add starch to improve the consistency. I added 2 heaping tablespoons of starch, which worked perfectly.

4. Assembling the cake
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Grease the pan with a little butter and sprinkle a little flour to prevent sticking. Spread 3/4 of the sandy dough in the prepared pan, pressing it evenly with your hands.
Add the marinated pears over the dough, distributing them evenly. On top of the pears, add the cream cheese, making sure it is well leveled. To finish, crumble the remaining dough and sprinkle it evenly over the cream cheese.

5. Baking
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake the cake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden and the cake is well baked.

6. Cooling and serving
Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about 30 minutes before cutting it. After it has cooled, dust it with vanilla sugar for an elegant look and serve it with your loved ones. This cake pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of aromatic tea.

Nutritional benefits

Pears are an excellent source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, with a low calorie content. Fresh cow cheese provides quality protein, and butter, despite its fat content, adds a creamy texture and rich flavor. This dessert is a healthier choice compared to many other cakes, due to the natural ingredients and fresh fruits used.

Variations and suggestions

If you want to bring a touch of innovation to your cake, you can experiment with different types of fruits. Apples or peaches are excellent alternatives. Additionally, adding chopped nuts or almonds to the dough brings a crunchy texture and a special flavor.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes, you can try using Ricotta or mascarpone cheese for a different taste.

2. What can I do if I don't have starch?
If you don't have starch, semolina can be an alternative, helping to absorb moisture.

3. How can I store the cake?
The cake can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days in an airtight container. It can be reheated to restore its texture.

Personal note

This pear and cream cheese cake is a recipe that has been passed down from generation to generation in my family and reminds me of the moments spent at the table, surrounded by loved ones. Each bite is filled with memories and emotions, and the aroma of cinnamon instantly transports me back to my childhood. I encourage you to try it and bring a touch of warmth to your family! This cake is not just a dessert, but a true culinary experience. Happy cooking!

 Ingredients: For the dough (25/25 cm tray): 375 g flour, 125 g sugar, 25 g vanilla sugar, 175 g melted butter, 1 pinch of salt. For the pear filling: 1 kg peeled pears, 50 g sugar, 30 g vanilla sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1 heaping tablespoon of starch. For the cheese cream: 500 g fresh cow cheese, 150 g butter, 100 g sugar, 30 g vanilla sugar, 2 teaspoons vanilla essence, 2 eggs, 2 tablespoons starch.