Pear and cream cheese cake

Pear and Cream Cheese Cake

If you are looking for a dessert that impresses both in appearance and taste, you have found the perfect recipe! The pear and cream cheese cake is a refined choice that combines the creamy texture of cheese with the juicy sweetness of pears. This cake is ideal for any occasion, from family gatherings to meetings with friends. Let's get to work!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes (including cooling time)
Number of servings: 8

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 250 g all-purpose flour
- 70 g sugar
- 125 g cold butter, diced
- 1 egg yolk
- 1-2 tablespoons cold water

For the filling:
- 250 g mascarpone
- 250 g well-drained cottage cheese
- 200 ml liquid cream
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 3 packets vanilla sugar
- 100 g chopped walnuts
- 1 can of pear halves (800 g)

Preparation

1. Preparing the dough
Start by mixing the flour with the sugar in a large bowl. This is the basic step that will provide structure to your cake. Add the cold, diced butter and crumble it with your fingers until you achieve a mixture similar to fine sand. This trick will ensure a tender dough.

2. Adding the yolk
Add the egg yolk and 1-2 tablespoons of cold water, then knead the dough until it becomes homogeneous. Do not over-knead, as we want a soft and tender dough. Once you have formed a ball of dough, gently flatten it and wrap it in plastic wrap. Leave it in the refrigerator for 1 hour. This step will help the dough cool and firm up, making it easier to handle.

3. Baking the dough
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, roll out the dough on a floured surface, then transfer it to a 26 cm diameter cake pan. Make sure the dough covers the edges of the pan and is about 3 cm high. Cover the dough with parchment paper and sprinkle dried beans on top to prevent the dough from puffing up during baking. Bake for 25 minutes, until it turns lightly golden.

4. Preparing the filling
While the dough is baking, you can prepare the filling. In a bowl, mix the mascarpone with the cottage cheese, lemon juice, and vanilla sugar. Ensure that the mixture is homogeneous, to achieve a smooth cream.

5. Whipping the cream
Whip the liquid cream until it forms stiff peaks. This step will add an airy texture to your filling. Then, gently fold the cream into the cheese mixture using a spatula to keep the air.

6. Assembling the cake
Once the dough has cooled, remove it from the oven. Spread the cream cheese over the baked dough. Carefully place the drained pear halves on top. Finally, sprinkle the toasted walnuts for an added flavor and texture.

7. Cooling the cake
Refrigerate the cake for a few hours, ideally overnight. This resting time will allow the flavors to combine perfectly and will make cutting the cake easier.

8. Serving the cake
Once the cake is well chilled, you can slice it and serve. It is delicious both plain and with a drizzle of caramel or a dollop of cream on top!

Useful tips

- Fresh pears: If you prefer to use fresh pears, you can boil them for 10 minutes in a mixture of water, white wine, and sugar. This step will enhance the flavor and ensure a soft texture.
- Toasted nuts: For an even more intense flavor, toast the nuts before adding them to the cake. This step brings out the essential oils in the nuts and makes them more aromatic.
- Variations: You can experiment with other types of cheese or add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to give an interesting twist to your cake.
- Caramelized pears: Another idea is to caramelize the pears in a pan with sugar and butter before placing them on the cake. This will add a sweet caramel layer that perfectly complements the cream cheese.

Nutritional benefits

This pear and cream cheese cake is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Pears are an excellent source of fiber, aiding digestion, and provide essential vitamins, such as vitamin C. Cottage cheese and mascarpone add protein and calcium, essential for bone health.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use another type of cheese?
Yes, you can experiment with goat cheese or ricotta for a different flavor.

- What drinks pair well with this cake?
We recommend a dry white wine or a herbal tea. Additionally, a strong coffee can be an excellent choice.

- How can I store the cake?
The cake can be stored in the refrigerator, covered, for 3-4 days.

Now it’s time to enjoy making this pear and cream cheese cake! I encourage you to share it with your loved ones and savor every slice, knowing that every bite is an explosion of flavors and textures. Whether it’s a celebration or a simple evening at home, this cake will surely bring a smile to everyone’s face. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: For the dough: 250 g white flour, 70 g sugar, 125 g cold butter, 1 egg yolk. For the filling: 250 g mascarpone, 250 g cottage cheese, 200 ml liquid cream, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 3 packets of vanilla sugar, 100 g walnut kernels, 1 can of pear halves (800 g).

 Tags:  pears cheese mascarpone whipped cream nut