Torta di Ricotta e Pere: A Delightful Italian Dessert

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Torta di ricotta e pere

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Course Dessert

Cuisine Italian

Equipment

• Equipment Needed: Mixing bowl, whisk, baking dish, parchment paper, oven

Ingredients

  

• For the Cake:
• 250 g about 9 oz ricotta cheese
• 2 medium ripe pears peeled and sliced
• 100 g 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 100 g about 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Pinch of salt
• For the Garnish:
• Powdered sugar for dusting optional
• Extra pear slices for decoration optional

Instructions

 

• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a 9-inch round baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
• Step 2: Prepare the Pears
• Peel and slice the pears into thin slices. If you want to prevent browning, you can toss them in a little lemon juice.
• Step 3: Mix the Batter
• In a mixing bowl, whisk together the ricotta cheese, granulated sugar, and lemon zest until smooth.
• Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps incorporate air into the batter, making it light and fluffy.
• In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake light.
• Step 4: Fold in the Pears
• Gently fold in the sliced pears, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.
• Step 5: Bake the Cake
• Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Step 6: Cool and Serve
• Let the cake cool in the baking dish for about 10 minutes, then carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar before serving if desired. You can also add extra pear slices on top for a decorative touch.

If you’re looking to impress your family or friends with a delightful Italian dessert, Torta di Ricotta e Pere (Ricotta and Pear Cake) is a fantastic choice. It’s not only delicious but also versatile, making it a great option for various occasions, whether it’s a dinner party or a casual family meal. Let me show you how I make this creamy, sweet treat that combines the rich flavors of ricotta cheese and ripe pears. From my own personal experience, this cake is sure to win over anyone who tries it.

What to Expect

When you make Torta di Ricotta e Pere, expect a light and fluffy cake with a rich and creamy texture. The pears provide a natural sweetness that balances beautifully with the creamy ricotta. It’s a cake that not only tastes great but also looks stunning on any dessert table.

Quick Meal Facts

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
• Time to Stand: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Ease of Cooking: Easy
• Servings: 8-10
• Calories: Approximately 220 per slice
• Cost of Ingredients: $15-20
• Cuisine: Italian
• Course: Dessert
• Equipment Needed: Mixing bowl, whisk, baking dish, parchment paper, oven
• Check out the right equipment and Ingredients that you need for making  Torta di Ricotta e Pere here

Ingredients

• For the Cake:
  • 250g (about 9 oz) ricotta cheese
  • 2 medium ripe pears, peeled and sliced
  • 100g (1/2 cup) granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 100g (about 3/4 cup) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Pinch of salt
• For the Garnish:
  • Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
  • Extra pear slices for decoration (optional)
  • Check out the right equipment and Ingredients that you need for making  Torta di Ricotta e Pere here

Method

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a 9-inch round baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Prepare the Pears

Peel and slice the pears into thin slices. If you want to prevent browning, you can toss them in a little lemon juice.

Step 3: Mix the Batter

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the ricotta cheese, granulated sugar, and lemon zest until smooth.
2. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps incorporate air into the batter, making it light and fluffy.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake light.

Step 4: Fold in the Pears

Gently fold in the sliced pears, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Let the cake cool in the baking dish for about 10 minutes, then carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar before serving if desired. You can also add extra pear slices on top for a decorative touch.

Variations

• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure your baking powder is also gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use a dairy-free ricotta alternative made from nuts or tofu and substitute eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water = 1 egg).
• Flavor Twists: Try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for added warmth, or a splash of amaretto for a nutty flavor.

Tips and Substitutions

• Ripeness of Pears: Choose ripe pears for the best flavor and sweetness. Varieties like Bartlett or Anjou work great.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
• Check out the right equipment and Ingredients that you need for making  Torta di Ricotta e Pere here

Nutritional Information (per slice)

• Calories: ~220
• Protein: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fat: 8g
• Sugar: 14g
• Fiber: 1g

Troubleshooting Tips

• If the Cake is Dense: This may be due to overmixing. Ensure you mix until just combined, especially when adding the flour.
• If it Doesn’t Rise: Make sure your baking powder is fresh and properly measured.

Final Thoughts

Torta di Ricotta e Pere is a lovely way to explore the flavors of Italy in your own kitchen. It’s an approachable recipe perfect for beginners, and it invites experimentation with different ingredients and flavors. From my own personal experience, this cake is a showstopper that will keep everyone coming back for seconds. Enjoy making it, and share the delicious results with loved ones!