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.