Chocolate and Pear Cake

This delightful Chocolate and Pear Cake combines the rich flavors of chocolate with the fruity sweetness of fresh pears, creating a dessert that is both indulgent and refreshing. The buttery, soft texture of the cake provides a perfect backdrop for the juicy pear chunks which offer a burst of flavor in every bite. Accompanied by the gentle aroma of vanilla and a hint of cinnamon, this cake is a worthy centerpiece for any dessert table. Its preparation is straightforward, making it suitable for both novice bakers and culinary experts alike. Whether you are hosting a gathering or simply enjoying a quiet afternoon tea, this cake promises a delightful experience. The combination of chocolate and pears makes it not too heavy, yet satisfying enough to quell any sweet craving. Garnishing with a sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance. Make sure to store any leftovers in an airtight container to enjoy this delightful cake for days. This recipe captures the essence of autumn, bringing warmth and comfort to any occasion.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

2 pears, peeled and diced
200 g butter (or margarine)
100 g chocolate, grated
175 g sugar
150 g flour
100 g potato starch
3-4 eggs
2 packs vanilla sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder

Spices:

A pinch of cinnamon
Powdered sugar for dusting

Preparation Time

Total Time: 85 minutes (includes preparation and baking time)

Step-by-Step Instruction

Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). This ensures your cake bakes evenly for a perfect texture.
Prepare the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the eggs, sugar, vanilla sugar, and cinnamon until the mixture is fluffy and light.
Incorporate Butter: Gradually add room-temperature butter to the egg mixture. Beat thoroughly until well combined, ensuring the batter is smooth and uniform.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, potato starch, and baking powder. Whisk these ingredients together to distribute the baking powder evenly.
Combine: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet batter, folding them in gently to avoid losing the aerated texture.
Prepare the Add-ins: Grate the chocolate and peel and dice the pears. Make sure the pear pieces are uniformly small to ensure they bake evenly within the cake.
Incorporate Add-ins: Gently fold the grated chocolate and pear cubes into the batter. Mixing them in well guarantees even distribution throughout the cake.
Prepare the Baking Mold: Grease a cake tin or mold with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking. Pour the prepared batter into the mold, spreading it evenly.
Bake: Place the cake mold in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Check Doneness: Use a toothpick or skewer to check for doneness; it should come out clean when the cake is ready.
Cooling: Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the mold for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Dust with Sugar: Once fully cooled, sprinkle a light layer of powdered sugar on top for extra sweetness and a pleasant visual finish.

Tips

If pears aren't available, substitute with apples for a similar texture and taste.
For a more intense chocolate taste, use dark chocolate.
Reduce sugar quantity if you prefer a less sweet cake.
Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for a uniform batter consistency.

Nutrition

Calories: Approx. 320 per serving
Protein: 5g
Fats: 15g
Carbohydrates: 45g

Variations

Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour and potato starch to cater to gluten-sensitive diets.
Vegan Substitute: Replace eggs with flaxseed meal (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 tbsp water = 1 egg) and use dairy-free margarine.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a warm cup of tea or freshly brewed coffee.
Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added richness.

Best Places

Cafe Savoy - A stylish cafe offering delightful desserts with a classic European touch. Location: Vítězná 5, Prague, Czech Republic.
Les Deux Magots - Famous for its classic French pastries and charming ambiance. Location: 6 Place Saint-Germain des Prés, Paris, France.
Cafe Sacher Vienna - Known for its prestigious and traditional Viennese cakes. Location: PhilharmonikerstraBe 4, Vienna, Austria.
Konditori - A charming Nordic bakery offering delicious sweet treats. Location: Kungsportsvagen 6, Gothenburg, Sweden.
Cafe Central - Historic cafe with rich Viennese coffee-house culture. Location: Herrengasse 14, Vienna, Austria.
Ladurée Paris Champs Elysées - Iconic for its French macarons and elegant pastries. Location: 75 Av. des Champs-Élysées, Paris, France.
Brown's Hotel Tea Room - Renowned for its quintessential British afternoon tea. Location: Albermarle St, London, UK.
Florian Café - Historical espresso bar with illustrious clientele and baroque interiors. Location: Piazza San Marco, Venice, Italy.
Cafe de la Paix - Elegant cafe celebrating Parisian culture and cuisine. Location: 5 Place de l'Opéra, Paris, France.
Happolati Café - Offers seasonal specialties and artistic interiors. Location: St. Olavs gate 2, Oslo, Norway.