Pear and Curd Cake Recipe

The Pear and Curd Cake is an exquisite dessert that combines the rich flavors of ripe pears and creamy curd cheese. The delicate pastry base supports a luscious filling made with these delightful ingredients, promising a sumptuous experience in every bite. With the right balance of sweet and tangy notes, enhanced by the subtle crunch of ground almonds, this cake is both simple to make and impressive to serve. It's an ideal treat for those who appreciate a fruity, creamy dessert that is not overwhelmingly sweet. This cake is perfect for any occasion, whether it's a family gathering or a cozy afternoon tea. The recipe, while seemingly elaborate, is straightforward with easy-to-follow steps. The end result is a flavorful cake with a smooth texture and delightful aroma. You can savor this cake as it is or add a dusting of powdered sugar for a touch of elegance. Indulge yourself in the wonderful world of flavors that this Pear and Curd Cake has to offer.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 200 g flour
• 1 pinch of salt
• 70 g sugar
• 100 g butter
• 1 egg
• A handful of ground almonds

For the Filling:

• 400 g juicy pears, peeled and sliced
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 3 eggs, separated
• 100 g sugar
• 750 g low-fat curd cheese
• 100 g sweet cream
• 20 g corn starch

Preparation Time

Total Time: 130 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Combine the flour, salt, and sugar in a large mixing bowl.
2. Cut the butter into small pieces and add it to the flour mixture along with the egg yolk.
3. Mix until a uniform dough is formed. Make sure it's smooth and without lumps.
4. Transfer the dough into a springform pan, pressing it down to create a base with a 2 cm border around the edges.
5. Refrigerate the dough for 1 hour to firm up.
6. Meanwhile, peel the pears and cut each into eight pieces. Toss the slices in lemon juice to prevent browning.
7. Separate the eggs, keeping yolks and whites in separate bowls.
8. In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks with sugar until fluffy, then blend in the curd cheese.
9. Whip the sweet cream and egg whites separately until stiff peaks form, and gently fold both into the cheese mixture.
10. Sift corn starch over the cheese mixture and fold it in gently.
11. Remove the dough from the fridge and brush the surface with some of the egg white. Sprinkle with ground almonds.
12. Arrange the pear slices on the dough base.
13. Pour the cheese mixture evenly over the pears.
14. Bake in a preheated oven at 160°C (320°F) for 45 minutes.
15. Once baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool for 10 minutes before removing the springform.
16. Allow the cake to cool completely before serving.
17. If desired, dust with powdered sugar before serving. Enjoy your slice!

Tips

• Ensure pears are ripe for a sweeter, juicier filling.
• For extra texture, leave some pear chunks larger.
• Use a springform pan for easy removal and a neater presentation.
• If low-fat curd cheese is unavailable, substitute with ricotta for a similar texture.

Variations

• Substitute apples or peaches for pears if preferred.
• For a gluten-free version, replace flour with almond or coconut flour.
• Incorporate a few spices like cinnamon or nutmeg into the filling for a warmer flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Pair with a hot beverage like coffee or herbal tea.
• Add a sprinkle of cinnamon for an aromatic finish.

Best Places

• Amandine Patisserie Café - Famous for their exceptional pastries and coffee. Location: Jiřího z Poděbrad, Prague, Czech Republic.
• Dominique Ansel Bakery - Known for innovative desserts. Location: Spring Street, New York City, USA.
• Café Central - Classic Viennese pastries in a historic setting. Location: Herrengasse, Vienna, Austria.
• Café de L'Opera - Elegant cakes and refined atmosphere. Location: La Rambla, Barcelona, Spain.
• Chez Manon - Artisan cakes with organic ingredients. Location: Rue des Clarisses, Liège, Belgium.
• Princi Bakery - Delicious cakes with an Italian twist. Location: Berwick Street, London, UK.
• Dolcettini - Award-winning patisserie products. Location: Castle Hill, Sydney, Australia.
• Purebread - Fresh, homemade delights. Location: David Street, Whistler, Canada.
• Bill Rhodes Bakery & Café - Unique creations and friendly service. Location: Kloof Street, Cape Town, South Africa.
• Maison Landemaine - Traditional French pastries with flair. Location: Rue de la Pompe, Paris, France.