CHOCOLATE, RICOTTA & PEAR CHEESECAKE

A Moist and Light Italian Twist on a Cheesecake Classic

Torta Ricotta, Pere e Cioccolato is a decadent yet surprisingly light Italian dessert that blends the creaminess of ricotta cheese with the natural sweetness of pears and the richness of dark chocolate. This baked cheesecake is a favorite among chocoholics and dessert lovers alike, offering a balance of flavors and textures that sets it apart from the traditional New York cheesecake. Its moist, delicate texture makes it a standout dessert for special occasions, dinner parties, or a sweet indulgence at any time.

The combination of ricotta and pears is a match made in Italian culinary heaven. Ricotta, with its mild and slightly tangy flavor, complements the natural juiciness and subtle sweetness of ripe pears. Adding dark chocolate creates a luxurious depth of flavor, appealing to those with a penchant for rich desserts.

Unlike heavier American-style cheesecakes, this Italian version relies on ricotta for its creaminess, resulting in a dessert that feels indulgent but not overly dense. It's perfect for pairing with a shot of espresso or a glass of dessert wine like Vin Santo or Moscato.

This recipe offers a more balanced indulgence compared to its cream cheese-based counterparts. Ricotta cheese is a good source of protein and calcium, while pears provide fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. Dark chocolate adds a dose of magnesium and heart-healthy antioxidants, making this dessert a slightly more nutritious option for your sweet cravings.

A little history

The origins of ricotta-based desserts date back to ancient Rome, where ricotta was used in both savory and sweet preparations. The pairing of ricotta with fruits like pears became popular in southern Italy, particularly in regions like Campania and Sicily.

This cheesecake is a modern evolution of traditional Italian ricotta cakes, combining local ingredients like pears and chocolate to create a dessert that reflects Italy’s love for seasonal produce and high-quality flavors.

Chocolate desserts gained prominence in Italy during the 16th century, following the introduction of cocoa from the Americas. The integration of chocolate into traditional recipes like torta ricotta e pere highlights the Italian flair for culinary innovation, resulting in timeless treats that continue to delight dessert lovers worldwide.

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INGREDIENTS👇🏻

• 1Kg | 35.3oz Conference pears

• 100g | 3.5oz dark chocolate

• 3 eggs

• 200g | 7.1oz sugar

• 350g | 12.3oz ricotta cheese

• 300g | 10.6oz plain flour

• 16g | 0.6 baking yeast powder

• 1 lemon

• Butter for the baking tray

• Icing sugar for decoration

The recipe step by step

1. Peel and dice ¾ of the pears, leave the last quarter for the decoration

   
   

2. Squeeze ½ lemon on the diced pears and massage it gently into them to avoid oxidation

   
   

3. Chop the dark chocolate in chunky flakes and put it aside

   
   

4. Mix the eggs and sugar in a bowl, whisking the batter gently but thoroughly

   
   

5. In a different bowl soften the ricotta cheese with a fork before adding the chocolate flakes little by little

   
   

6. Pour the ricotta mix into the batter bowl, and carefully whisk everything together before adding sieved flour little by little

   
   

7. Incorporate the baking powder and the lemon zest with a spatula, before folding in the diced pears

   
   

8. Butter the baking tray and dust it with flour

   
   

9. Fill the tray with the batter and level it with a spatula

   
   

10. Wash and slice the remaining pear(s) as thin as you can and arrange the slices on top of the cake in a pinwheel, or as you prefer

    
    

11. Bake for 1 hour on 170 °C | 338 °F with the fan on

    
    

12. Baking Tip: the cake is not cooked thoroughly if the toothpick comes out with batter stuck on it, it will always come out a little wet though!

    
    

13. Let it cool down thoroughly before taking it out of the tray

    
    

14. Dust it generously with icing sugar…then enjoy! 😋