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– 2 ripe pears, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
– 250g (about 1 cup) ricotta cheese
– 200g (about 1 cup) granulated sugar
– 150g (about 1 1/4 cups) all-purpose flour
– 3 large eggs
– 120ml (1/2 cup) milk
– 60ml (1/4 cup) vegetable oil or melted butter
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– Pinch of salt
– Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
1. **Preheat the oven** to 180°C (350°F). Grease and lightly flour a 9-inch round cake pan or springform pan.
2. **Prepare the Pears:**
– Peel, core, and thinly slice the pears. Set them aside.
3. **Prepare the Batter:**
– In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the ricotta cheese, sugar, and eggs until smooth and creamy.
– Add the milk, vegetable oil (or melted butter), and vanilla extract. Mix well.
– Gradually add the flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
4. **Assemble the Cake:**
– Pour half of the batter into the prepared cake pan.
– Arrange a layer of sliced pears on top of the batter.
– Pour the remaining batter over the pears, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
5. **Bake the Cake:**
– Place the cake pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. **Cool and Serve:**
– Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
– Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.
7. **Enjoy:**
– Slice the cake and serve it as a delicious dessert or treat with tea or coffee.
This Creamy Cake with Pears and Ricotta is moist, creamy, and subtly sweet, making it a perfect choice for any occasion. Enjoy!