5.0 from 12 votes
Classic Italian Ricotta Cake with Pears
This moist and flavorful Italian ricotta cake with pears is a simple, classic Italian cake recipe that's all dressed up for fall. This traditional Italian cake combines the richness of ricotta cheese, tender, juicy pears, along with a hint of bright, citrusy orange zest and just a touch of rosemary for a subtle, yet unique, flavor. This easy cake recipe is a beautiful fall dessert that's perfect for any occasion, from holidays and special celebrations to casual days at home. Adapted from Ina Garten.
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
1 hr
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 410 kcal
Course:
Dessert
Cuisine:
Italian
Ingredients
- 10 tablespoons (1¼ sticks) unsalted butter softened to room temperature, plus more for greasing the pan
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs plus 1 egg yolk
- 1 cup fresh whole milk ricotta cheese
- 2 tablespoons sour cream plus more for serving
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons grated orange zest
- 2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 2 medium-large pears or 3 smaller pears halved, cored and thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon Demerara or raw sugar
- whipped cream for serving optional
Notes
- You can arrange the sliced pears in an artful pattern or just scatter them around to fit - it will be delicious either way!
- Avoid over mixing the batter after adding the dry ingredients, otherwise it could take the cake tough.
- You may need to adjust the baking time and temperature depending on your oven. Be sure to check on your cake around 40 minutes and keep an eye on it until it's done. If it's getting too brown around the edges but is still not done inside, cover the edges with foil and lower the temperature to 350° until done.
Nutrition Information
Calories
410kcal
(21%)
Carbohydrates
50g
(17%)
Protein
8g
(16%)
Fat
21g
(32%)
Saturated Fat
12g
(60%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
1g
Monounsaturated Fat
6g
Trans Fat
1g
Cholesterol
117mg
(39%)
Sodium
503mg
(21%)
Potassium
138mg
(4%)
Fiber
2g
(8%)
Sugar
31g
(62%)
Vitamin A
694IU
(14%)
Vitamin C
2mg
(2%)
Calcium
176mg
(18%)
Iron
2mg
(11%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 8servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 410
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 410kcal | 21% |
| Carbohydrates | 50g | 17% |
| Protein | 8g | 16% |
| Fat | 21g | 32% |
| Saturated Fat | 12g | 60% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 117mg | 39% |
| Sodium | 503mg | 21% |
| Potassium | 138mg | 3% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 31g | 62% |
| Vitamin A | 694IU | 14% |
| Vitamin C | 2mg | 2% |
| Calcium | 176mg | 18% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.