A cozy, caramelized pear dessert with creamy ricotta, spiced with cardamom and lemon zest. Simple to make, stunning to serve!
Ingredients
- 3 fresh pears, sliced
- 100 g brown sugar
- 20 g butter (for caramelizing sugar)
- 150 g butter (softened, for batter)
- 50 g butter (cubed, for layering on pears)
- 100 g granulated sugar
- 200 g ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 200 g all-purpose flour (sifted)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cardamom
- 5 g lemon zest
- 1 pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Line the bottom of a springform pan with parchment paper and butter the sides.
- Make the caramel layer: Sprinkle brown sugar over the parchment and place the pan in the oven for 15 minutes until the sugar caramelizes. Remove and let cool slightly.
- Cream the butter and sugar in a bowl until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and beat until fully incorporated.
- Mix in the ricotta cheese and continue beating until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, vanilla, cardamom, salt, and lemon zest.
- Add the dry ingredients to the ricotta mixture and mix until a dense dough forms.
- Slice the pears into thin wedges.
- Layer cubed butter over the cooled caramel. Arrange the pear slices in a circular pattern like a fan.
- Spread the batter gently over the pears. Use a spatula or damp hands to smooth the top.
- Bake for 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Let it cool for 10–15 minutes. Cover with a large plate and flip the cake carefully. Remove the parchment.
- Slice, serve, and enjoy this golden, fragrant treat! 🍐
Notes
Ricotta and Pear Upside-Down Cake – A Cozy Dessert Delight 🍐🧁
When creamy ricotta meets the gentle sweetness of pears, something magical happens. This Ricotta and Pear Upside-Down Cake is a cozy, rustic dessert that brings together Italian elegance and comforting homemade warmth. It’s like a tart tatin—but softer, more delicate, and packed with rich, creamy flavor. This cake is a beautiful way to showcase seasonal pears and the creamy texture of ricotta cheese. The top turns into a golden, buttery caramel glaze thanks to the brown sugar, while the bottom (which becomes the top!) is moist and fragrant with cardamom, lemon zest, and vanilla. One bite will transport you to a kitchen filled with love, laughter, and the smell of something delicious baking in the oven. 🍋✨ Perfect for dinner parties, autumn gatherings, or a weekend treat, this upside-down cake is guaranteed to win hearts.Why You’ll Love This Cake 💛
✔ Moist and fluffy texture from ricotta cheese✔ Caramelized pear topping for a touch of elegance
✔ Spiced with cardamom and citrus zest for a cozy aroma
✔ Surprisingly easy to make, yet stunning to serve
✔ Great for any season, especially fall and winter 🍂❄️
A Slice of History and Tradition 📜
While this isn’t a traditional Latvian dish per se, this cake reflects the Latvian love for fresh fruits, dairy, and warm baking aromas. Combining a European classic like ricotta with local pears makes this dessert feel like it belongs in both an Italian trattoria and a Latvian countryside kitchen. And like many upside-down cakes, it reminds us to find beauty in simplicity and joy in the little surprises—like flipping a cake to reveal a golden, fruity crown!What to Serve It With 🍽️
This cake is wonderful on its own, but here are some extra touches: 🥄 A dollop of whipped cream or crème fraîche🍨 A scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream
☕ A hot cup of black tea or espresso
🍯 A drizzle of honey if you love extra sweetness Latvian recipes
