Pear & Chocolate Cake

Kaffee & Kuchen(coffee & cake) is a key part of German culture that unites friends and family over coffee and cake. Picture a table filled with delicious cakes and steaming coffee. A personal favorite to share is the lightly sweetened Pear and Chocolate Cake, a comforting blend of sweet pears and decadent chocolate. Its quick preparation means more time with loved ones. Enjoy it fresh on the day it’s made for the best flavor. Bring a piece of Germany home with this recipe below.

Gather friends, brew coffee, and create memories over Pear and Chocolate Cake!

Pear & Chocolate Cake

All my recipes are provided in grams. I recommend investing in a kitchen scale, as it helps you make your products more accurately. Precise measurement is crucial for success in baking, especially with traditional German recipes that rely on exact quantities. With a kitchen scale, you can ensure that your ingredients are perfectly proportioned, leading to delicious results.

Important Baking Tips for Rührteig (translates to stirred dough)

1. Butter vs. Margarine: When working with Ruhrteig, consider substituting butter with margarine. This switch can result in a lighter, less dense cake, which is particularly beneficial for achieving the perfect texture.

2. Room Temperature Ingredients: For optimal mixing and consistency, ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature before you start. This helps create a smooth batter and contributes to even baking. Don't worry if the butter in your dough curdles; just keep going. Once you add the flour, everything will come back together.

3. Quality of Chocolate: Always opt for good-quality chocolate in your recipes. The flavor and melting behavior of quality chocolate can significantly enhance the overall taste of your cake.

Ingredients List

• 150 g Margarine

• 180 g Sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 4 Eggs

• 150 g Heavy Cream

• 50 g Milk

• 300 g All-Purpose Flour

• 1 tbsp Cocoa Powder

• 3 tsp Baking Powder

• 150 g Dark Chocolate

• 4-5 Ripe Pears

• A little Butter or baking spray for the baking pan

• Optional: Powder Sugar

My Top Picks for Must-Have Products

Flour

Kitchen Scale

Chocolate

Cake Pan

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Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease one 10 inch cake pan. I like to line the bottom with a parchment paper.

2. Melt Chocolate: Microwave your chocolate, checking every 20 seconds to ensure it doesn't clump.

3. Prepare the Batter:

   • In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened margarine and sugar until light and fluffy.

   • Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.

   • Stir in the vanilla extract.

   • Once everything is well combined, add the melted chocolate. Ensure it is not too hot and has cooled down slightly.

4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and cocoa powder.

5. Mix Together: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with the heavy cream and milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined and smooth.

6. Pour into Pans: Pour batter into the prepared cake pan.

   Check out my my link for what type of pan to use: Cake Pan

7. Peel & Cut Pears: Peel and cut the pears in quarters , remove core from the pears. Press the pears into the chocolate mixture with the rounded side facing up in a circle shape. I usually start with 3 pears and peel more if necessary, as depending on the size of the pears, you might need 4 or 5.

8. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. I typically like to check around the 30-minute mark as ovens can vary. So, keep an eye on your cake.

9. Cool: Take the cake out of the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for approximately 10 minutes. Next, use a sharp knife to gently outline the cake, making sure to detach any sides that may be stuck to the pan. After that, remove the base of the cake pan and carefully transfer the cake onto a wire rack.

10. Serve: Once cooled, you can add powder sugar, or even a chocolate drizzle,

    Enjoy your homemade cake and make sure to leave a comment if you tried the cake.

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