Description
Smooth Italian-inspired Pear and Ricotta Cheesecake showcases delicate fruit nestled in creamy ricotta perfection. Sweet Mediterranean flavors merge elegantly, offering you a slice of culinary romance that whispers comfort and refined indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
Base:
- 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs (or digestive biscuit crumbs)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Cheesecake Filling:
- 2 cups ricotta cheese, well-drained
- 1.5 cups cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 pinch of salt
Pear Topping:
- 3 medium pears, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) and prepare a 9-inch springform pan for the crust.
- Mix graham cracker crumbs with sugar and cinnamon, creating a fragrant dry base.
- Pour melted butter into the crumb mixture, stirring until the texture becomes like damp, compact sand.
- Gently press the crumb mixture evenly across the bottom of the springform pan, creating a firm, uniform crust.
- Bake the crust for 11-12 minutes until it achieves a light golden color and develops a subtle, toasty aroma.
- Remove from oven and allow the crust to cool completely at room temperature, ensuring a stable foundation for the cheesecake.
- Whip ricotta and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy, eliminating any potential lumps.
- Gradually incorporate sugar, eggs, and vanilla, mixing until the filling becomes silky and well-integrated.
- Carefully slice pears into thin, elegant wedges, arranging them artfully across the cooled crust.
- Pour the luxurious cheese mixture over the pear arrangement, ensuring even coverage.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes until the center is just slightly wobbly but set around the edges.
- Cool the cheesecake at room temperature, then refrigerate for minimum 4 hours before serving.
Notes
- Choose ripe, firm pears for the best texture and sweetness in your cheesecake.
- Drain ricotta cheese thoroughly to prevent excess moisture in the filling.
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure a smooth, creamy cheesecake batter without lumps.
- Consider toasting graham cracker crumbs briefly before mixing with butter for a deeper, nuttier crust flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 392
- Sugar: 27 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg