Pear, Ricotta and Pine Nut Cake

15 min (plus raisin-soaking time) prep time
40-50 min cook time
18servings
Pear, Ricotta and Pine Nut Cake

How to Make Pear, Ricotta and Pine Nut Cake

The combination of golden raisins, pine nuts and orange zest gives this cake a uniquely Sicilian flair. Keep in mind that those same flavors make a great addition to savory whole-grain rice pilafs as well.

15 min (plus raisin-soaking time) prep time
40-50 min cook time
18servings
1/2-inch slice
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Step-By-Step Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350° F. Grease and flour a 10-inch springform pan.
  2. Place the ricotta and agave nectar in a large bowl and mix until ricotta is smooth.
  3. Beat the egg whites on high speed with sugar until stiff peaks form.
  4. Drain the raisins, pat them dry and dice them. Add the pine nuts, orange zest, raisins, egg yolks and pears to the ricotta mixture, and mix with a wooden spoon until incorporated.
  5. Fold egg whites into ricotta mixture with a spatula, stirring clockwise. (Start at the “3 o’clock” position and turn your wrist counterclockwise until you reach the same point.) Continue folding in the egg whites just until they are incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
  6. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and hit pan on the counter a few times to release air bubbles. Position a rack in the center of the oven, and bake cake until a knife inserted in the top comes out clean, 40-50 minutes.
  7. Cool to room temperature, sprinkle with confectioners’ sugar and cut into thin wedges to serve.
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Nutrition facts

18 Servings

  • Serving Size
    1/2-inch slice
  • Amount per serving Calories 200
  • Total Fat 10g
    • Saturated Fat 2g
  • Cholesterol 65mg
  • Sodium 35mg
  • Total Carbohydrate 27g
    • Dietary Fiber 3g
    • Total Sugars 19g
  • Protein 6g
  • Potassium 230mg
Ingredients
golden raisins (soaked in 3/4 cup orange juice for 20 minutes)
1 cup
natural sugar
1/4 cup
large egg whites
4
skim milk ricotta
3/4 lbs
agave nectar (raw)
2/3 cup
pine nuts
6 oz
Zest of 2 oranges (Grated)
1
large egg yolks (whisked until foamy)
6
large pears (peeled, diced or grated in a food processor, and drained of excess liquid)
4
powdered sugar (for garnish)
2 tbsp

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