Easy Italian Pear Cake

Ingredients

• 1½ cups all purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup + 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch ((43 grams in total))
• 1½ teaspoons teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• 3 large eggs (room temperature)
• ¾ cup sugar
• 1 cup mascarpone (room temperature)
• 2½ tablespoons vegetable oil (I use corn or sunflower oil)
• 2 medium pears (room temperature)* ((ripe but firm))

Steps

1. 1

   Pre-heat oven to 340° (170° celsius). Lightly grease and flour an 8 or 9" (20-23 cm) cake pan ( I used a spring-form pan).

2. 2

   Clean and peel the pears, one pear chop into medium-sized cubes and the other pear slice into thin slices, set aside.

3. 3

   In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, salt, corn starch, baking powder and baking soda.

4. 4

   In a medium bowl, at medium speed beat eggs and sugar until creamy approximately 2 minutes, add the mascarpone and continue beating until smooth.

5. 5

   Stir in with a wooden spoon the flour mixture into the creamed mixture, stir gently to combine, then add the oil and stir to combine.

6. 6

   Fold in the medium-sized cubed pear, spoon into prepared cake pan.

7. 7

   Top with sliced pears and sprinkle with 2 tablespoons (40 grams) granulated sugar.

8. 8

   Bake approximately 45 - 60 minutes, or until toothpick comes out clean or with a few crumbs attached. Let cool completely then serve. Enjoy!