Lactose-free pear and chocolate cake

Name: Lactose-free pear and chocolate cake
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 95 min
Yield: 8
Ingredients: Type 00 flour 2 cups; Abate Fetel pears (already cleaned) 5.3 oz; Sugar ¾ cup; Soy milk unsweetened ½ cup; Eggs medium 3; Dark chocolate lactose-free 1.75 oz; Unsweetened cocoa powder ¼ cup; Sunflower seed oil 4 ½ tbsp; Baking powder 3 ½ tsp; Abate Fetel pears (already peeled) 5.3 oz; Dark chocolate lactose-free 1.75 oz

it de es fr br

Vegetarian

Difficulty: Easy
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 50 min
Serving: 8
Cost: Low

PRESENTATION

Recipe by
Nicola Sorrentino

When you talk about lactose-free chocolate cake, the Italian pear and chocolate mix is, honestly, a real gem. It’s made with dark chocolate and ripe pears, using soy milk and seed oil instead of dairy. And guess what? It keeps each slice super moist and soft. Italian bakers have been doing fruit cakes forever, and this dairy-free dessert has that classic vibe with just a few tweaks. The pears—beautifully arranged on top—get a glossy, rich finish with a drizzle of melted chocolate.

And here's the thing, the deep cocoa flavor matched with fresh fruit makes every bite feel, well, kinda fancy but not heavy. Seriously good. The natural sweet kick from the pears is just irresistible. In Northern Italy, pear and chocolate are flavors everyone loves, and this pear chocolate cake is totally in line. Perfect for those skipping dairy yet craving something tender and satisfying.

Plus, thanks to the plant-based ingredients, it stays light and fluffy. I mean, it’s easy to forget it’s a lactose-free chocolate cake—it’s really really tasty. Perfect for family gatherings or a weekend treat. It's simple but special. You do not need to be into dairy-free baking to enjoy it, but for those who are, you'll love how it skips any weird aftertastes.

Even compared to some gluten-free chocolate cake recipes, this one really stands out because the pears and chocolate? They blend together super super well. Whether warm from the oven or cooled with a dusting of sugar, it’s a dairy-free dessert that’ll probably become a favorite. It usually disappears fast once served—which is great—and it shows how this Italian classic can delight everyone, no matter their dietary needs. Give it a go, and you’ll see why this recipe is cherished. It’s a taste of Italy that’s really for everyone.

INGREDIENTS

For the dough (for an 8.5-inch mold): Type 00 flour 2 cups (250 g); Abate Fetel pears 5.3 oz (150 g) - (already cleaned); Sugar ¾ cup (150 g); Soy milk ½ cup (100 g) - unsweetened; Eggs 3 - medium; Dark chocolate 1.75 oz (50 g) - lactose-free; Unsweetened cocoa powder ¼ cup (20 g); Sunflower seed oil 4 ½ tbsp (65 g); Baking powder 3 ½ tsp (16 g)

For the topping: Abate Fetel pears 5.3 oz (150 g) - (already peeled); Dark chocolate 1.75 oz (50 g) - lactose-free

Preparation

How to prepare Lactose-free pear and chocolate cake

To prepare the lactose-free pear and chocolate cake, first peel all the pears 1, then cut those for the batter into cubes 2 and those for the topping into thin wedges 3.

Chop the dark chocolate with a knife 4. In a bowl, place the eggs and sugar 5, then beat with an electric mixer 6.

When you have obtained a light and fluffy mixture, gradually add the vegetable oil 7 and soy milk 8, keeping the mixer running. In a separate bowl, sift the flour and baking powder 9.

Sift the cocoa powder as well 10, then add the dry ingredients one tablespoon at a time while mixing with the mixer 11. Continue to work until the dry ingredients are completely absorbed 12.

At this point, add the chopped chocolate 13 and the pear cubes 14 and gently mix with a spatula to incorporate them evenly 15.

Pour the obtained batter into an 8.5-inch diameter mold lined with parchment paper 16. Level the surface and decorate with pear wedges 17, arranging them in a radial pattern 18. Bake in a preheated static oven at 355°F for about 50 minutes. Check the doneness with a toothpick before removing from the oven and let it cool.

In the meantime, melt the chocolate for decoration in the microwave (or in a bain-marie). Once cooled, garnish the surface of the cake with the melted chocolate 20. Your lactose-free pear and chocolate cake is ready to be enjoyed 21!