Rich Chocolate Pear Delight

Step 1:
Begin by preheating your oven to 190°C (fan 170°C/gas mark 5). While that’s heating up, take a shallow ovenproof dish (about 20 x 30cm) and lightly grease it with a bit of butter to ensure your pudding doesn’t stick. In a large saucepan, add 200g of butter. Set it over low heat, stirring occasionally until the butter melts completely. Once it’s melted, take it off the heat and mix in 300g of golden caster sugar until the two are well blended and the mixture is smooth.

Step 2:
In a separate bowl, crack open 4 large eggs and whisk them until they’re fully mixed. Gradually pour the egg mixture into the buttery sugar blend, adding a little at a time and mixing well with a wooden spoon after each addition. This gradual process helps keep the batter smooth and prevents curdling. After the eggs are combined, sift in 75g of plain flour and 50g of cocoa powder directly into the bowl. Mix vigorously with the wooden spoon until you achieve a thick, uniform batter without lumps.

Step 3:
Pour the chocolate batter into your prepared dish, spreading it out evenly. Take 410g of peeled and sliced Lidl pears and gently press them into the batter, ensuring they are well distributed. Next, chop 100g of dark chocolate into chunky pieces (about 1.5cm) and scatter them over the top of the batter. This will create pockets of melty chocolate throughout the pudding. If you like a bit of crunch, sprinkle on 25g of flaked almonds as well. If you’re not baking it right away, feel free to cover and freeze the dish at this point.

Step 4:
Slide the dish into the center of your preheated oven and let it bake for about 30 minutes. You’re aiming for a surface that’s crusty with a soft, gooey center. Keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking; you want that perfect molten texture! When it’s done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.

To serve, cut into generous portions and enjoy warm with a drizzle of cream or a scoop of ice cream. The combination of rich chocolate, tender pears, and creamy accompaniments makes for an unforgettable dessert experience. Enjoy every decadent bite!