This Pear Cake is a delightful and moist treat that’s bursting with the natural sweetness of ripe pears. The cake is enriched with a touch of vanilla and features a lovely pear compote folded into the batter, adding both flavor and texture. Topped with a light sprinkle of sugar for a slight crunch, this cake is perfect for any occasion, from a cozy afternoon tea to a special dessert after dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
You’ll love this Pear Cake because it’s simple to make yet full of flavor and texture. The ripe pears bring a natural sweetness and moisture to the cake, making it incredibly soft and tender. The combination of creamy butter and a hint of vanilla enhances the pear’s delicate flavor, while the homemade pear compote adds a delightful surprise in every bite. This cake is perfect for pear lovers and is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
Perfect Occasion:
This Pear Cake is perfect for serving at brunch, as a light dessert after dinner, or as a sweet treat with your afternoon coffee or tea. Its subtle sweetness and moist texture make it a versatile cake that’s suitable for any time of day. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself, this cake is a lovely way to showcase the natural goodness of pears.
Decoration Tips:
For a beautiful presentation, dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a splash of lemon juice. You can also arrange thin slices of pear on top before baking for an elegant look. Serve slices with a spoonful of the remaining pear compote on the side for an extra burst of flavor and a rustic touch.
Ingredients:
- 200 g all-purpose flour
- 100 g granulated sugar
- 5 ripe pears
- 100 g unsalted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
- Extra sugar for sprinkling
For the Pear Compote:
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 4 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
Instructions:
- Prepare the Pear Compote:
- Peel the pears and cut one of them into small cubes.
- Place the pear cubes in a small saucepan with the lemon juice, 4 tablespoons of sugar, and cornstarch.
- Cook over low heat for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pears are soft and the mixture has thickened. Allow the compote to cool.
- Prepare the Cake Batter:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and flour a 21 x 9 cm loaf pan.
- In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and 100 g of sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Incorporate 1 cup of the cooled pear compote and the vanilla extract into the batter.
- Sift the flour with the baking powder and salt, and gradually fold into the batter in two additions, mixing gently with a spatula until just combined.
- Assemble and Bake the Cake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Sprinkle the top with 2 tablespoons of sugar for a sweet, crunchy crust.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve:
- Slice the cake and serve with the remaining pear compote on the side.
Enjoy!
This Pear Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of sweet, tender pears and a light, buttery cake is simply irresistible.