Pear Cake

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Pear Cake

Our pear cake is soft, moist, fruity, and easy to make. This delightful dessert requires just 7 simple ingredients, making it a breeze to whip up. It’s perfect for various occasions—be it a casual snack, a breakfast treat, or a special dessert for gatherings. Once you try it, you’ll discover that there’s no other way to enjoy pear cake!

Pear Cake
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and Easy: With just a few steps and minimal prep time, this cake can be made in under an hour.
  • Deliciously Fruity: The combination of fresh pears and warm cinnamon creates a comforting flavor that everyone loves.
  • Versatile Serving Options: Perfect as a dessert after dinner or enjoyed with coffee in the morning.
  • Simple Ingredients: You only need basic pantry staples and fresh pears to create this delicious treat.
  • Perfect for Sharing: With enough servings for ten slices, it’s ideal for family gatherings or potlucks.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start, gather your tools for an efficient cooking experience. Having the right equipment makes baking easier and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups
  • Whisk
  • Baking pan (9×13 inch)
  • Knife (for cutting pears)
  • Oven

Importance of Each Tool

  • Mixing bowl: Essential for combining your ingredients smoothly without spills.
  • Measuring cups: Accurate measurements ensure consistent results every time you bake.
  • Baking pan: A sturdy pan helps the cake bake evenly and achieve the perfect texture.

Ingredients

For the Cake

  • 1 cup milk (we use unsweetened soy milk)
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • ¼ cup vegetable oil (we use canola or sunflower oil)
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract (optional)
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 pound pears
  • 3 small pears
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons sugar

For Garnish

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
Pear

How to Make Pear Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the cake bakes evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Pears

  1. Wash and peel the pears.
  2. Cut them into small pieces.
  3. Set aside while you prepare the batter.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a mixing bowl:
1. Combine milk, sugar, vegetable oil, and optional vanilla extract.
2. Whisk until well blended.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl:
1. Mix together flour, baking powder, and cinnamon.
2. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients until just combined.

Step 5: Fold in Pears

Gently fold in the prepared pear pieces into your batter. Be careful not to overmix; you want chunks of pear throughout.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

  1. Pour the batter into a greased baking pan.
  2. Sprinkle with additional sugar on top for a sweet crust if desired.
  3. Bake in the preheated oven for about 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Once baked, let your pear cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Slice and enjoy warm or at room temperature!

How to Serve Pear Cake

Serving pear cake can elevate your dessert experience. This delightful treat pairs wonderfully with various accompaniments and presentations.

With Whipped Cream

  • A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light, airy texture and balances the sweetness.

Ice Cream Scoop

  • Serve warm slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a comforting contrast of flavors and temperatures.

Dusting of Powdered Sugar

  • A light dusting of powdered sugar can enhance the presentation and add a touch of sweetness without overwhelming the dish.

Fresh Fruit Garnish

  • Top your pear cake with sliced fresh pears or berries for added color and freshness, making it visually appealing.

Caramel Sauce Drizzle

  • Drizzling warm caramel sauce over your slice introduces a rich, buttery flavor that complements the pears nicely.

How to Perfect Pear Cake

Perfecting your pear cake is all about attention to detail and following some simple tips.

  • Choose ripe pears: Using ripe, juicy pears will enhance the flavor and moisture in your cake.

  • Sift dry ingredients: Sifting flour and baking powder helps incorporate air, resulting in a lighter, fluffier texture.

  • Don’t overmix batter: Mix until just combined to avoid developing gluten, which can make the cake dense.

  • Test for doneness: Use a toothpick inserted into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

  • Let it cool properly: Allow your cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack for even cooling.

Pear

Best Side Dishes for Pear Cake

Pairing side dishes with pear cake can enhance its flavors and create a well-rounded meal. Here are some delightful options to consider:

  1. Greek Yogurt Parfait
    A creamy Greek yogurt parfait layered with granola and fresh fruit complements the sweetness of the pear cake nicely.

  2. Mixed Green Salad
    A light salad with mixed greens, nuts, and vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the cake.

  3. Cheese Platter
    A selection of cheeses like brie or goat cheese provides savory notes that balance the sweet elements of the pear cake.

  4. Herbed Biscotti
    Crunchy herbed biscotti make an excellent pairing, adding texture and flavor that enhances your dessert experience.

  5. Chai Tea
    The warm spices in chai tea harmonize beautifully with the cinnamon in your cake, creating a cozy beverage option.

  6. Chocolate Fondue
    Chocolate fondue allows guests to dip slices of pear cake into melted chocolate, adding indulgence to your serving options.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making pear cake can be a rewarding experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are some mistakes to avoid:

  • Skipping the ripeness test: Using underripe pears can lead to a dense and less flavorful cake. Always ensure your pears are ripe for the best taste and texture.

  • Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can make the cake tough. Stir until ingredients just combine for a light and fluffy pear cake.

  • Ignoring oven temperature: Not preheating your oven properly can cause uneven baking. Always preheat your oven to ensure that your pear cake cooks evenly.

  • Not measuring ingredients accurately: Inaccurate measurements can ruin the balance of flavors. Use measuring cups and spoons for precise ingredient amounts.

  • Forgetting to grease the pan: Skipping this step may result in a cake that sticks to the pan. Always grease your baking pan well to ensure easy removal.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

  • Store leftover pear cake in an airtight container.
  • It will keep well in the fridge for up to 5 days.
  • For best results, place parchment paper between layers if stacking.

Freezing Pear Cake

  • Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
  • Store in a freezer-safe bag or container.
  • It can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing flavor.

Reheating Pear Cake

  • Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat slices for about 10-15 minutes.
  • Microwave: Heat individual slices for 20-30 seconds until warm.
  • Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat for about 5 minutes, flipping once.
Pear

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best type of pears for pear cake?

Bartlett and Bosc pears are ideal choices due to their sweetness and softness when baked, enhancing the overall flavor of your pear cake.

Can I substitute other fruits in this pear cake?

Yes! You can try using apples or peaches if you want variety. Just adjust the sugar based on the fruit’s sweetness.

How do I know when my pear cake is done?

A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few crumbs attached. If it comes out wet, give it more time in the oven.

Can I make this pear cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking, and you’ll have a delicious gluten-free pear cake.

Final Thoughts

This pear cake recipe is not only soft and moist but also incredibly versatile. It serves as a delightful snack, breakfast option, or dessert for any occasion. Feel free to customize it with spices like nutmeg or add nuts for extra crunch. Try this easy recipe today—you’ll love how simple it is to create such a fruity treat!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Pear Cake

Pear Cake


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  • Author: Jennifer
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: Approximately 10 servings 1x

Description

Indulge in the delightful experience of our moist and fruity pear cake, perfect for any occasion. This easy-to-make dessert requires just seven simple ingredients, making it an ideal choice for an afternoon snack, breakfast treat, or a show-stopping dessert at gatherings. The combination of tender pears and warm cinnamon creates a comforting flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy warm slices with whipped cream, ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel for an extra special touch. With its simple preparation and delicious results, this pear cake is sure to become a family favorite.


Ingredients

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  • 1 cup unsweetened soy milk
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • ¼ cup vegetable oil (canola or sunflower)
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 pound ripe pears
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Prepare pears: wash, peel, and cut into small pieces.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine milk, sugar, oil, and vanilla extract; whisk until blended.
  4. In another bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and cinnamon; gradually add to wet mixture until just combined.
  5. Fold in pear pieces gently.
  6. Pour batter into greased 9×13 inch baking pan; sprinkle with sugar if desired.
  7. Bake for about 50 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.
  8. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 14g
  • Sodium: 105mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 34g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

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