Pear Cake

Our pear cake is a delightful treat that brings together the soft, moist texture of fresh pears and the sweetness of sugar. Perfect for any occasion, whether as a snack, breakfast, or dessert, this easy-to-make cake will impress your family and friends. With only seven simple ingredients, you’ll find it hard to resist making this pear-packed dessert again and again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simplicity: With just 7 ingredients, this recipe is incredibly straightforward, making it perfect for bakers of all levels.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of juicy pears and warm cinnamon creates a mouthwatering flavor profile that everyone will adore.
• Versatile Option: This pear cake can be enjoyed at any time of day—whether it’s breakfast, a midday snack, or a sweet ending to dinner.
• Moist Texture: Thanks to the pears and oil, every slice is guaranteed to be soft and moist.
• Quick Preparation: In just 60 minutes total time, you can have a delicious cake ready to serve.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your pear cake, gather the necessary tools and ensure your kitchen is ready for action.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Baking pan

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining wet and dry ingredients; a large bowl prevents spills during mixing.
• Whisk: Ideal for incorporating air into the batter, ensuring a light texture in your cake.
• Baking pan: The right size pan ensures even baking and helps shape your pear cake perfectly.

Ingredients

For the Cake Base

• 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

For the Pears

• 1 pound pears
• 3 small pears

For Flavoring

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons sugar

How to Make Pear Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven

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

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

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

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl:
1. Mix together the flour, baking powder, and cinnamon.
2. Stir well to ensure an even distribution of ingredients.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients:
Stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; some lumps are okay.

Step 5: Prepare the Pears

While mixing:
1. Peel and chop the pears into bite-sized pieces.
2. Gently fold the chopped pears into the batter.

Step 6: Bake Your Cake

Pour the batter into a greased baking pan:
1. Sprinkle with an additional 2 tablespoons of sugar on top for added sweetness.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for about 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Now you have a delicious pear cake ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Pear Cake

Pear cake is a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether it’s a cozy family gathering or a fancy dinner party, serving it right can elevate the experience.

Pair with Whipped Cream

• Serve slices of pear cake topped with freshly whipped cream for a light and airy addition that complements the sweetness of the pears.

Add Ice Cream

• A scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream adds a creamy texture and enhances the flavors of your pear cake, making it an indulgent treat.

Drizzle with Caramel Sauce

• A warm caramel sauce drizzled over each slice creates a rich and decadent experience, perfect for special occasions.

Serve with Fresh Fruit

• Fresh berries or sliced apples alongside pear cake not only add color but also provide a refreshing contrast to the moist cake.

Enjoy with Coffee or Tea

• Pairing your pear cake with a cup of coffee or tea makes for a delightful afternoon snack, enhancing the flavors beautifully.

How to Perfect Pear Cake

To ensure your pear cake turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Choose ripe pears: Use ripe pears for natural sweetness and moisture in your cake. Overripe pears can make your cake too mushy.

• Measure accurately: Be precise with your measurements to achieve the right texture. Too much flour can lead to a dense cake.

• Don’t overmix: Mix the batter just until combined. Overmixing can result in a tough texture.

• Test doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, your pear cake is ready. This ensures you avoid underbaking or overbaking.

Best Side Dishes for Pear Cake

Pairing side dishes with pear cake can enhance your dining experience. Here are some great options:

1. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses like Brie and goat cheese offers a savory contrast to the sweetness of pear cake.

2. Mixed Greens Salad: A simple salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the dessert while adding freshness.

3. Roasted Nuts: Almonds or walnuts bring crunch and flavor that complement the soft texture of pear cake.

4. Fruit Compote: A warm fruit compote made from seasonal fruits pairs well and adds an extra layer of flavor.

5. Yogurt Parfait: Layered yogurt with granola and fresh fruits makes for a healthy side that contrasts nicely with sweet desserts.

6. Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling chocolate sauce on top provides an indulgent touch that chocolate lovers will appreciate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking a pear cake can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Incorrect pear ripeness – Using pears that are too firm or overripe can affect texture. Choose ripe but firm pears for the best flavor.
• Measuring ingredients inaccurately – Not measuring flour or sugar correctly can lead to a dense or overly sweet cake. Use a kitchen scale for best results.
• Overmixing the batter – Mixing too much can make the cake tough. Stir just until the ingredients are combined for a soft texture.
• Skipping the cooling time – Cutting into the cake while it’s hot can make it fall apart. Allow it to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before transferring.
• Not adjusting baking time – Each oven is different; not checking for doneness can result in under- or over-baked cake. Use a toothpick to test at about 45 minutes.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store pear cake in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Pear Cake

• Wrap slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container.
• Frozen pear cake can last up to 3 months.

Reheating Pear Cake

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and reheat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave – Heat individual slices on medium power for about 30 seconds or until warm.
• Stovetop – Place slices in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making pear cake.

How do I make my Pear Cake more flavorful?

Adding spices like nutmeg or ginger can enhance flavor. Also, consider using flavored extracts like almond.

Can I use other fruits instead of pears?

Yes! Apples or peaches work well as substitutes in this recipe.

What is the best way to serve Pear Cake?

Serve it plain, with whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence.

How do I know when my Pear Cake is done?

Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, your cake is ready!

Final Thoughts

This pear cake is not only moist and delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion. You can easily customize it by adding nuts or spices. Give this easy recipe a try—you’ll love how simple it is to make!