The Juiciest Pear Cake Recipe for Your Sweet Tooth

Baking a delightful pear cake can transport you to a cozy autumn afternoon with its warm, comforting flavors.

Soft, ripe pears nestle gently into a tender crumb, creating a dessert that feels like a sweet embrace.

Subtle spices dance through each slice, promising a moment of pure culinary joy.

Seasonal ingredients come together in this simple yet elegant treat that celebrates the natural sweetness of fruit.

Home bakers will find this recipe approachable and rewarding, with minimal fuss and maximum satisfaction.

Aromas of cinnamon and caramelized pears will fill your kitchen, beckoning everyone to the table.

You’ll want to savor every delectable bite of this irresistible cake.

Ways To Customize Nigella Pear Cake

• Gluten-Free Pear Cake: Replace wheat flour with almond or rice flour for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Pear Delight: Substitute butter with coconut oil, eggs with flax eggs, and use plant-based milk.
• Spiced Autumn Variation: Add cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom to enhance the warm, seasonal flavors.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar, and reduce overall sweetness.

What Goes With Nigella Pear Cake

• Pair with Creamy Delight: Serve a dollop of vanilla bean ice cream alongside the warm pear cake, letting the cold, smooth cream melt gently against the soft, spiced cake.
• Sip Complementary Beverage: Enjoy a steaming mug of Earl Grey tea with a hint of bergamot, its citrusy notes perfectly balancing the cake's sweet almond and pear flavors.
• Enhance with Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle toasted sliced almonds over the cake to add a delightful textural contrast and amplify the existing almond notes in the dessert.
• Create Wine Harmony: Select a glass of late-harvest Riesling, whose gentle sweetness and subtle acidity will beautifully complement the cake's fruity and nutty undertones.

How To Store Nigella Pear Cake Properly

• Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
• Wrap the cooled cake in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Keep the cake at room temperature in a sealed container for 1-2 days. Place a piece of bread inside to maintain moisture.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Alternatively, reheat in a preheated oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes to restore freshness.

FAQs On Nigella Pear Cake

• Can I use other fruits instead of pears?

Yes, you can substitute pears with apples, plums, or peaches while keeping similar slicing and arrangement techniques.

• Do I need special equipment to make this cake?

No, just a standard round cake tin, wire rack, mixing bowls, and basic baking tools will work perfectly.

• Is ground almond necessary for the recipe?

Ground almonds add richness and texture, but you can substitute with almond flour or skip it for a lighter cake if needed.

• How do I know if the cake is fully baked?

Insert a skewer or toothpick into the center – if it comes out clean with no wet batter, the cake is done baking.

Why Nigella Pear Cake Is A Sweet And Fruity Treat

• Savor Seasonal Delight: Capture the essence of autumn with this pear-packed cake that transforms simple ingredients into a stunning dessert perfect for cozy gatherings.
• Master Simple Baking: Designed for bakers of all skill levels, this recipe guides you through straightforward steps, ensuring success even for novice home cooks with minimal baking experience.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for multiple occasions from afternoon tea to elegant dinner parties, this cake impresses guests while being surprisingly uncomplicated to prepare.
• Nutritious Indulgence: Packed with wholesome ingredients like almonds and fresh pears, this dessert offers a healthier alternative to traditional sugary treats, providing both flavor and nutritional value.

Nigella Pear Cake Ingredient List

• Pears: Ripe and sweet pears that provide natural moisture and fruity flavor to the cake.

• All-Purpose Flour, Baking Powder: Standard cake base that helps create a light and fluffy texture.
• Ground Almonds: Adds nutty richness and enhances the cake's depth of flavor.

• Butter: Creates a rich and creamy base for the cake.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with caramelization.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients and contribute to the cake's structure.
• Vanilla: Adds warm, classic flavor to complement the pears.
• Lemon Zest: Introduces a bright, citrusy note that balances the sweetness.

Steps To Make Nigella Pear Cake

Step 1: Prepare Baking Equipment

Grab a round cake tin and generously grease its interior. Line the bottom with parchment paper to ensure easy cake removal. Set your oven to preheat at 350°F (175°C).

Step 2: Prepare Pears

Carefully peel the pears, remove their cores, and slice them into thin, elegant pieces. Set the pear slices aside for later use in the cake decoration.

Step 3: Create Dry Ingredient Mixture

In a small mixing bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder until well combined and smooth. This will help create a light and fluffy cake texture.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using an electric mixer or whisk, blend butter and sugar in a large bowl until the mixture becomes light, creamy, and fluffy. This process incorporates air and creates a smooth base for the cake.

Step 5: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Incorporate eggs one at a time into the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Pour in vanilla extract and mix thoroughly to enhance the cake’s flavor profile.

Step 6: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually fold the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently to maintain the cake’s airiness. Mix until just combined to prevent overmixing.

Step 7: Incorporate Almonds and Zest

Gently stir in ground almonds and freshly grated lemon zest, distributing them evenly throughout the batter for added texture and brightness.

Step 8: Assemble the Cake

Pour the prepared batter into the prepared cake tin, spreading it evenly. Artfully arrange the prepared pear slices on top of the batter in a decorative pattern.

Step 9: Bake the Cake

Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a skewer into the center – it should come out clean when the cake is fully baked.

Step 10: Cool and Serve

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Carefully transfer to a wire rack to complete cooling. Slice and serve this delightful pear cake.

Helpful Tips For Nigella Pear Cake

• Slice Pears Precisely: Cut pears uniformly thin to ensure even baking and a beautiful presentation across the cake surface.
• Prevent Sinking Fruit: Toss pear slices in a light dusting of flour before arranging to help them stay suspended in the cake batter.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Bring butter, eggs, and other dairy to room temperature for smoother mixing and better cake texture.
• Almond Enhancement: Toast ground almonds lightly before adding to intensify their nutty flavor and add depth to the cake.
• Check Doneness Smartly: Use the skewer test near the cake's center, ensuring it comes out clean with no wet batter clinging to it.

Pear Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 55-60 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Delightful Pear Cake brings Italian countryside charm to your dessert table, blending ripe fruit with warm spices. Moist, fragrant slices promise a sweet escape that will transport you to sun-drenched orchards with each heavenly bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 ripe pears
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup ground almonds

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 lemon

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Instructions

1. Prepare a round cake tin by greasing and lining with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Set oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) to ensure proper baking environment.
3. Carefully remove pear skin and core, then slice into delicate, uniform thin pieces.
4. In a separate bowl, thoroughly combine flour and baking powder, ensuring even distribution.
5. Using an electric mixer, blend butter and sugar until light, airy, and creamy in texture.
6. Incorporate eggs individually into the butter mixture, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
7. Gently fold vanilla extract into the batter, creating a smooth and fragrant base.
8. Gradually introduce the flour mixture, stirring carefully to maintain a consistent texture.
9. Fold ground almonds and lemon zest into the batter, distributing flavors evenly.
10. Transfer batter to prepared cake tin, spreading it smoothly and leveling the surface.
11. Artfully arrange pear slices on top of the batter, creating an attractive pattern.
12. Place cake in preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes until a testing skewer emerges clean.
13. Allow cake to rest in the tin for 10 minutes to stabilize its structure.
14. Carefully transfer cake to a wire rack, letting it cool completely before serving.

Notes

• Choose ripe but firm pears for the best texture and flavor in your cake.
• Slice pears uniformly to ensure even baking and a beautiful presentation.
• Toast ground almonds briefly before adding to enhance their nutty aroma and depth of flavor.
• Dust the cake with powdered sugar or serve with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: European

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 295 kcal
• Sugar: 21 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 17 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg