simple pear cake recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best simple pear cake recipe

I’m so excited to share with you one of my family’s favorite recipes – a simple pear cake that’s perfect for any occasion. This recipe has been passed down from my grandmother, who got it from her mother, and it’s a staple in our household during the holidays.

The combination of sweet pears, moist cake, and a hint of spices is absolute perfection. My kids love helping me in the kitchen, and this recipe is always a hit with them – they can’t get enough of the warm, comforting flavors.

I’ve made this cake for countless family gatherings, potlucks, and even just for a Tuesday night dessert. It’s an easy recipe to follow and always yields delicious results.

The best part? It’s relatively healthy compared to other desserts, making it a guilt-free treat for all of us.

I’ve experimented with different types of pears, but Bartlett or Anjou work beautifully in this recipe. Don’t be afraid to try different spices or flavor combinations to make it your own!

One thing I’ve noticed is that the longer you let the cake sit after baking, the better it tastes – so be patient and let it cool completely before serving.

Simple Pear Cake

Simple Pear Cake

4.6 from 848 votes

This simple pear cake is a moist and tender dessert that highlights the natural sweetness of ripe pears. It comes together quickly with basic pantry ingredients and is perfect for a cozy afternoon treat or a light dessert after dinner.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time40 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time55 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 320 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Cake

2 ripe pears, peeled, cored, and sliced
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup plain yogurt

For the Topping

1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter or nonstick spray and line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.
3In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
4Set this dry mixture aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.
5In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
6Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in the vanilla extract.
7With the mixer on low speed, alternately add the dry ingredients and the yogurt to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients.
8Mix just until combined, being careful not to overmix the batter.
9Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
10Arrange the pear slices in a single layer over the batter, gently pressing them in slightly.
11In a small bowl, stir together the topping sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle this mixture evenly over the pears.
12Bake the cake for 40 to 45 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
13Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.

🔧Equipment

9-inch round cake pan
Mixing bowls
Electric mixer or whisk
Rubber spatula
Cooling rack

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 320 kcal🧈Total Fat: 13g💛Saturated Fat: 8g❤️Cholesterol: 70mg🧂Sodium: 240mg🌾Total Carbs: 47g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 28g🥩Protein: 5g

📝Notes

Tips: Use ripe but firm pears so they hold their shape during baking. If you prefer a less sweet cake, reduce the sugar to 1/2 cup. You can also add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra texture.

Watch Video Of How Simple Pear Cake Works

This simple pear cake is one of those recipes that always works, whether you are hosting a family gathering or just want something nice for a weekday treat. It is easy to put together, uses everyday ingredients, and the pears make it feel a little special without any extra effort.

I have brought this cake to potlucks and holiday dinners, and it always gets compliments, but it is just as good sitting on the counter for a few days. For storage, keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or wrap it well and freeze it for later.

To reheat, just pop a slice in the microwave for about fifteen seconds or warm it in the oven at 300 degrees for a few minutes. Serve it with a drizzle of honey, a dollop of whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert that feels fancy but is truly simple.

This cake is a reliable choice that brings everyone to the table, and I hope it becomes a favorite in your home too.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Pear Cake

Q: What type of pears should I use for this recipe?

In this recipe, you can use any variety of pear you like best. For a more traditional flavor, use Bartlett or Anjou pears – they’re sweet and tender. However, feel free to experiment with other varieties like Bosc or Red Anjou for a slightly different taste.

Q: Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes! To make this cake gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend. Keep in mind that gluten-free flours may behave differently than traditional flours.

Q: How long can I store this cake at room temperature?

This cake will keep at room temperature for up to 3 days. After that, it’s best to store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze it for up to 2 months.

Q: Can I make this cake without nuts?

No problem! Simply omit the chopped walnuts from the recipe if you prefer a nut-free dessert.

Q: What’s the perfect way to serve this cake?

Slice the cake into thick pieces and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. You can also dust it with powdered sugar or cinnamon for added flair.

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