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Spiced pear cake is a delicious fall treat that combines the sweetness of pears with warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom. This moist and flavorful cake is easy to make and perfect for cozy afternoons or special occasions. You’ll love how the tender pear chunks and aromatic spices create a comforting dessert that’s sure to impress your family and friends.
To make this cake, you’ll need ripe pears, butter, sugar, eggs, and a mix of flour and spices. The batter comes together quickly, and the cake bakes up beautifully golden brown. Serve it warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special touch.
Exact Ingredients (+ Possible Substitutes)
Here’s what you’ll need for a delicious spiced pear cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 ripe pears, peeled and chopped
Can’t find some ingredients? Try these swaps:
- Use whole wheat flour for half the all-purpose flour
- Switch out cardamom for nutmeg
- Replace vegetable oil with melted coconut oil
- Swap brown sugar for maple syrup
For a dairy-free version, use plant-based butter. If you’re out of eggs, try 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce instead.
Don’t have fresh pears? Canned pears work too! Just drain and chop them before adding to the batter.
Remember, baking is part science, part art. Feel free to play around with the spices to suit your taste. A pinch of cloves or allspice can add extra warmth to your cake.
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch cake pan and line it with parchment paper.
In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set this dry mix aside.
Cream butter and sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Stir in vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
Peel and chop 2-3 ripe pears. Fold them gently into the batter.
Pour the batter into your prepared pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake for 45-50 minutes. Check if it’s done by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean.
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Dust with powdered sugar before serving. Enjoy your homemade spiced pear cake!
Tips, Tricks & Storing
Get ready to make the best spiced pear cake ever! Here are some handy tips to help you out.
Use ripe pears for the sweetest flavor. If your pears are still firm, let them sit at room temperature for a few days to soften up.
Don’t overmix the batter. Stir just until the ingredients are combined to keep your cake light and fluffy.
Try these yummy add-ins: • Chopped walnuts or pecans • Raisins or dried cranberries • A sprinkle of rolled oats on top
Want to jazz up the spice blend? Add a pinch of cardamom or ginger for extra warmth.
To store your cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or put it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh at room temperature for 2-3 days.
For longer storage, pop it in the fridge for up to a week. Just bring it to room temperature before eating.
You can even freeze slices for up to 3 months. Wrap them well and thaw in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to enjoy.