Nothing says cozy quite like the aroma of a freshly baked pear cake wafting through your kitchen. This fragrant dessert strikes the perfect balance between rustic charm and elegant simplicity, making it ideal for everything from weeknight treats to special celebrations. With tender slices of fresh pears, warm spices, and a honey-sweetened batter, this cake is as beautiful as it is delicious. Bonus: it’s easy to whip up, no matter your baking skill level.
Why You’ll Love This Pear Cake Recipe
- Perfectly Moist: Thanks to the addition of honey and milk, this pear cake has a tender, moist crumb.
- Seasonal Ingredients: Fresh pears steal the show, offering natural sweetness and a delicate texture.
- Customizable: Whether you prefer dairy-free milk or want to swap cardamom for ginger, this recipe adapts beautifully.
- Minimal Ingredients: All you need are pantry staples, fresh pears, and a few simple garnishes for a show-stopping dessert.
Ingredients for Pear Cake
For the Cake Batter:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base for a light and tender crumb.
- 1 tsp baking powder: Ensures the cake rises perfectly.
- Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness.
- 1 tsp ground cardamom: Adds a unique, aromatic spice.
- 1 tsp ground nutmeg: Enhances the warmth of the flavors.
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon: For that classic cozy touch.
- ½ cup butter, softened: Brings richness and moisture.
- ⅔ cup honey: A natural sweetener for a subtle, floral note.
- 2 large eggs: For structure and a fluffy texture.
- 1 cup milk (or dairy-free alternative): Ensures a moist batter.
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract: A flavor-enhancing classic.
For the Topping:
- 2 fresh pears, thinly sliced: Choose ripe but firm pears for the best texture.
- 1 tbsp melted butter: Adds richness and helps the topping caramelize.
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar: Creates a sweet, slightly crunchy finish.
- ½ cup sliced almonds: For a nutty, toasty crunch.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cardamom, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream the Wet Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and honey until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the milk and vanilla extract.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir just until combined—overmixing can make the cake dense.
Step 5: Prepare the Topping
- In a large bowl, toss together the spiced pears with the sugar, melted butter and sliced almonds.
- Arrange the sliced pears in an overlapping circular pattern on top of the batter. Sprinkle the remaining sugar and almonds for a caramelized, nutty finish.
Step 6: Bake
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top. Bake for 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Pro Tips for Perfect Pear Cake
Choosing Pears: Bartlett or Anjou pears work beautifully in this recipe, but any variety will do as long as they’re ripe yet firm.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Bring your butter, eggs, and milk to room temperature for a smoother batter and better rise.
Customize the Spices: Not a fan of cardamom? Swap it for ginger or simply double the cinnamon.
Pan Alternatives: If you don’t have a 9-inch round pan, a bundt or loaf pan will also work—just adjust the baking time accordingly.
Hosting Tips: Serve Pear Cake Like a Pro
This pear cake is a standout dessert on its own, but here are some ideas to make it the star of your gathering:
- Pair with a Drink: Serve with this Spiced Apple Cider, my Bourbon Mulled Wine, or a latte for ultimate coziness.
- Add a Topping Bar: Offer a spread of toppings like whipped cream, caramel sauce, or toasted pecans for guests to customize their slices.
- Make It Ahead: Bake the cake a day in advance—its flavors only get better with time.
Why Pear Cake is the Perfect for a Fall or Winter Dessert
From the natural sweetness of the pears to the warming spices, this cake embodies everything we love about the cooler months. It’s a versatile recipe that transitions seamlessly from casual family meals to holiday dinner parties. Plus, it’s easy to make and guaranteed to impress.
FAQ
Other Cake Recipes You’ll Love
- The Best Apple Cake Recipe
- Blood Orange Yogurt Cake
- Pumpkin Walnut and Cranberry Cake
- Orange, Rosemary and Chocolate Bundt Cake
- Lemon Zucchini Cake With Sweet Lemon Glaze
- Lemon Olive Oil Cake
Final Thoughts
This pear cake recipe is proof that simple ingredients can create something truly spectacular. Whether you’re baking for yourself or hosting a crowd, this dessert is bound to become a favorite. Don’t forget to share your creations with me on social media—I love seeing how you make this recipe your own!
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Spiced Pear and Honey Cake
This fragrant dessert strikes the perfect balance between rustic charm and elegant simplicity, making it ideal for everything from weeknight treats to special celebrations. With tender slices of fresh pears, warm spices, and a honey-sweetened batter, this cake is as beautiful as it is delicious.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powde
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tsp ground cardamom
- 1 tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ cup butter, softened
- ⅔ cup honey:
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 2 fresh pears, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp melted butter
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- ½ cup sliced almonds
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cardamom, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and honey until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the milk and vanilla extract.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir just until combined—overmixing can make the cake dense.
- In a large bowl, toss together the spiced pears with the sugar, melted butter and sliced almonds.
- Arrange the sliced pears in an overlapping circular pattern on top of the batter. Sprinkle the remaining sugar and almonds for a caramelized, nutty finish.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top. Bake for 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Notes
From the natural sweetness of the pears to the warming spices, this cake embodies everything we love about the cooler months. It’s a versatile recipe that transitions seamlessly from casual family meals to holiday dinner parties. Plus, it’s easy to make and guaranteed to impress.
Christopher is a food and lifestyle expert, recipe developer and the content creator behind May Eighty Five. With over 6 years of creating recipes for your favourite food brands, he also shares tips, tricks and how to’s that he has learnt over the years. Every week, he shares quick, simple and mostly healthy recipes along with some home and entertaining tips. You will find flavorful cocktails, delicious appetizers, tasty mains and some indulgent desserts.
