Pear & Ginger Cake

Short Description

This Pear & Ginger Cake is a moist, tender cake that balances the natural sweetness of ripe pears with the warm spice of ginger. It makes a comforting treat for tea time or an elegant dessert for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The pears bake into the cake, giving it a delicate sweetness and moist texture.

• Fresh ginger adds a subtle but vibrant warmth that elevates the flavor.

• It is simple to prepare but feels indulgent and special.

• Works equally well as a dessert with cream or as a stand-alone cake with tea.

• Can be made ahead, and the flavors deepen over time.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Unsalted butter

• Granulated sugar

• Eggs

• All-purpose flour

• Baking powder

• Salt

• Fresh ginger, grated

• Ground spices (optional: cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom)

• Ripe pears, peeled and sliced

• Yogurt or sour cream (for moisture, optional)

• Vanilla extract (optional)

• Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 °F (180 °C). Grease and line a 9-inch round or springform cake pan.

2. Cream together butter and sugar until pale and fluffy.

3. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla if using.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, salt, and spices.

5. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with yogurt or sour cream if using.

6. Stir in freshly grated ginger.

7. Spread the batter into the prepared pan and arrange sliced pears on top, pressing them lightly into the mixture.

8. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.

9. Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Servings and timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Bake Time: 40–45 minutes

• Total Time: About 1 hour

• Servings: 8 slices

Variations

• Make an upside-down version by placing pears at the base of the pan and inverting after baking.

• Add chopped nuts such as almonds, walnuts, or pecans for crunch.

• Swap pears for apples or a mix of the two for a different flavor profile.

• Replace yogurt with plant-based alternatives and use flax eggs for a vegan version.

• Add a drizzle of caramel sauce or whipped cream for serving.

storage/reheating

• Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

• Refrigeration extends freshness to 5 days, though the texture may firm slightly.

• Freeze slices individually wrapped for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature before serving.

• To reheat, warm slices in the oven at 300 °F (150 °C) for 5–7 minutes or in the microwave for 15–20 seconds.

FAQs

1. Can I use canned pears instead of fresh?

Yes, but drain them well and pat dry before use to prevent excess moisture.

2. What type of pears work best?

Bosc, Bartlett, or Conference pears are ideal because they hold their shape when baked.

3. Can I use ground ginger instead of fresh?

Yes, but the flavor will be milder. Use about 1 to 1½ teaspoons ground ginger.

4. How do I know when the cake is done?

A skewer inserted in the center should come out clean or with only a few moist crumbs.

5. Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, substitute with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.

6. Can I prepare it in advance?

Absolutely, the flavors often intensify by the next day.

7. Can I add other fruits?

Yes, apples, plums, or even berries can be added alongside or instead of pears.

8. How do I keep the cake moist?

Do not overbake, and consider adding yogurt, sour cream, or an extra pear for moisture.

9. Can I serve this cake warm?

Yes, it is delicious served slightly warm with cream, ice cream, or custard.

10. What is the best topping for this cake?

Powdered sugar, caramel drizzle, whipped cream, or a dollop of mascarpone all pair beautifully.

Conclusion

Pear & Ginger Cake is a delightful fusion of fruity sweetness and warming spice, offering a simple yet elegant dessert that suits any season. With its tender crumb and aromatic flavor, it is a versatile cake that you can enjoy plain, dressed up with toppings, or adapted with variations to suit your taste.

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