Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Super Moist Pear Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the natural sweetness of ripe pears with warm spices and a tender crumb. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether enjoyed as a snack, dessert, or a morning treat with a cup of coffee or tea. The addition of cinnamon and lemon zest enhances the flavor, while the brown sugar topping adds a touch of sweetness and texture. This easy-to-make cake is sure to become a family favorite!

Super Moist Pear Cake

Ingredients

For the Cake:

2¼ cups all-purpose flour, sifted
1½ cups granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
⅓ cup vegetable oil
3 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
4 large eggs
½ cup whole milk
3 ripe pears, peeled and thinly sliced
¼ cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons powdered sugar (for dusting)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line the bottom of a 10-inch round springform pan with parchment paper.
Prepare the Pears: Peel and thinly slice the pears. Set them aside.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until well combined, about 1 minute. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and lemon zest (if using).
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the sifted flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk and vegetable oil. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; do not overmix. The batter should be thick.
Assemble the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Arrange the sliced pears evenly over the top of the batter. Sprinkle the brown sugar and ground cinnamon over the pears.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 55 minutes to 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, cover the cake loosely with aluminum foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.
Cool: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, remove the sides of the springform pan and allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack.
Serve: Once cooled, dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55–60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

Spiced Pear Cake: Add ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg to the dry ingredients for an extra layer of spice.
Nutty Pear Cake: Fold in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter before baking.
Vegan Version: Substitute the eggs with flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water = 1 egg) and use plant-based milk and butter alternatives.

Storage/Reheating

Room Temperature: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Refrigeration: For longer storage, refrigerate the cake for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
Freezing: Wrap slices of the cake in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

FAQs

Can I use canned pears instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use canned pears. Ensure they are well-drained and patted dry to remove excess moisture.

Is it necessary to peel the pears?

Yes, peeling the pears ensures a smooth texture in the cake and prevents any tough skins from affecting the final product.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the blend includes xanthan gum or add it separately to help with structure.

How can I make the cake dairy-free?

Use dairy-free butter and milk alternatives, such as almond milk or oat milk, to replace the dairy ingredients.

Can I add other fruits to the cake?

Yes, you can add other fruits like apples or berries. Adjust the sugar content if the fruits are particularly sweet or tart.

How do I prevent the pears from sinking to the bottom?

Toss the sliced pears in a small amount of flour before adding them to the batter. This helps suspend them evenly throughout the cake.

Can I use a different pan size?

Yes, you can use a different pan size, but be aware that this may affect the baking time. Adjust accordingly and check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake.

How do I know when the cake is done?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is done.

Can I frost this cake?

While the cake is moist and flavorful on its own, you can frost it with a cream cheese frosting or a simple glaze if desired.

Is this cake suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this cake is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat or meat-derived ingredients.

Conclusion

The Super Moist Pear Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the natural sweetness of ripe pears with warm spices and a tender crumb. It’s perfect for any occasion and can be customized to suit various dietary preferences. Whether enjoyed as a snack, dessert, or a morning treat with a cup of coffee or tea, this cake is sure to impress.