Super Moist Pear Cake
A delightful autumn-inspired cake filled with juicy pears and infused with cinnamon and vanilla, perfect for family gatherings or afternoon tea.
Ingredients
Cake Batter Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups cake or all-purpose flour, sifted Sifted to ensure lightness
- 1 ½ cups fine granulated white sugar Provides sweetness
- ½ cup soft, unsalted butter Adds richness and moisture
- ⅓ cup canola oil or vegetable oil For perfect texture
- 3 teaspoons baking powder Gives the cake a delightful rise
- 1-2 tablespoons vanilla extract Infuses the cake with warmth
- 4 large eggs Binds the mixture and adds structure
- ½ cup whole fat milk Contributes to the tender crumb
- ⅛ teaspoon salt Balances flavors
Topping Ingredients
- 3 ripe pears, peeled and thinly sliced Bringing natural sweetness and moisture
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional) Brightens the overall taste
- 2 tablespoons confectioner sugar For dusting
- ¼ cup brown sugar For topping, offers a caramelized crunch
- ¾ teaspoon cinnamon For topping, enhances warmth and depth
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Peel and slice the pears.
Mixing Batter
- In the bowl of an electric mixer, whip together the sugar and butter for about 1 minute until creamy.
- Add vanilla extract, optional lemon zest, and eggs, mixing on high for 1-2 minutes until the batter is pale and fluffy.
- Incorporate baking powder, sifted flour, and salt, mixing on medium speed for about a minute.
- Gradually add milk and oil while mixing on low speed until the batter is thick and creamy.
Baking Cake
- Prepare a 10 x 3 inch round springform pan by lining with parchment paper and greasing the edges.
- Pour the batter into the pan and spread evenly.
- Spread the sliced pears decoratively over the batter and sprinkle with cinnamon and brown sugar.
- Bake for about 1 hour, checking for doneness with a skewer.
Finishing Touches
- Let the cake cool under a kitchen towel for up to 1 hour.
- Dust with confectioner sugar before serving.
Notes
Choose ripe pears for optimal sweetness. Let cake cool completely before serving for the best texture. Optional to add nuts for crunch or a glaze for sweetness.