Description
Spiced Pear and Walnut Cake is a moist, aromatic dessert that blends the natural sweetness of ripe pears with the warm spices of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Crunchy walnuts add texture to this deliciously spiced cake, making it perfect for fall gatherings, cozy afternoons, or as a delightful holiday centerpiece.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whole milk or buttermilk
- 2 medium ripe pears, peeled, cored, and diced (about 1 1/2 cups)
- 3/4 cup chopped walnuts
For the Glaze (Optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk or cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Pan:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round or square cake pan, or line it with parchment paper.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Set aside.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla:
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined; do not overmix.
- Fold in the Pears and Walnuts:
- Gently fold in the diced pears and chopped walnuts using a spatula.
- Bake the Cake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Glaze (Optional):
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- If using the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cake.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Slice and serve the cake as-is or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence.
Notes
- Substitute pecans or almonds for walnuts if preferred.
- For added flavor, toss the pears in a little lemon juice and cinnamon before folding them into the batter.
- The cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40–45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American