What are the best pears for a pear cake?

The best pears for baking are Bosc or Anjou because they hold their shape well under high oven heat. Bartlett pears can also work, but make sure they are still slightly firm so they do not turn mushy. Avoid overly soft or bruised fruit as they release too much liquid into the batter.

Can I substitute apples for pears in a spice cake?

Yes, you can easily substitute apples for pears in this recipe. Hard baking varieties like Granny Smith, Jonagold, or Honeycrisp will hold up beautifully. Simply peel, core, and slice them just as you would the pears before placing them on top of the batter.

Do you have to peel pears for a cake?

You do not have to peel the pears for this rustic loaf. The skin softens significantly during the baking process and adds a beautiful, natural color to the top of the cake. However, if you prefer a completely uniform texture, peeling them is completely fine.

What spices are typically used in a pear spice cake?

A classic pear spice cake relies on a warm blend of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. These warm baking spices bloom in the batter to balance the delicate, floral sweetness of the fruit. You can adjust the ratios of these spices in your small spice drawer that does big work to suit your taste.

Can I make this cake gluten-free or vegan?

To make this cake gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a high-quality 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. For a vegan version, swap the melted butter for coconut oil, use plant milk instead of water, and replace the eggs with applesauce or flax eggs. The texture will be slightly denser but still delicious.

What is a spiced pear upside-down cake?

A spiced pear upside-down cake is baked with a layer of caramelized pears at the bottom of the pan. Once baked, the cake is flipped over so the sweet, gooey fruit sits on top. While our recipe features upright pear slices on top, both styles celebrate the wonderful pairing of pears and spices.

How do you decorate a spiced pear cake?

This cake looks beautiful with a simple dusting of powdered sugar right before serving. You can also place the pear slices in a pretty fan or alternating pattern on top of the batter before baking. For a special occasion, serve each slice with a dollop of spiced whipped cream and a drizzle of warm caramel sauce.

How to store leftovers?

To keep your leftovers fresh and moist, store the loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If your kitchen is particularly warm, you can wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and keep it in the refrigerator for up to five days. Before enjoying a leftover slice, let it come to room temperature or warm it briefly in the toaster oven to revive the soft texture and release the buttery aromas.

Spiced Pear Cake: Best Autumn Cake For Cozy Entertaining

Description

This rustic spiced pear cake features a tender, moist crumb infused with warm notes of cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. Topped with fresh pear slices and a rustic oat crunch, it is the perfect uncomplicated treat for cool autumn mornings.

Ingredients

1/2 cup melted butter
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1/4 cup water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
2 ripe pears, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon old fashioned oats

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Instructions

Preheat and prep. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and coat a 9×5 inch loaf pan with nonstick baking spray, optionally lining with parchment paper.
Whisk wet ingredients. Combine melted butter, vegetable oil, brown sugar, eggs, water, and vanilla in a large bowl, whisking until smooth and emulsified.
Combine dry ingredients. Whisk flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves in a separate medium bowl until thoroughly combined.
Fold the batter. Incorporate the dry mixture into the wet ingredients in three batches, folding gently with a spatula until just combined.
Arrange the topping. Arrange pear slices in a zig-zag pattern on the batter surface and sprinkle evenly with old fashioned oats.
Bake the cake. Bake on the center rack for 40 to 45 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and serve. Cool in the pan for ten minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely for at least one hour before slicing.

Notes

Bloom your ground spices in the warm melted butter for one minute to deepen their aromatic profile.
Always use a serrated knife to slice the cooled cake to prevent tearing the soft pear and crumb structure.
For a glossy bakery-style finish, brush the warm pear slices with a thin layer of melted apricot jam after baking.
Ensure pears are slightly firm to the touch to prevent them from releasing too much moisture into the batter while baking.

Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American