Country-style Pear Cake Recipe
Overview:
This Country-style Pear Cake is a beloved family recipe that promises moist, flavorful bites with each slice. Perfect for dessert or a sweet treat any time of day, this cake is a delightful blend of buttery richness, fruity sweetness, and warm cinnamon spice. It’s also freezer-friendly and can be easily transformed into muffins for convenient snacking on the go. Serve it with a generous dollop of cream for an extra touch of indulgence.
- Preparation Time: 25 minutes
- Cooking Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
- Yield: 1 cake
Ingredients:
- 125g unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup caster sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla essence
- 2 cups self-raising flour
- 1/2 cup milk
- 3 tsp cinnamon
- 2 ripe pears
- 1/2 cup apricot jam
Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
- Preheat your oven to 180 degrees Celsius.
- Grease a deep, 20 cm round cake tin and line it with baking paper for easy removal.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar:
- Using electric beaters, cream together the unsalted butter and caster sugar until light and creamy, creating a fluffy texture that will contribute to the cake’s moistness.
3. Add Eggs and Essence:
- Gradually add the eggs one at a time, stirring well after each addition to ensure they are fully incorporated.
- Mix in the vanilla essence until well combined, infusing the batter with a fragrant hint of vanilla flavor.
4. Incorporate Dry and Wet Ingredients:
- Using a metal spoon, gently fold in the self-raising flour and cinnamon, alternating with the milk. This step helps to maintain the cake’s light and tender crumb.
- Stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense texture.
5. Transfer to Tin and Arrange Pears:
- Transfer the cake batter into the prepared cake tin, spreading it evenly to ensure even baking.
- Peel the pears and cut them into quarters lengthwise. Arrange the pear slices along the sides of the tin, with the narrow part facing the center of the cake, pressing them gently into the batter.
6. Drizzle with Apricot Jam:
- Gently warm the apricot jam, then drizzle it over the cake and pears, adding a touch of sweetness and a glossy finish to the finished dessert.
7. Bake:
- Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 55 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Keep an eye on the cake after 45 minutes, as oven temperatures may vary. If the pears are particularly moist, the cake may require a slightly longer baking time.
8. Cool and Serve:
- Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the tin for about 10 minutes before carefully transferring it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve slices of the Country-style Pear Cake with a dollop of cream for a decadent finishing touch.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 538.7
- Total Fat: 19.9g
- Saturated Fat: 11.8g
- Cholesterol: 118.1mg
- Sodium: 576.9mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 85.5g
- Dietary Fiber: 4.8g
- Sugar: 40.6g
- Protein: 7.6g
Keywords:
Dessert, Pears, Fruit, Weeknight, Oven, Freezer, Less than 4 Hours
Tips:
- For added flavor, consider incorporating a sprinkle of nutmeg or ginger along with the cinnamon.
- Ensure the pears are ripe but firm for the best texture and flavor.
- If making muffins, adjust the baking time accordingly, typically around 20-25 minutes.
- Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.
- Experiment with different fruit preserves or glazes for variety in flavor.
- Enjoy this versatile cake for breakfast, dessert, or as a sweet snack throughout the day!
