Pear Cake with Ginger Caramel

This delicious pear cake with ginger caramel is a delightful dessert that brings together the sweetness of caramelized pears and the subtle spice of ginger. The pears, caramelized in a rich ginger-infused syrup, are the crowning glory of this moist and buttery cake. A gentle infusion of rum adds depth, enhancing the flavors of the pears beautifully. The cake itself is soft, fluffy, and perfectly complements the sweet yet spicy notes of the topping. Ideal for a special occasion or a casual get-together, this cake is bound to impress guests with its intricate flavors and beautiful presentation. While it might seem complex, this recipe breaks down the steps into simple, manageable instructions. The result is a gorgeous, golden cake that's as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the taste buds. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just beginning your culinary journey, this cake offers something special, ensuring you'll return to this recipe time and time again.

Ingredients

For the Pears:

2 large pears
50 g sugar
50 g butter plus extra for the pan
1 tablespoon dark rum
1 tablespoon ginger syrup

For the Cake Batter:

2 large eggs
125 g softened butter
125 g sugar
125 g flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ginger powder

Preparation Time

90 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

Grease the sides of the baking pan with butter and line the bottom with parchment paper, ensuring the edges fold upwards to keep the caramel in place.
To make the caramel for the pears, melt the sugar over low heat. Stir only once when most of the sugar has melted as it can burn easily.
Once the sugar is melted, carefully stir in the butter until it is fully melted.
Remove the caramel from the heat and stir in the rum and ginger syrup until smooth and combined.
Allow the caramel to cool for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
Peel, core, and slice the pears into medium-thick pieces while the caramel cools.
Dip each pear slice into the caramel, ensuring they are evenly coated, and arrange them neatly in the baking pan.
In a food processor, blend all the cake batter ingredients until smooth. Alternatively, mix them by hand with a spoon.
Gently spread the cake batter over the pear slices, leveling it out evenly.
Bake for 35-40 minutes until the cake is golden, risen, and a wooden skewer comes out clean when inserted.
When the cake is ready, remove the sides of the baking tin. Place a plate over the top of the cake and carefully invert it, so the pears are on top. This should be done while the cake is warm, and the caramel is still soft.

Tips

For an extra zing, use fresh grated ginger instead of ginger powder in the cake batter.
If you don't have ginger syrup, substitute with a mix of honey and fresh ginger juice.
Ensure the caramel isn't too hot when coating the pears to avoid cooking them prematurely.
If the cake's top browns too quickly, cover it with foil halfway through baking.

Nutritions (per serving)

Calories: 320
Protein: 3g
Fats: 16g
Carbs: 42g

Variations

For a gluten-free version, use almond or coconut flour instead of regular flour.
Substitute pears with apples or peaches for a different fruit flavor.
Replace rum with vanilla extract if a non-alcoholic version is preferred.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Pair with a spiced chai or a glass of dessert wine for a lavish finish to your meal.

Best Places

Ginger & Caramel Bakery - Famous for its innovative seasonal desserts and cozy atmosphere. Location: 22 Baker Street, London, UK.
Pear Perfection Cafe - Known for delicious pear-based desserts and a charming setting. Location: 15 Fruity Lane, Sydney, Australia.
Sweet Symphony - Offers a variety of sweet treats and a peaceful ambiance. Location: 34 Harmonise Avenue, Paris, France.
Dessert Haven - Celebrated for its wide range of cakes and delightful atmosphere. Location: 90 Sweet Tooth Street, New York, USA.
Café del Dolce - A go-to spot for dessert lovers seeking unique and artisan sweets. Location: Via Dolce Vita 10, Rome, Italy.
The Cake Corner - Popular for its eclectic cake selection and friendly service. Location: Kornergasse 5, Vienna, Austria.
Cream & Crumble - Offers delightful cakes and a rustic atmosphere. Location: Vieux Port 45, Marseille, France.
Sweet Inspirations - Known for creative desserts and inviting space. Location: Maple Avenue 77, San Francisco, USA.
Caramel Cafe - Famous for its delicious caramel desserts and lively setting. Location: 123 Caramel Road, Melbourne, Australia.
Blissful Bakes - Offers a cozy space and outstanding dessert options. Location: 456 Bliss Street, Vancouver, Canada.