Pear Delight Cake for Unexpected Guests

This delightful pear cake is an easy and quick option for when you have unexpected guests. It's a sweet, moist cake that combines the subtle flavors of vanilla and cinnamon with juicy pieces of pear, creating a comforting treat everyone will enjoy. Using simple ingredients typically found in your pantry, this cake can be thrown together with minimal fuss. The aroma of cinnamon and vanilla wafting from the oven is sure to make your home feel even more inviting. Pears provide natural sweetness and moisture, making this dessert both flavorful and tender. Prepping takes little time, allowing you to focus on enjoying the company of your visitors. Perfect for serving with coffee or tea, this cake is sure to be a hit. It’s baked in a single pan for easy cleanup, making it a practical choice for impromptu entertaining. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a novice, this recipe is straightforward and results in a reliably delicious dessert.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 1 cup sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla sugar
• 1 cup flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 500 g pears (or apples)

Spices

• 0.5 teaspoon cinnamon

Preparation Time

• Total time: 50 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) to get it ready for baking.
2. Begin by beating the eggs and sugar together in a large bowl until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is crucial for the cake's texture.
3. Next, add in the flour, baking powder, vanilla sugar, and cinnamon. Mix until you have a smooth, homogeneous batter.
4. Peel the pears, remove the cores, and cut them into small, bite-sized pieces.
5. Gently fold the pear pieces into the batter, making sure they are evenly distributed. This will ensure each slice of cake has a good amount of fruit.
6. Grease a baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent the cake from sticking.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, smoothing out the top with a spatula for even baking.
8. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 40-50 minutes. Keep an eye on it to prevent overbaking.
9. Check for doneness by inserting a wooden skewer into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is done.
10. Let the cake cool in the dish for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Serve warm or at room temperature; the choice is yours.
12. For a decorative touch, sprinkle some powdered sugar on top before serving.
13. If using apples instead of pears, consider adding a dash more cinnamon for a warmth that complements apples beautifully.
14. This cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
15. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to a month.
16. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the oven before serving.
17. Enjoy this cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
18. Remember, the success of this recipe relies on the quality of your fruit. Select ripe and flavorful pears for the best results.
19. Pairing this cake with a hot beverage enhances its flavors; tea or coffee make excellent choices.
20. Lai labi garšo! (Enjoy your meal!)

Tips

• Substitution: If you don't have vanilla sugar, replace it with vanilla extract.
• Texture: For a crunchier texture, add a handful of walnuts or almonds to the batter.
• Flavor variation: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger for a spiced version.

Nutrition

• Calories: Approximately 250 per serving
• Protein: 4g
• Fats: 5g
• Carbs: 50g

Variations

• Substitute pears with apples or a mix of both for a different taste.
• Use gluten-free flour to make this dessert suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Replace sugar with honey or a sugar substitute for a lower-calorie option.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
• Garnish with fresh mint leaves or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
• Pair with hot tea, cappuccino, or a glass of milk for a comforting treat.

Best Places

• Bakery Lorraine - Famous for its delicious and artisanal pastries. Location: 306 Pearl Pkwy #110, San Antonio, USA.
• Tartine Bakery - A staple for high-quality baked goods and pastries. Location: 600 Guerrero St, San Francisco, USA.
• Breads Bakery - Known for its classic European-style loaves. Location: 18 E 16th St, New York, USA.
• Café Central - Offers an exquisite selection of desserts and pastries. Location: Herrengasse 14, Vienna, Austria.
• Le Moulin de la Vierge - Famous for its traditional French pastries. Location: 105 Rue Saint-Dominique, Paris, France.
• Ottolenghi - Offers a unique blend of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors in its pastries. Location: 287 Upper St, London, UK.
• Siopao and Friends - Known for its variety of Filipino-inspired baked goods. Location: 122 Kings Highway, Manila, Philippines.
• Café Majestic - Offers a luxurious selection of pastries. Location: Rua Santa Catarina 112, Porto, Portugal.
• Pierre Hermé - Renowned for its innovative pastries. Location: 72 Rue Bonaparte, Paris, France.
• Café Demel - Known as a classic and one of Vienna’s most prestigious cafés. Location: Kohlmarkt 14, Vienna, Austria.