Looking for a sweet treat that brings the delightful taste of Italy right to your kitchen? The Italian Pear Cake is a perfect blend of tender, sweet pears and a fluffy cake batter. This recipe is not just about satisfying your sweet tooth; it’s an experience that combines simplicity with a comforting flavor profile that will transport you straight to an Italian café. Ideal for any occasion—from family gatherings to casual brunches—this cake offers a delightful twist with its moist texture and subtle sweetness.
As you prepare to dive into baking this Italian masterpiece, get ready to impress your friends and family with your culinary skills. The Italian Pear Cake is straightforward to make and requires just a handful of ingredients. With ripe pears nestled inside a fluffy batter, each slice becomes an irresistible invitation for seconds. Plus, the added touch of confectioners’ sugar dusting gives it a beautiful presentation, making it perfect for more formal occasions as well.
Why You’ll Love This Italian Pear Cake
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of sweet pears and fluffy cake provides a perfect balance of flavors.
- Easy to Make: With a simple set of instructions, even beginners can whip it up in no time.
- Versatile: Perfect as a dessert, snack, or breakfast treat, this cake fits any setting.
- Impressive Presentation: A dusting of confectioners’ sugar makes it beautiful enough for any gathering.
- Vegetarian-Friendly: A 100% vegetarian recipe that everyone can enjoy!
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before you start baking the Italian Pear Cake, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen and gather all necessary tools. Ensure you have a clean workspace and all ingredients measured and ready to go. You’ll need a 9.5-inch round springform or bundt pan, so make sure you line it with parchment paper or grease it with cooking spray to prevent sticking. An electric mixer will be your best friend for that creamy and fluffy texture, so have it on hand alongside a mixing bowl for combining the wet ingredients, and another bowl for your dry ingredients.
It’s also a good idea to keep a whisk handy for mixing your dry components and a spatula for folding in the pears and other ingredients. Your oven should be preheated to 350°F (177°C) to ensure it’s at the right temperature for baking as soon as your batter is ready. Lastly, don’t forget to have a wire rack available for cooling the cake after baking. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect texture!
Ingredients
- 3 large firm ripe pears (Bosc or Bartlett), peeled and cut into pieces
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (8.5 oz)
- 3 teaspoons baking powder (0.5 oz)
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar (7 oz)
- 1 cup whole milk yogurt
- ½ cup unsalted butter (4 oz), melted and cooled
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Confectioners’ sugar for dusting
- Freshly whipped heavy cream, optional
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Begin by prepping your 9.5-inch round springform or bundt pan. Line the bottom with parchment paper to ensure easy removal later, and spray the sides with cooking spray to avoid sticking. While doing this, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). This preparation ensures your cake bakes evenly and doesn’t stick to the pan.
Step 2: Cream Sugar and Eggs
In a mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar and eggs. Using your electric mixer on medium speed, beat the mixture until it becomes creamy and fluffy. This process adds air to your batter that will help create a light and airy texture in the cake.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
Next, incorporate the yogurt, cooled melted butter, and vanilla extract into the egg and sugar mixture. Use a spatula to fold these ingredients together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; this step should create a smooth batter without excessive stirring that could deflate it.
Step 4: Whisk Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and kosher salt. This step ensures that the baking powder is evenly distributed throughout your flour, which is crucial for achieving the cake’s rising properties.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Now, sift the dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Gently fold the two together with your spatula until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Overmixing could lead to a denser texture, which we want to avoid for our fluffy cake.
Step 6: Add the Pears and Bake
Once combined, fold in the prepared pear pieces, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top if necessary. Bake in your preheated oven for about 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top of the cake begins to brown too much, cover it loosely with aluminum foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 to 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Before serving, dust the top with confectioners’ sugar. For an extra touch, serve it with freshly whipped heavy cream or a scoop of ice cream.
Variations
- Protein: Add some chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
- Vegetables: Experiment by adding grated zucchini or carrots for extra moisture.
- Spices: Consider adding cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm spice flavor that complements the pears beautifully.
Cooking Notes
- For the best flavor, use ripe pears that are sweet and fragrant.
- If using a different size pan, adjust baking time accordingly; smaller pans will bake faster.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve slices of the cake warm with a dollop of whipped cream on top.
- Pair with a cup of coffee or tea for a lovely afternoon snack.
Tips
- To keep the cake moist, avoid overbaking.
- Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 320 per slice
- Protein: 6 grams
- Sodium: 150 mg
FAQs
Can I use other fruits besides pears?
Yes! Apples or even peaches can be substituted in this recipe, but make sure to adjust the amount of sugar based on the fruit’s sweetness.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Certainly! Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version.
How do I store leftover cake?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for three days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
Can I freeze the Italian Pear Cake?
Absolutely! You can freeze the cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Conclusion
The Italian Pear Cake is not just a dessert; it’s a delightful way to enjoy the sweet flavors of ripe pears. Its fluffy texture, combined with the simplicity of the ingredients, makes it a timeless choice for anyone who wants to impress their guests or simply enjoy a slice of homemade goodness. We hope you try making this beautiful cake and share your thoughts in the comments below. Don’t forget to explore different variations to make this recipe your own! Happy baking!
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Italian Pear Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Looking for a sweet treat that brings the delightful taste of Italy right to your kitchen? The Italian Pear Cake is a perfect blend of tender, sweet pears and a fluffy cake batter. This recipe is not just about satisfying your sweet tooth; it’s an experience that combines simplicity with a comforting flavor profile that will transport you straight to an Italian café.
Ingredients
- 3 large firm ripe pears (Bosc or Bartlett), peeled and cut into pieces
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (8.5 oz)
- 3 teaspoons baking powder (0.5 oz)
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar (7 oz)
- 1 cup whole milk yogurt
- ½ cup unsalted butter (4 oz), melted and cooled
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Confectioners’ sugar for dusting
- Freshly whipped heavy cream, optional
Instructions
- Begin by prepping your 9.5-inch round springform or bundt pan. Line the bottom with parchment paper to ensure easy removal later, and spray the sides with cooking spray to avoid sticking. While doing this, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar and eggs. Using your electric mixer on medium speed, beat the mixture until it becomes creamy and fluffy.
- Next, incorporate the yogurt, cooled melted butter, and vanilla extract into the egg and sugar mixture. Use a spatula to fold these ingredients together until just combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and kosher salt.
- Now, sift the dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Gently fold the two together with your spatula until just combined.
- Once combined, fold in the prepared pear pieces, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. Pour the batter into your prepared pan.
- Bake in your preheated oven for about 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 to 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Before serving, dust the top with confectioners’ sugar.
Notes
For the best flavor, use ripe pears that are sweet and fragrant. If using a different size pan, adjust baking time accordingly; smaller pans will bake faster.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
Nutrition
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Protein: 6 g