## Spiced Pear and Gingerbread Cake: A Delightful Autumnal Treat
A warm, aromatic slice of Spiced Pear and Gingerbread Cake is the perfect end to any meal. Rich with the flavors of fall, this cake is a welcoming dessert that is sure to make any occasion feel cozy and special.
## Why Make This Recipe?
This isn’t your everyday cake recipe. Packed with aromatic spices like ginger, cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg, combined with sweet, delicate pears — this cake speaks volumes for creativity and flavor. It’s a melt-in-your-mouth type of cake that pairs perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or tea. Moreover, it’s easy to make and doesn’t require any fancy baking skills or complicated ingredients!
## How to Make Spiced Pear and Gingerbread Cake
It’s a simple process that involves mixing dry ingredients, blending in wet ones, and then incorporating sliced pears before baking. Altogether, it shouldn’t take more than an hour to get this decadent dessert ready.
## Ingredients
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
– 1/2 cup molasses
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 3/4 cup hot water
– 2 ripe pears, peeled, cored, and sliced
## Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. Whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt in a bowl.
3. Cream the butter and brown sugar in a separate large bowl until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in molasses, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the hot water, mixing until just combined.
6. Gently fold in the sliced pears.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread evenly.
8. Bake for about 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
## How to Serve Spiced Pear and Gingerbread Cake
This delicious cake can be served warm or at room temperature. A dusting of powdered sugar on top adds a decorative touch. It pairs excellently with a steaming cup of coffee or tea.
## How to Store Spiced Pear and Gingerbread Cake
Store the cooled cake in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for about two days. For longer periods, you can refrigerate it, where it will keep for one week.
## Tips to Make Spiced Pear and Gingerbread Cake
– Be careful not to overmix the batter as it can result in a tough cake.
– Use ripe pears for maximum flavor.
– Checking the cake a few minutes before the stated cooking time helps avoid overbaking.
## Variations
You can add some chopped pecans or walnuts for an added crunch. Alternatively, you can swap out the pears for apples for a different fall flavor.
## FAQs
**Q: Can I use canned pears instead of fresh ones?**
A: Yes, you can use canned pears, just be sure to thoroughly drain them before folding into the batter.
**Q: Is it okay if I don’t have molasses?**
A: Yes, you can substitute molasses with dark corn syrup, honey, maple syrup or brown sugar.
**Q: Do I need a special kind of baking pan?**
A: No, a regular round cake pan is suitable for this recipe.
Embracing the sweetness of ripened pears and the warm spices of gingerbread, this cake is a celebration of fall in every bite.Add it to your baking plans soon and enjoy the seasonal delight.