This pear vanilla cake is a light and fragrant dessert, perfect for any occasion. With the subtle sweetness of pears, the warmth of vanilla, and the bright notes of orange and lemon zest, this cake offers a delightful combination of flavors. It’s easy to make and perfect for serving at a family gathering, a special brunch, or simply as a treat with your afternoon tea. The soft and tender crumb, paired with the juicy pear slices, makes this cake a refreshing change from richer desserts.
Preparation Time
- Total Preparation Time: 50 minutes
- Active Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Baking Time: 30-35 minutes
Ingredients
In Cups and Grams:
- 2 eggs
- A pinch of salt
- 50 grams sugar (¼ cup)
- 100 ml milk (⅓ cup + 1 tablespoon)
- 25 grams melted butter (2 tablespoons)
- 80 grams flour (⅔ cup)
- 5 grams baking powder (1 teaspoon)
- 5 ml vanilla extract (1 teaspoon)
- Zest of 1 orange
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1-2 pears, sliced
- 20 ml melted butter (1½ tablespoons, for topping)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (for topping)
- Icing sugar (optional, for dusting)
Directions
- Prepare the Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 eggs with a pinch of salt and 50 grams of sugar until the mixture is light and frothy.
- Add 100 ml milk, 25 grams melted butter, and 5 ml vanilla extract. Mix well.
- Sift in 80 grams of flour and 5 grams of baking powder. Stir until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.
- Fold in the zest of one orange and one lemon to the batter.
- Prepare the Pan:
- Grease a baking pan with butter, ensuring it is well-coated. Sprinkle some flour over the buttered surface, shaking off the excess.
- Assemble the Cake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Arrange the pear slices on top of the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed and fully submerged in the mixture.
- Drizzle 20 ml of melted butter over the top of the cake and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of sugar for a caramelized finish.
- Bake the Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F). Bake the cake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool slightly before dusting with icing sugar, if desired.
- Serve:
- Slice the cake and serve it warm or at room temperature. Enjoy the delicate flavors of pear and citrus with a cup of tea or coffee.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this cake warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- Pair with a hot cup of herbal tea for a light afternoon snack.
Cooking Tips
- Ensure the eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and a fluffier texture.
- If you prefer a stronger citrus flavor, you can add extra orange or lemon zest.
- To prevent the pear slices from sinking to the bottom, toss them in a bit of flour before adding to the batter.
Nutritional Benefits
- Pears are a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin C.
- The use of citrus zest adds antioxidants and a fresh, vibrant flavor to the cake.
- This cake is a lighter dessert option, with moderate sugar and fat content.
Dietary Information
- This recipe is vegetarian.
- To make it dairy-free, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use a non-dairy milk.
Nutritional Facts (per slice, based on 8 slices)
- Calories: Approximately 180 kcal
- Protein: 3 grams
- Carbohydrates: 25 grams
- Fat: 8 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
Storage
- Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Reheat slices in the microwave or oven before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s quick and easy to make, perfect for a last-minute dessert.
- The combination of pears and citrus zest gives the cake a fresh and light flavor.
- The cake has a soft and tender crumb, making it a delightful treat with tea or coffee.
- It’s versatile and can be enjoyed as a breakfast cake, snack, or dessert.
Conclusion
This pear vanilla cake with citrus zest is a refreshing and light dessert that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy. The blend of flavors from the pears, vanilla, and zesty citrus makes it a delightful treat for any time of day. Whether served warm with a scoop of ice cream or simply on its own, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Bake it today and savor the delicate, fruity flavors!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use other fruits instead of pears?
- Yes, apples or peaches would be great substitutes.
- Can I skip the citrus zest?
- Yes, but the zest adds a refreshing flavor that complements the pears.
- What if I don’t have vanilla extract?
- You can use vanilla sugar or omit it entirely, although the flavor will be slightly different.
- Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
- Yes, but the texture will be denser. You may want to use a mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour.
- How do I keep the pears from sinking?
- Toss the pear slices in a little flour before adding them to the batter to help them stay evenly distributed.
- Can I add spices to the batter?
- Yes, cinnamon or nutmeg would add warmth and depth to the flavor.
- Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
- Yes, substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Can I freeze the cake?
- Yes, wrap it well in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Thaw and reheat before serving.
- What’s the best way to serve this cake?
- It’s delicious warm, with a dusting of icing sugar or a dollop of whipped cream.
- Can I use margarine instead of butter?
- Yes, but the flavor and texture may vary slightly.