Welcome to the delightful world of baking! This Spiced Pear and Walnut Cake captures the cozy essence of autumn with juicy pears, warm spices, and the crunch of toasted walnuts. Perfect for family gatherings, festive dinners, or simply enjoying with a cup of tea, this cake is moist, flavorful, and easy to make.
With just a few simple steps, you’ll learn how to choose the right pears, balance spices, and bake a cake that fills your kitchen with irresistible aroma.
🛒 Ingredients for Spiced Pear and Walnut Cake
- 3 medium ripe pears (Bartlett or Bosc), peeled, cored, and diced (≈ 2 cups)
- 1 cup walnuts, chopped and lightly toasted
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar (or use half white sugar + half brown sugar for deeper flavor)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional: ¼ tsp nutmeg or ginger for extra spice)
👩🍳 How to Make Spiced Pear and Walnut Cake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch round or square cake pan with parchment paper.
Step 2: Prepare the Pears & Walnuts
Peel, core, and dice the pears into small cubes. Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet for 5 minutes until fragrant, then chop.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and cinnamon (plus other spices if using).
Step 4: Cream Butter & Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 4–5 minutes). Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.
Step 5: Combine Mixtures
Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet mixture until just combined. Gently stir in diced pears and toasted walnuts.
Step 6: Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Smooth the top and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool & Serve
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
🍰 Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a light lemon glaze for extra elegance.
- Pairs beautifully with black tea, chai, or coffee.
🥡 Storing Your Cake
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerate for up to 1 week.
- Freeze slices individually wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 2 months.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using underripe or overripe pears (affects moisture and taste).
- Not measuring flour correctly (scoop and level, or use a scale).
- Skipping oven preheating (prevents proper rise).
- Overmixing the batter (leads to dense texture).
- Cutting the cake before it cools (can break apart).
💡 Tips & Variations
- Add sour cream or yogurt to the batter for extra moisture.
- Swap walnuts with pecans or almonds.
- Try honey or maple syrup instead of sugar for natural sweetness.
- Add orange or lemon zest for a refreshing citrus twist.
- Make it gluten-free using almond flour or a GF baking blend.
❓ FAQs
Q: What pears work best?
A: Bartlett or Bosc pears are ideal because they hold shape while staying juicy.
Q: Can I use other nuts?
A: Yes! Pecans or hazelnuts make excellent substitutes.
Q: Can I make it vegan?
A: Yes, replace butter with coconut oil and eggs with flax eggs.
Q: Can I freeze this cake?
A: Absolutely—wrap slices well and freeze for up to 2 months.
Q: What drinks go well with it?
A: Black tea, masala chai, cappuccino, or even a glass of dessert wine.
🎉 Conclusion
This Spiced Pear and Walnut Cake is a perfect blend of warm spices, juicy pears, and crunchy walnuts. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a dessert that not only looks beautiful but also tastes unforgettable. Serve it at gatherings, gift it to loved ones, or enjoy a cozy slice at home—it’s guaranteed to impress every time!
