Description
This moist and rustic Italian Pear Cake is a delightful treat that beautifully blends the natural sweetness of ripe pears with the rich tenderness of a buttery sponge. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, easy dessert, or a new addition to your brunch table, this simple yet elegant cake fits every occasion. Baked with love and pantry staples, it’s a classic example of how traditional food ideas can create comforting, satisfying results. Perfect for those seeking wholesome breakfast ideas, cozy dinner desserts, or a healthy snack alternative with fruit-forward flair.
Ingredients
3 ripe but firm pears (Bartlett or Anjou), peeled, halved, and cored
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/3 cup whole milk, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon baking powder
Zest of 1 lemon
Pinch of salt
Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
3. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Stir in vanilla extract and lemon zest.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Pour in the milk and gently fold with a spatula until the batter is smooth.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
8. Arrange the pear halves, cut-side down, on top of the batter and press in slightly.
9. Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center (not the pears) comes out clean.
10. Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then remove and let cool on a rack. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
Make sure to use ripe but firm pears to avoid sogginess and preserve texture.
For a citrusy boost, don’t skip the lemon zest—it pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the pears.
If you want to make this extra special, serve it slightly warm with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: italian pear cake, easy dessert, pear cake recipe, brunch cake, healthy snack