Fall and winter bring an irresistible craving for cozy, fragrant, and comforting treats. If you’re looking for something that brings warmth, buttery goodness, and just the right amount of spice, then this Cardamom Pear Cake is the perfect recipe for you. It’s easy to make, beautifully spiced with cardamom, and full of tender pears, making it an ideal dessert for chilly days. Whether you’re serving it for a festive gathering or enjoying it as a simple afternoon treat, this cake is guaranteed to impress.
Cardamom Pear Cake is the perfect blend of soft, buttery cake with the subtle sweetness of pears and the aromatic warmth of cardamom. The addition of sour cream or Greek yogurt adds a luscious richness that makes each bite a pleasure. Plus, it’s so versatile — pair it with whipped cream, crème fraîche, or even vanilla ice cream for that extra indulgence.
Cardamom Pear Cake Recipe
Serves: 8–10
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 45–55 minutes
What is Cardamom Pear Cake?
The Cardamom Pear Cake is a moist, aromatic cake that combines the rich, buttery texture of a traditional cake with the fragrant flavors of cardamom, cinnamon, and fresh pears. The cake is gently spiced, not overwhelming, making it perfect for those who love a little bit of spice without going overboard. Its warmth and rich flavor make it the ultimate dessert for fall and winter months, when you crave something hearty yet light.
Origin of Cardamom Pear Cake
The Cardamom Pear Cake is inspired by classic European and Middle Eastern desserts, where cardamom is a beloved spice. Often used in Scandinavian, Indian, and Persian desserts, cardamom adds a unique and aromatic flavor that pairs beautifully with fruits like pears. The inclusion of pears in baked goods is common in European-style cakes, adding a natural sweetness and moist texture. This cake brings together those influences for a comforting and satisfying treat.
Ingredients with Quantity
Before you begin, gather the following ingredients for the Cardamom Pear Cake:
Dry Ingredients
- 1¾ cups (220 g) all-purpose flour
- 1½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cardamom
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon (optional but complements cardamom well)
- ¼ tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (50 g) light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup (120 ml) sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
Fruit
- 2 medium ripe but firm pears (such as Bartlett, Anjou, or Bosc), peeled, cored, and diced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (to prevent browning)
Optional Topping
- 1 pear, thinly sliced for decoration
- 1 tbsp turbinado sugar (for a golden crust)
Step-by-Step Directions and Preparation Method
1. Prep the Pan
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and line an 8-inch (20 cm) round or 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Batter
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cardamom, cinnamon, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes).
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in vanilla extract and sour cream (or yogurt) until smooth.
- Gently fold in the dry ingredients until just combined.
- Toss diced pears with lemon juice, then fold them into the batter.
3. Bake
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.
- Arrange thin pear slices decoratively on top if desired, and sprinkle with turbinado sugar.
- Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Serve
- Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with honey before serving.
- Pair with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or cardamom-infused glaze.
Variations of Cardamom Pear Cake
This Cardamom Pear Cake is versatile, and there are many ways to customize it to suit your tastes or dietary needs.
- Gluten-free: Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Nutty twist: Add ½ cup chopped pistachios or almonds to the batter for extra crunch.
- Upside-down version: Arrange pear slices in the pan first, drizzle with 2 tbsp melted butter and ¼ cup brown sugar, then pour the batter over the top for a caramelized pear topping.
FAQs about Cardamom Pear Cake
1. Can I use different fruits in place of pears?
Yes, you can substitute pears with apples, peaches, or even berries. Each fruit will bring a different flavor and texture to the cake, but the result will still be delicious!
2. How can I make this cake dairy-free?
To make this cake dairy-free, you can replace the butter with a dairy-free alternative, such as coconut oil or a plant-based butter. Substitute the sour cream or Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt or another dairy-free option.
3. How can I store leftovers?
This cake can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep it fresh, wrap it in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. For longer storage, you can freeze the cake for up to 2 months. Just thaw it at room temperature when ready to serve.
4. Can I make this cake in advance?
Yes, you can make the cake in advance. In fact, it often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have had time to meld together. Just be sure to store it properly to maintain freshness.
Conclusion:
This Cardamom Pear Cake is a delightful treat that brings warmth and comfort to any occasion. The combination of cardamom, cinnamon, and tender pears creates a fragrant, flavorful dessert that is perfect for the fall and winter months. With its soft, buttery texture and subtle sweetness, it’s a dessert that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re enjoying it with a cup of tea or serving it as the star of your holiday spread, this cake is sure to become a favorite.
So, next time you’re in the mood for something cozy and indulgent, look no further than this easy-to-make Cardamom Pear Cake — a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Enjoy every warm, spiced bite!
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Warm, Fragrant Cardamom Pear Cake: A Cozy Fall Delight
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
The Cardamom Pear Cake is a moist, aromatic cake that combines the rich, buttery texture of a traditional cake with the fragrant flavors of cardamom, cinnamon, and fresh pears. The cake is gently spiced, not overwhelming, making it perfect for those who love a little bit of spice without going overboard. Its warmth and rich flavor make it the ultimate dessert for fall and winter months, when you crave something hearty yet light.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
1¾ cups (220 g) all-purpose flour
1½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground cardamom
½ tsp ground cinnamon (optional but complements cardamom well)
¼ tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
¼ cup (50 g) light brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup (120 ml) sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
Fruit
2 medium ripe but firm pears (such as Bartlett, Anjou, or Bosc), peeled, cored, and diced
1 tbsp lemon juice (to prevent browning)
Optional Topping
1 pear, thinly sliced for decoration
1 tbsp turbinado sugar (for a golden crust)
Instructions
1. Prep the Pan
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and line an 8-inch (20 cm) round or 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Batter
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cardamom, cinnamon, and salt.
In a large bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes).
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Stir in vanilla extract and sour cream (or yogurt) until smooth.
Gently fold in the dry ingredients until just combined.
Toss diced pears with lemon juice, then fold them into the batter.
3. Bake
Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.
Arrange thin pear slices decoratively on top if desired, and sprinkle with turbinado sugar.
Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Serve
Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with honey before serving.
Pair with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or cardamom-infused glaze.
Notes
This fragrant cake pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. For an elegant finish, dust it with powdered sugar or drizzle with a light vanilla glaze. You can also serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a cozy dessert treat!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
Keywords: Spiced Pear Cake, Cardamom Cake, Pear and Cardamom Dessert, Fall Pear Cake, Cardamom Spice Cake, Autumn Pear Cake
