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