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Rustic Pear Honey Cake is a delightful dessert that perfectly combines the natural sweetness of ripe pears with the rich, floral notes of honey. This cake is not only easy to make but also a fantastic way to showcase seasonal fruits. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself, this cake is sure to impress with its moist texture and aromatic flavors. Let’s dive into the ingredients and the step-by-step process to create this delicious Rustic Pear Honey Cake.
Ingredients
- 2 medium ripe pears, peeled, cored, and diced
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Pears: In a medium bowl, toss the diced pears with a tablespoon of flour to coat them lightly. This helps prevent them from sinking in the batter.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, honey, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in the Pears: Gently fold in the prepared pears and walnuts (if using) until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Pour into the Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake the Cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature, perhaps with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
FAQs
Can I use other fruits instead of pears?
Yes, you can substitute pears with other fruits like apples or peaches for a different flavor profile.
How should I store the Rustic Pear Honey Cake?
The cake can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cake can be made a day in advance. Just keep it covered at room temperature, and it will taste even better as the flavors meld.
Is this cake suitable for freezing?
Yes, you can freeze the cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
What can I serve with Rustic Pear Honey Cake?
This cake pairs beautifully with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of additional honey for extra sweetness.
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