Mary Berry Pear Cake Recipe

If you’re a fan of pears and cake, then you’re in for a treat with Mary Berry’s pear cake!

This delightful dessert pairs fresh pear slices with a light and airy sponge cake, topped with a cinnamon crumble that’s simply irresistible.

Make sure to use ripe, firm pears for the best texture and flavor.

One thing I love about this recipe is how the cinnamon adds a warm, cozy touch to the cake.

A helpful tip is to gently fold the pear slices into the batter to keep them intact and distribute them evenly throughout the cake.

How to Make Mary Berry Pear Cake

Ingredients

• 2 large Pears (peeled, cored, and sliced)
• 1 1/2 cups All-Purpose Flour
• 1 tsp Baking Powder
• 1/2 tsp Ground Cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp Salt
• 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter (softened)
• 3/4 cup Sugar
• 2 large Eggs
• 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
• 1/4 cup Milk
• 1/4 cup Brown Sugar (for crumble)
• 1/2 cup crushed almonds or walnuts (options)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and set it aside.

Step 2:

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt.

Set this mixture aside.

Step 3:

In another bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Step 4:

Mix in the vanilla extract.

Gradually fold in the flour mixture, alternating with the milk, and mix until just combined.

Step 5:

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan.

Arrange the sliced pears on top of the batter in a circular pattern.

Step 6:

Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the top.

Bake for 40-45 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Choose Ripe Pears

Using ripe, sweet pears will make your cake more flavorful and juicy.

If the pears are too firm, you might miss out on that wonderful burst of pear goodness.

Don’t Overmix the Batter

To keep the cake light and airy, mix the batter just until the ingredients are combined.

Overmixing can lead to a dense texture.

Use Room Temperature Ingredients

Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature.

This helps them incorporate better into the batter, leading to a smoother texture and better rise.

Rotate the Cake

Halfway through baking, rotate the cake pan to ensure even baking.

Ovens can have hot spots, and this helps brown the cake evenly.

Cooling is Key

Let the cake cool in the pan for a bit before transferring it to a wire rack.

This helps the cake set and makes it easier to handle without breaking.

What to Serve with Mary Berry Pear Cake

A classic choice to serve with Mary Berry Pear Cake is a dollop of whipped cream.

The lightness of the whipped cream pairs beautifully with the moist sponge cake, offering a delicate balance in texture.

Adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream can be delightful!

The cold, creamy ice cream contrasts nicely with the warm spices and soft pear slices.

For a touch of elegance, you can serve your cake alongside a glass of chilled dessert wine like Moscato or a pear-flavored sparkling cider.

A spoonful of mascarpone cheese adds an unexpected but delightful twist.

The richness of the mascarpone enhances the flavor of the pears and cinnamon.

Lastly, for a more refreshing option, a fruit salad with seasonal berries, mint, and a drizzle of lemon juice can work wonders.

The acidity and freshness of the fruit salad lighten the overall dessert experience.

Variations and Substitutions

Experiment with a variety of fruits for this cake!

Fruit Alternatives

You can replace pears with apples, peaches, or even plums!

Softer fruits like peaches might cook faster, so keep an eye on the baking time.

Spice Adjustments

Consider adding cinnamon or nutmeg instead of ginger and cloves for a different flavor profile.

Adding a splash of vanilla extract can provide an extra layer of warmth.

Flour Choices

Using almond flour instead of regular flour can give a wonderful nutty flavor and a denser texture.

For gluten-free options, a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well.

Sweeteners

You can substitute white sugar with brown sugar, honey, or even maple syrup.

If using honey or maple syrup, reduce the amount slightly to avoid making the batter too runny.

Dairy-Free Options

Replace butter with a plant-based butter or margarine for a dairy-free version.

Coconut milk or almond milk can be a fantastic substitute for regular milk in this recipe.

Enjoy trying these variations and have fun baking!

How to Store Leftover Mary Berry Pear Cake

In the Fridge

You can keep your leftover Mary Berry Pear Cake fresh in the fridge.

Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.

Store the wrapped cake in an airtight container to maintain its moisture and flavor.

Your pear cake will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days in the fridge!

In the Freezer

For longer storage, you can freeze the leftover pear cake.

First, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap to protect it from freezer burn.

After wrapping, place the cake in an airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag.

Label the container with the date before putting it into the freezer.

Your pear cake can last for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Thawing Tips

When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen Mary Berry Pear Cake again, move it to the fridge.

Let the cake thaw in the fridge overnight to ensure an even thaw.

Avoid unwrapping the cake while thawing to maintain its moisture.

Enjoy your cake as though it was freshly baked!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using Unripe Pears

Make sure to use ripe pears for this cake!

Unripe pears will not give you the sweetness and moisture needed for this dessert.

Ripe pears should be slightly soft to the touch.

Overmixing the Batter

Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the cake light and airy.

Overmixing can cause the cake to become dense and tough.

Mix just until the ingredients are combined.

Skipping the Crumble Topping

Do not skip the crunchy cinnamon crumble topping on your Mary Berry Pear Cake.

The crumble adds a delightful texture and flavor contrast to the moist cake.

Make sure to spread the crumble evenly on top before baking.