Spiced Pear Walnut Coffee Cake
Indulge in this delightful Spiced Pear Walnut Coffee Cake, perfect for breakfast or as an afternoon treat. This moist, flavorful cake features tender diced pears, warm spices, and a crunchy walnut topping that adds a wonderful texture. The combination of cinnamon and ginger provides a cozy flavor profile, making this cake an ideal companion for your morning coffee or tea. Bake it for your family or share it with friends; it's sure to become a beloved recipe in your collection!
8
Servings
406
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pears (Anjou)
2-3 large (peeled, cored, and diced into 1/2-inch pieces)
Canola oil (or other neutral vegetable oil)
1 cup (none needed)
Sugar
1 1/2 cups (none needed)
Eggs
2 (lightly beaten)
Unbleached all-purpose flour
2 cups (sifted)
Baking soda
1 teaspoon (none needed)
Ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons (none needed)
Ground ginger
1 teaspoon (none needed)
Chopped walnuts
1/4 cup (none needed)
Dark brown sugar
1/4 cup (packed)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease and flour a 10-inch round cake pan.
2
Prepare the pears by peeling, coring, and cutting them into 1/2-inch dices. Measure out 1 1/2 cups for the cake.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the canola oil, sugar, and eggs. Whisk together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
4
Sift the all-purpose flour, baking soda, 1 1/2 teaspoons of cinnamon, and ground ginger over the wet ingredients. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a rubber spatula until just combined; be careful not to overmix.
5
Add the diced pears to the batter, folding them in gently to ensure they are evenly distributed throughout.
6
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly.
7
In a small bowl, combine the chopped walnuts, brown sugar, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. Use your fingers to rub the mixture together until well combined, then sprinkle it evenly over the top of the batter.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Carefully invert the cake onto a plate to unmold it, then place a small wire rack on top and invert again to set the cake right side up.
10
Let the cake cool for an additional 15 minutes before slicing and serving. It can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
Nutrition Information
22g
Fat
51g
Carbs
3.6g
Protein
28g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spiced Pear Walnut Coffee Cake?
It is a moist, flavorful cake featuring tender diced pears, warm spices like cinnamon and ginger, and a crunchy walnut and brown sugar topping.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
What type of pears should I use?
The recipe suggests using large Anjou pears, though other firm varieties can also work.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long does it take to bake?
The cake typically bakes for 55 to 60 minutes.
What size cake pan is required?
You will need a 10-inch round cake pan that has been generously greased and floured.
Can I substitute the canola oil?
Yes, you can use any other neutral vegetable oil as a substitute for canola oil.
What spices give the cake its flavor?
The primary spices are ground cinnamon and ground ginger.
Is the walnut topping included in the batter?
No, the walnut topping is made separately by combining walnuts, brown sugar, and cinnamon, then sprinkled over the batter before baking.
How do I know when the cake is fully cooked?
The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 406 calories.
How should the pears be prepared?
The pears should be peeled, cored, and diced into 1/2-inch pieces.
Does the recipe require sifting?
Yes, you should sift the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and ginger over the wet ingredients.
Can I use light brown sugar instead of dark brown sugar?
Yes, light brown sugar can be used, though dark brown sugar provides a deeper molasses flavor.
How much pear should I measure for the batter?
You should measure out 1 1/2 cups of diced pears for the cake batter.
How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the pan?
Generously grease and flour the cake pan before pouring in the batter.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 22 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein is in each slice?
Each slice contains about 3.6 grams of protein.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
There are 51 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much sugar is in the cake?
There are 28 grams of sugar per serving.
How long should I cool the cake in the pan?
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before attempting to unmold it.
How do I unmold the cake properly?
Invert the cake onto a plate, then place a wire rack on top and invert again so it sits right side up.
Can this cake be served warm?
Yes, it can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
Should I overmix the batter?
No, you should gently fold the ingredients together until just combined to avoid overmixing.
How many eggs are needed?
The recipe calls for 2 eggs, lightly beaten.
Is there any salt in this recipe?
The recipe does not list added salt, but baking soda is used for leavening.
What is the texture of the topping?
The topping is crunchy due to the chopped walnuts and brown sugar mixture.
Can I add other nuts?
While walnuts are specified, you could substitute them with pecans if preferred.
Is this cake suitable for breakfast?
Yes, its coffee cake style makes it an excellent choice for breakfast or an afternoon snack.
What kind of flour is best?
Unbleached all-purpose flour is recommended for the best results.