Pear Coffee Cake Recipe [FULL GUIDE]

Oh, coffee cake – that magical treat that’s perfect for cozy mornings, afternoon tea, or a delightful brunch centerpiece. Now, add juicy, fragrant pears to the mix, and you have a masterpiece that’s bursting with fall flavors and comforting warmth. Pear coffee cake is a scrumptious twist on the classic, where the natural sweetness and delicate texture of pears elevate every bite. Whether you’re a baking newbie or a seasoned pro, this recipe will charm your taste buds and fill your home with irresistible aromas.

Why pears? Well, unlike apples or berries, pears have this mellow sweetness and soft texture that, when baked, become tender and slightly caramelized, offering a melt-in-your-mouth experience that’s both subtle and unforgettable. Pair that with the moist crumb of a coffee cake, a cinnamon-sugar streusel topping, and you’re basically holding heaven on a plate.

Ready to dive into making this delicious pear coffee cake? Let’s break it down step-by-step.

Pear Coffee Cake Recipe

Here’s the full lowdown on how to create your very own Pear Coffee Cake, perfect for impressing guests or simply treating yourself. It’s a recipe that blends fruit, spices, and cake into one gorgeous, tender slice of joy.

Ingredients Needed

Let’s start by gathering everything you’ll need to whip this up:

• For The Cake

  • 2 ripe pears (Bosc or Bartlett work best – firm yet sweet)
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (for that perfect crumb)
  • 1 ½ tsp baking powder (for lift and fluffiness)
  • ½ tsp baking soda (to balance acidity and help rise)
  • ½ tsp salt (to enhance flavors)
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon (warm spice magic)
  • ½ tsp ground nutmeg (just a hint of earthiness)
  • ¾ cup unsalted butter (softened – the fat that makes cake tender)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (sweetness and moisture)
  • 2 large eggs (binding and richness)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (aroma booster)
  • 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (adds moisture and tang)

• For The Streusel Topping

  • ½ cup brown sugar (deep caramel notes)
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter (cold and cubed for crumbly texture)
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional but highly recommended)

How To Make Pear Coffee Cake

Okay, roll up those sleeves – it’s baking time! Here’s the step-by-step:

1. Prep Your Oven And Pan

   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or square baking dish.

2. Prepare The Pears

   Peel, core, and dice your pears into small cubes (about ½ inch). You want them to bake evenly without sogging down the cake.

3. Make The Streusel Topping

   • In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and chopped nuts (if using).
   • Add cold butter cubes and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until the mixture looks crumbly, like coarse sand. Set aside.

4. Mix Dry Ingredients

   In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

5. Cream Butter And Sugar

   In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer).

6. Add Eggs And Vanilla

   Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.

7. Incorporate Sour Cream

   Mix in the sour cream or Greek yogurt until combined – this adds moisture and tenderness.

8. Combine Wet And Dry

   Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Don’t overmix – we want fluffy, not tough.

9. Add Pears

   Gently fold in the diced pears.

10. Assemble The Cake

    Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.

11. Add Streusel Topping

    Evenly sprinkle the crumbly streusel over the batter.

12. Bake

    Place in the oven and bake for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

13. Cool And Serve

    Let the cake cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature – ideally with a cup of coffee or tea!

Ingredient Science Spotlight

Here’s the nerdy but fascinating scoop on why these ingredients work so well together:

• Pears: High in water content and natural sugars, pears soften beautifully during baking, releasing gentle sweetness and moisture. Their pectin helps keep the cake tender.
• Sour cream/Greek yogurt: These add moisture and a slight tang, which balances the sweetness. The acidity reacts with baking soda to create lift and a light crumb.
• Butter: Provides fat that coats flour proteins, limiting gluten formation, which keeps the cake tender and crumbly instead of dense.
• Baking powder and baking soda: The baking powder adds air bubbles for rise; baking soda reacts with the acidic sour cream to create carbon dioxide, ensuring the cake is light and airy.
• Spices (cinnamon and nutmeg): These warm spices deepen the flavor profile, complementing the pears’ subtle sweetness and adding aromatic complexity.

Expert Tips

To bake the best pear coffee cake possible, keep these gems in mind:

• Pick ripe but firm pears: Overripe pears can turn mushy and make your cake soggy.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Overworking develops gluten, which can toughen your cake.
• Cold butter for streusel: This ensures a nice crumbly topping instead of melted butter soaking into the batter.
• Test for doneness: Oven temperatures vary. If the top browns too quickly, tent with foil and keep baking.
• Rest before slicing: Letting the cake cool slightly helps it set and prevents it from falling apart.

Recipe Variations

Feeling adventurous? Here are some fun twists on the classic:

• Add a glaze: Drizzle a simple vanilla or caramel glaze over the cooled cake for extra sweetness.
• Swap pears for apples or peaches: Keep the same method, but adjust baking time slightly.
• Use whole wheat flour: For a nuttier flavor and more fiber (replace half the all-purpose flour).
• Add dried fruits: Toss in some raisins or dried cranberries for bursts of chewy sweetness.
• Incorporate spices: Try adding ground cardamom or ginger for an exotic flair.
• Make it vegan: Substitute butter with coconut oil and use flax eggs instead of regular eggs.

Final Words

Baking pear coffee cake is more than just mixing ingredients – it’s about creating a sensory experience. The scent of cinnamon and baked pears filling your kitchen, the tender crumb that melts in your mouth, the crunchy streusel topping contrasting the soft fruit – all come together to make a perfect moment of cozy indulgence.

This recipe is wonderfully forgiving and customizable, so don’t hesitate to make it your own. Whether it’s a weekend brunch with friends, a quiet morning treat, or a special occasion dessert, pear coffee cake is a winner every time.

FAQs

What Ingredients Do I Need To Make Pear Coffee Cake?

To make pear coffee cake, you will typically need all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, sugar, butter, eggs, milk, pears (peeled and chopped), and vanilla extract. Optional ingredients might include a crumb topping made with flour, sugar, and butter.

Can I Use Other Fruits Instead Of Pears In A Coffee Cake?

Yes, you can substitute pears with other fruits like apples, peaches, or berries. Keep in mind that different fruits may require slight adjustments in baking time or quantity, depending on their moisture content.

How Do I Prepare The Pears For The Cake?

Peel the pears, remove the core, and chop them into small bite-sized pieces. It’s helpful to toss the chopped pears with a small amount of flour to prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the cake during baking.

Should I Use Ripe Or Under-ripe Pears For The Coffee Cake?

It’s best to use ripe, but firm pears for the coffee cake. Overripe pears can become too soft and watery, which could affect the texture of the cake.

How Can I Make A Dairy-free Pear Coffee Cake?

To make a dairy-free pear coffee cake, substitute the butter with a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil, and replace the milk with a non-dairy milk such as almond, oat, or soy milk. Ensure that any other dairy ingredients, like yogurt or sour cream, are also replaced.

Can I Freeze Pear Coffee Cake?

Yes, pear coffee cake freezes well. Allow the cake to cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, let it thaw at room temperature or warm it in the oven.

How Do I Make The Crumb Topping For Pear Coffee Cake?

To make a crumb topping, mix together flour, sugar, cinnamon, and butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You can also add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra texture and flavor.

What Is The Best Way To Store Pear Coffee Cake?

Store pear coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to store it for a longer period, refrigeration can help preserve its freshness for up to a week.

Can I Make Pear Coffee Cake Ahead Of Time?

Yes, pear coffee cake can be made a day ahead of time. Simply store it in an airtight container and let it sit at room temperature. The flavors will often improve overnight, and the cake will stay moist.

How Do I Know When The Pear Coffee Cake Is Done Baking?

The pear coffee cake is done when a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If the top is golden brown and the cake has risen properly, it’s likely ready to come out of the oven.