Gingerbread Cake with Caramelized Pears
Indulge in the warm, spiced flavors of this Gingerbread Cake with Caramelized Pears, a dessert that combines classic holiday aromas with a sophisticated twist. The rich, molasses-sweetened gingerbread cake is infused with warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, creating a moist and deeply flavorful base. Topping it all off are golden, tender slices of caramelized pears, cooked in butter and sugar until perfectly soft and aromatic. Together, the cake and pears make a striking centerpiece for any festive gathering or cozy winter evening. Ready in just over an hour, this elegant dessert is perfect served warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. Aromatic, comforting, and irresistibly delicious—this recipe is a must-try for gingerbread lovers and pear enthusiasts alike!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 0.25 teaspoon ground cloves
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 0.75 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 0.75 cup molasses
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3 ripe pears (peeled, cored, and sliced)
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (for pears)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the molasses to the butter and sugar mixture and mix until combined. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until fully incorporated.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined, being careful not to overmix.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
While the cake bakes, prepare the caramelized pears. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the granulated sugar and stir until the sugar begins to dissolve.
Add the pear slices to the skillet and cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping occasionally, until the pears are softened and caramelized. Stir in the vanilla extract and remove from heat.
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once the cake has cooled, arrange the caramelized pear slices on top. Serve warm or at room temperature. Optional: Top with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
550 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 19.1 g | 25% | |
| Saturated Fat | 11.5 g | 57% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 93 mg | 31% | |
| Sodium | 331 mg | 14% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 90.8 g | 33% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.8 g | 10% | |
| Total Sugars | 63.4 g | ||
| Protein | 6.2 g | 12% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.9 mcg | 5% | |
| Calcium | 138 mg | 11% | |
| Iron | 3.2 mg | 18% | |
| Potassium | 621 mg | 13% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
