Moist and Easy Pear Cake Recipe – Perfect for Fall Desserts

by | Dec 26, 2019 | Desserts | 1 comment

There’s something irresistibly comforting about a homemade pear cake—moist, tender, and bursting with the natural sweetness of ripe pears. Whether you’re looking for a cozy fall dessert or a simple treat to enjoy with your afternoon tea, this easy pear cake recipe delivers on flavor and charm. With warm spices, a soft crumb, and juicy fruit in every bite, it’s the kind of cake that feels like a hug from the oven. Plus, it’s a great way to use up those extra pears sitting on your counter!

Incredibly soft cake, even days later.

– Heather

Why You’ll Love This Moist Pear Cake

  • Incredibly Moist Texture: Thanks to juicy ripe pears and a tender crumb, every bite melts in your mouth.
  • Naturally Sweet: The pears bring a gentle, fruity sweetness that means you don’t need a ton of added sugar.
  • Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples and fresh fruit—no fancy tools or hard-to-find items required.
  • Versatile & Customizable: Add spices like cinnamon or cardamom, toss in some nuts, or top with a glaze—make it your own!
  • Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy fall afternoon, a brunch table centerpiece, or a light dessert, this cake fits right in.
  • Freezer-Friendly: Make it ahead and freeze slices for a quick treat anytime.

Moist and Easy Pear Cake Recipe Ingredients

  1. White Sugar – Adds sweetness and helps create a light, tender crumb.
  2. Brown Sugar – Brings rich, caramel-like depth and extra moisture to the cake.
  3. Eggs – Bind the ingredients together and provide structure and richness.
  4. Canola Oil  – Keeps the cake incredibly moist without overpowering the flavor.
  5. Vanilla Extract – Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, aromatic note.
  6. All-Purpose Flour – Forms the base of the batter and gives the cake its structure.
  7. Salt – Balances the sweetness and sharpens the other flavors.
  8. Baking Soda – Helps the cake rise and stay fluffy.
  9. Ground Cinnamon  – Adds cozy, warm spice that pairs beautifully with pears.
  10. Pears  – The star of the show, adding juicy bursts of flavor and natural sweetness in every bite.

How to Make Moist Pear Cake

Instructions for the Cake

Step 1

Gather ingredients. In a large bowl, mix together white sugar, brown sugar and eggs. Then add oil and vanilla extract.

Step 2

Sift together flour, salt, baking soda and cinnamon. Mix to combine.

Step 3

Stir in diced pears to incorporate.

Step 4

Pour into a greased 9″ x 13″ pan and bake at 350 degrees F for 40 to 45 minutes.

Ingredients for the Pear Cake Topping

  • Brown sugar
  • Milk
  • Butter

Instructions for the Pear Cake Topping

Step 5

Before removing cake from the oven, stir the 3 ingredients required for the topping into a small saucepan.

Step 6

Bring the topping ingredients to a simmer for 3 to 4 minutes stirring occasionally.

Step 7

After removing the baked cake from the oven, pour the topping all over the cake.

Step 8

Place the cake back in the oven for an additional 3 to 4 minutes.

Absolutely delicious!

– Sue

How to Store Moist and Easy Pear Cake

1. At Room Temperature (Short-Term)

  • Wrap it well: Cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container.
  • Keep it cool and dry: Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
  • Shelf life: Good for up to 2 days at room temperature.

2. In the Refrigerator (Medium-Term)

  • Wrap or container: Use plastic wrap or an airtight container to prevent it from drying out or absorbing fridge odors.
  • Shelf life: Keeps well for up to 5 days in the fridge.
  • Tip: Let it come to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.

3. In the Freezer (Long-Term)

To thaw: Let slices thaw at room temperature or warm them gently in the microwave or oven.

Slice before freezing: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.

Label and date: So you know when you froze it.

Shelf life: Stays fresh for up to 3 months.

For a Moist and Easy Pear Cake

  1. Use Ripe, Juicy Pears
    The riper the pears, the sweeter and more flavorful your cake will be. Bartlett, Anjou, or Bosc pears work beautifully—just make sure they’re soft but not mushy.
  2. Don’t Overmix the Batter
    Overmixing can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined to keep the crumb light and tender.
  3. Add a Touch of Yogurt or Sour Cream
    Incorporating a bit of plain yogurt or sour cream into the batter adds moisture and a subtle tang that balances the sweetness.
  4. Spice It Up
    Warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom pair wonderfully with pears. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your favorite spice blend.
  5. Let It Rest Before Slicing
    Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing. This helps the flavors settle and the texture firm up for cleaner cuts.
  6. Optional Glaze or Dusting
    A simple glaze made with powdered sugar and lemon juice, or a light dusting of powdered sugar, can elevate the presentation and add a sweet finish.
  7. Store Properly
    Keep the cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness. It also freezes well—wrap slices individually for a quick treat later!

Pear Cake

A moist, sweet and satisfying dessert. What it lacks in appearance it makes up for in taste! 😉
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Cake, Dessert, Pear
Servings: 12
Author: Cheryl of ApronsOnPeople.com

Ingredients

Cake

  • 1 cup White sugar
  • 1 cup Brown sugar
  • 2 Eggs
  • 1 cup Canola oil
  • 2 tsp Vanilla extract
  • 3 cups All Purpose Flour
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1 tsp Baking soda
  • 2 tsp Cinnamon, ground
  • 4 – 5 Pears, diced

Topping

  • 1/2 cup Brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup Milk
  • 1/4 cup Butter

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, mix together white sugar, brown sugar and eggs. Then add oil and vanilla extract.
  • Sift together flour, salt, baking soda and cinnamon. Mix to combine.
  • Stir in diced pears to incorporate.
  • Pour into a greased 9" x 13" pan and bake at 350 degrees F for 40 to 45 minutes.
  • Before removing cake from the oven, stir the 3 ingredients required for the topping into a small saucepan.
  • Bring the topping ingredients to a simmer for 3 to 4 minutes stirring occasionally.
  • After removing the baked cake from the oven, pour the topping all over the cake.
  • Place the cake back in the oven for an additional 3 to 4 minutes.

Notes

LogoCopyright 2019 ApronsOnPeople.com

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1 response to “Moist and Easy Pear Cake Recipe – Perfect for Fall Desserts”

  1. Rebeca Avatar
    Rebeca

    This pear cake is moist and delicious! Thanks for sharing this delectable delight.

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