Description
This Maple Pear Cake with Streusel Topping is a moist and flavorful dessert that combines the natural sweetness of ripe pears with rich maple syrup and warm spices. Topped with a crunchy oat streusel, this cake is perfect for autumn gatherings or a cozy afternoon treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Batter
- 2 cups (240 grams) all-purpose flour
- 3 medium ripe pears, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) maple syrup
- 1/2 cup (100 grams) packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup (115 grams) butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Streusel Topping
- 1/2 cup (45 grams) rolled oats
- 1/2 cup (100 grams) packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup (60 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup (57 grams) butter, softened
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9-inch round cake pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the 2 cups of all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg until well combined.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened 1/2 cup butter and 1/2 cup brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process helps to aerate the batter.
- Add Eggs and Maple Syrup: Beat in eggs one at a time into the creamed butter and sugar mixture, ensuring each egg is well incorporated before adding the next. Then mix in the 1/2 cup maple syrup.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing which could toughen the cake.
- Fold in Pears: Carefully fold the sliced pears into the batter, distributing them evenly without breaking them up too much.
- Prepare Streusel Topping: In a separate bowl, mix the rolled oats, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup flour, and 1/4 cup softened butter until the mixture becomes crumbly and coarse. This topping adds a delightful crunch to the cake.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the batter. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes to set. Then transfer it onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving to enjoy its full flavors.
Notes
- Use ripe but firm pears to avoid mushy cake texture.
- Make sure not to overmix the batter to keep the cake tender.
- The streusel topping can be customized with chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added flavor.
- Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
