This Pear Vanilla Cake with Citrus Zest offers a delightful blend of natural sweetness from the pears, the freshness of citrus zest, and the comforting flavor of vanilla. The cake’s light, fluffy texture makes it a perfect choice for a snack or dessert, and its simple preparation ensures you can enjoy this treat without hassle. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or a casual afternoon, this cake is sure to be a hit.
Ingredients
For the Pear Vanilla Cake with Citrus Zest, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 eggs: Eggs are essential for the structure of the cake, helping it rise and achieve a light, fluffy texture.
- A pinch of salt: Salt enhances the overall flavor, balancing the sweetness of the other ingredients.
- 50 grams sugar (¼ cup): Sugar sweetens the cake and helps with browning.
- 100 ml milk (⅓ cup + 1 tablespoon): Milk adds moisture, making the cake tender and soft.
- 25 grams melted butter (2 tablespoons): Butter contributes flavor and moisture to the cake.
- 80 grams flour (⅔ cup): Flour provides the bulk and structure of the cake.
- 5 grams baking powder (1 teaspoon): Baking powder acts as the leavening agent, helping the cake rise.
- 5 ml vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Vanilla extract infuses the cake with a warm, comforting flavor.
- Zest of 1 orange: Orange zest adds a bright, citrusy note to the cake.
- Zest of 1 lemon: Lemon zest complements the orange zest, giving a fresh, zesty contrast to the sweetness of the pears.
- 1-2 pears, sliced: Pears provide natural sweetness and moisture to the cake.
- 20 ml melted butter (1½ tablespoons, for topping): This butter helps create a golden, caramelized top.
- 1 tablespoon sugar (for topping): A sprinkle of sugar aids in browning the top of the cake, giving it a delightful crunch.
- Icing sugar (optional, for dusting): Icing sugar can be used for a delicate finish.
Directions
1. Prepare the Batter
Start by whisking together 2 eggs, a pinch of salt, and 50 grams of sugar in a large mixing bowl until light and frothy. This will help create a fluffy texture in the cake.
Next, add 100 ml of milk, 25 grams of melted butter, and 5 ml of vanilla extract to the mixture, stirring well to combine.
Sift in 80 grams of flour and 5 grams of baking powder, stirring until the batter is smooth and free from lumps.
Fold in the zest of 1 orange and zest of 1 lemon for a fragrant, citrusy flavor boost.
2. Prepare the Pan
Grease a baking pan with butter and lightly dust it with flour to prevent the cake from sticking. This step will help the cake come out of the pan easily once baked.
3. Assemble the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Arrange the sliced pears on top of the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
Drizzle 20 ml of melted butter over the cake and sprinkle 1 tablespoon of sugar on top to promote caramelization and a beautiful golden finish.
4. Bake the Cake
Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F). Bake the cake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
5. Let the Cake Cool
Allow the cake to cool slightly before removing it from the pan. If desired, dust with icing sugar just before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This Pear Vanilla Cake with Citrus Zest pairs wonderfully with:
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream: Serve the cake warm with a scoop of ice cream for a delightful contrast of temperatures and textures.
- Whipped cream: Add a dollop of fresh whipped cream for added richness.
- A hot cup of herbal tea: Enjoy with a cup of your favorite tea for a light, satisfying snack.
Cooking Tips
- Room Temperature Eggs: Using room temperature eggs helps them incorporate more easily into the batter, resulting in a fluffier texture.
- Toss Pears in Flour: To prevent the pear slices from sinking to the bottom, toss them lightly in flour before adding them to the batter.
- Add More Zest: If you love citrus, feel free to add extra orange or lemon zest to intensify the flavor.
- Test for Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
Nutritional Benefits
This cake offers several health benefits:
- Pears are rich in fiber and vitamin C, supporting digestion and immune function.
- Citrus zest provides additional antioxidants and vitamin C.
- The cake is lower in fat and sugar compared to many other desserts, making it a lighter option.
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian: This recipe is suitable for vegetarians.
- Dairy-Free: To make it dairy-free, replace the butter with a plant-based alternative and use a non-dairy milk, such as almond or oat milk.
- Moderate Sugar and Fat Content: The recipe is balanced with moderate sugar and fat, making it a great option for a healthier dessert.
Nutritional Facts (per slice, based on 8 slices)
- Calories: Approximately 180 kcal
- Protein: 3 grams
- Carbohydrates: 25 grams
- Fat: 8 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
Storage
- Room Temperature: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Refrigeration: For longer storage, keep the cake in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat slices in the microwave or oven before serving.
- Freezing: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use a different fruit instead of pears?
Yes, you can substitute pears with other fruits like apples or even peaches. Just make sure the fruit you choose is tender and sweet.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make this cake gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
How can I make the cake sweeter?
If you prefer a sweeter cake, feel free to add an extra tablespoon of sugar to the batter or increase the sugar for the topping.
Can I prepare the cake in advance?
Yes, this cake stores well and can be made a day or two in advance. Just ensure it’s properly stored in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
How can I make the cake dairy-free?
To make the cake dairy-free, substitute the butter with a plant-based butter alternative and use a non-dairy milk such as almond milk or oat milk.
Conclusion
This Pear Vanilla Cake with Citrus Zest is a delightful, light dessert that brings out the natural sweetness of pears while adding a refreshing citrus twist. Whether served warm with a scoop of ice cream or enjoyed at room temperature with a cup of tea, this cake is sure to impress. Easy to make and perfect for any occasion, it’s a wonderful addition to your dessert repertoire.