Pear Cake with Vanilla Crumble and Caramel Sauce: A Delightful Dessert

There are few things more comforting than a warm slice of Pear Cake with Vanilla Crumble and Caramel Sauce. This dessert combines the natural sweetness and moistness of pears with a crunchy, buttery vanilla crumble topping, all enhanced by the rich, indulgent flavor of homemade caramel sauce. Whether you're serving it for a family gathering, a special occasion, or simply enjoying a cozy afternoon, this cake will be the star of the show.

The pear cake itself is soft and fluffy, with tender pieces of pear throughout, creating a moist texture that pairs perfectly with the crumbly topping. The vanilla crumble gives the cake a satisfying crunch, while the caramel sauce adds a luscious, golden finish that brings everything together in the most delightful way. In this recipe, we’ll guide you through every step to make this show-stopping dessert.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Pear Cake:

• 2 ripe pears, peeled, cored, and sliced thinly
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup whole milk or heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, to prevent browning of pears)

For the Vanilla Crumble:

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt

For the Caramel Sauce:

• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

This recipe brings together fresh pears, creamy butter, and aromatic spices for the cake, while the vanilla crumble adds a perfect, crumbly topping. The caramel sauce ties everything together with its smooth, buttery sweetness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Pears

Start by preparing the pears. Peel, core, and slice them thinly. If you're worried about the pears browning, drizzle them with lemon juice and set them aside. This step will help preserve their freshness.

2. Make the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.

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

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3 minutes with a hand mixer or stand mixer.

Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don’t overmix.

3. Incorporate the Pears

Gently fold the sliced pears into the batter. The pears should be evenly distributed throughout the mixture. This will give the cake its moist and fruity texture.

4. Make the Vanilla Crumble

In a small bowl, combine the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

5. Assemble the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the vanilla crumble mixture over the top of the cake batter. Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly even—the crumble will bake into a delicious topping.

6. Bake the Cake

Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The crumble will turn golden brown and crisp up during baking.

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

7. Make the Caramel Sauce

While the cake is cooling, make the caramel sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the heavy cream, brown sugar, butter, and salt. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves and the mixture comes to a simmer. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes, or until it thickens slightly.

Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let the sauce cool for a few minutes before drizzling over the cake.

8. Assemble and Serve

Once the cake has cooled, drizzle the caramel sauce generously over the top. Slice the cake and serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if desired.

Tips for Perfecting Your Pear Cake with Vanilla Crumble and Caramel Sauce

• Use Ripe Pears: For the best flavor and texture, use ripe pears that are sweet and juicy. Varieties like Bartlett or Bosc work well in this recipe.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: When combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix only until combined to avoid a dense cake.
• Customize the Crumble: If you prefer a sweeter crumble, increase the amount of brown sugar. You can also add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
• Make the Caramel Sauce Ahead of Time: If you're short on time, you can make the caramel sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it before drizzling over the cake.
• Serve with Ice Cream: For an extra indulgent treat, serve slices of this cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Health Benefits of Pear Cake with Vanilla Crumble and Caramel Sauce

While this cake is certainly a treat, it also provides some nutritional benefits:

1. Pears for Fiber: Pears are rich in fiber, which aids in digestion and helps keep you feeling full longer.
2. Healthy Fats from Butter and Nuts: The butter in the cake provides healthy fats, and if you add nuts to the crumble, you’ll get an extra dose of heart-healthy fats.
3. Antioxidants in Cinnamon: The cinnamon in the crumble is packed with antioxidants that help fight inflammation and support overall health.
4. Natural Sweetness from Pears: This cake is naturally sweetened by pears, reducing the need for added sugars and making it a better choice than highly processed desserts.

Variations to Try

1. Spiced Pear Cake: Add extra spices like cloves or allspice for a warming, spiced version of this cake.
2. Caramelized Pears: For an added depth of flavor, caramelize the pears in a pan before adding them to the batter.
3. Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make this cake gluten-free while maintaining its moist texture.
4. Nutty Crumble: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the vanilla crumble for a nutty crunch.
5. Chocolate Drizzle: Instead of caramel, drizzle some melted dark chocolate over the cake for a rich, chocolaty twist.

Conclusion

Pear Cake with Vanilla Crumble and Caramel Sauce is a decadent, flavorful dessert that perfectly balances the softness of pears, the crunch of vanilla crumble, and the indulgent sweetness of homemade caramel. This cake is sure to be a hit at any gathering and is perfect for anyone who loves a comforting, yet sophisticated dessert.

Whether you serve it for a special occasion or simply enjoy it with your loved ones, this cake will become a go-to recipe for years to come. Try it today and savor the delicious layers of flavor in every bite!