Jamie Oliver Pear and Ginger Cake

Jamie Oliver’s Pear and Ginger Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert, combining the sweetness of ripe pears with the warm, spicy kick of ginger. Perfect for cozy afternoons or special occasions, this cake is a crowd-pleaser that’s simple to make and bursting with comforting flavors.

What is Jamie Oliver Pear and Ginger Cake?

Jamie Oliver’s Pear and Ginger Cake is a rich, spiced cake made with fresh pears and ground ginger. The moist texture of the cake is complemented by the sweetness of the pears and the warm spice, making it an ideal dessert or tea-time treat.

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• Jamie Oliver Poached Chicken Pie
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Why You Should Try This Recipe

• Perfect flavor combination: Sweet pears and warm ginger create a comforting dessert.
• Moist and tender: Thanks to the juicy pears and well-balanced batter.
• Easy to make: Straightforward steps and simple ingredients.
• Great for any occasion: Works as a dessert or a tea-time treat.
• Customizable: Add nuts, spices, or other fruits for variation.

Ingredients Needed to Make Jamie Oliver Pear and Ginger Cake

For the Cake:

• Pears – 2 ripe but firm, peeled, cored, and sliced.
• Self-raising flour – 225g, for a light texture.
• Ground ginger – 1 teaspoon, for warmth.
• Butter – 125g, softened, adds richness.
• Caster sugar – 125g, sweetens the cake.
• Eggs – 2 large, for structure.
• Golden syrup – 2 tablespoons, enhances sweetness.
• Milk – 2 tablespoons, for moisture.

For the Topping:

• Pears – 1 ripe, thinly sliced, for decoration.
• Demerara sugar – 2 tablespoons, for a crunchy topping.

Equipment Needed

• 8-inch round cake tin
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or hand whisk
• Spatula
• Parchment paper

Instructions to Make Jamie Oliver Pear and Ginger Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Tin

• Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or 350°F.
• Grease and line the base of the cake tin with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

• In a bowl, sift together the self-raising flour and ground ginger. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

• In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and caster sugar until pale and fluffy, about 3–5 minutes.

Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients

• Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
• Stir in the golden syrup and milk, mixing until smooth.

Step 5: Combine and Add the Pears

• Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
• Gently fold in the sliced pears, ensuring they are evenly distributed.

Step 6: Assemble and Decorate

• Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin and level the surface with a spatula.
• Arrange the additional sliced pear decoratively on top of the batter.
• Sprinkle with demerara sugar for a caramelized, crunchy topping.

Step 7: Bake the Cake

• Bake in the preheated oven for 45–50 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

• Allow the cake to cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
• Serve warm or at room temperature with cream or ice cream.

What Goes Well With Jamie Oliver Pear and Ginger Cake

• Whipped cream: A light, fluffy accompaniment.
• Vanilla ice cream: Adds a cool and creamy contrast.
• Caramel sauce: Drizzle for added indulgence.
• Mascarpone cheese: A rich and tangy pairing.
• Hot tea or coffee: Complements the cake’s warm spices.

Expert Tips for Making the Best Jamie Oliver Pear and Ginger Cake

• Use ripe but firm pears: Ensures they hold their shape during baking.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Keeps the cake tender and light.
• Adjust sweetness: Add more golden syrup if your pears are less sweet.
• Add texture: Stir in chopped walnuts or almonds for extra crunch.
• Serve warm: Enhances the flavors of the ginger and pears.

Easy Variations of Jamie Oliver Pear and Ginger Cake

• Spiced version: Add cinnamon or nutmeg for additional warmth.
• Chocolate twist: Mix in chocolate chips for a decadent touch.
• Nutty topping: Sprinkle chopped pecans or hazelnuts on top.
• Citrus flavor: Add orange or lemon zest to the batter.
• Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free self-raising flour.

Best Practices to Store Jamie Oliver Pear and Ginger Cake

• Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerate: Keeps fresh for up to 5 days in the fridge.
• Freeze: Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Best Practices to Reheat Jamie Oliver Pear and Ginger Cake

• Oven method: Warm at 150°C (300°F) for 10 minutes.
• Microwave option: Heat individual slices for 20–30 seconds.

Nutrition Value (per serving)

• Calories: 290
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 40g

FAQs

Can I use canned pears for Jamie Oliver’s Pear and Ginger Cake?

Yes, canned pears can be used if fresh pears are unavailable. Make sure to drain them well and pat them dry before adding them to the batter to prevent excess moisture.

How do I prevent pears from sinking into the cake?

To prevent the pears from sinking, lightly toss the pear slices in a small amount of flour before folding them into the batter. This helps distribute them evenly throughout the cake.

Can I make Jamie Oliver Pear and Ginger Cake gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the self-raising flour with a gluten-free self-raising flour blend. Ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free.

How do I store pear and ginger cake to keep it fresh?

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months by wrapping it tightly in cling film.

Final Words

Jamie Oliver’s Pear and Ginger Cake is a perfect balance of sweet and spicy, making it a delightful treat for any occasion. It’s moist texture and warm flavors will leave everyone asking for seconds. Try this recipe today for a deliciously comforting dessert!

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