The Mary Berry Pear Cake is a beautifully moist and flavorful cake featuring fresh pears and a hint of warm spice. This cake is perfect for tea time, fall gatherings, or as a comforting dessert, combining tender pears with a light, fluffy sponge. Simple to make and deliciously satisfying, this cake is sure to impress guests and family alike.
What is Mary Berry Pear Cake?
Mary Berry’s Pear Cake is a light sponge cake with pieces of fresh pear folded into the batter, adding moisture and a gentle sweetness. Often flavored with a touch of cinnamon or vanilla, the cake is baked until golden and tender. It can be served as is or with a dusting of icing sugar or a dollop of cream for an extra touch.
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Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Moist and tender: Pears keep the cake deliciously moist.
- Delicate flavor: Fresh pears and a hint of spice create a subtle, comforting taste.
- Perfect for all occasions: Ideal for tea time, dessert, or a cozy family treat.
- Easy to make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
- Great for seasonal produce: A wonderful way to use fresh, ripe pears.
Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry Pear Cake
For the Cake:
- Butter (175g, softened): Adds richness and moisture.
- Caster sugar (175g): Sweetens the cake.
- Self-raising flour (225g): Gives structure and a light crumb.
- Baking powder (1 tsp): Helps the cake rise.
- Eggs (3 large): Binds and enriches the batter.
- Milk (2 tbsp): Loosens the batter for a smoother texture.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Adds a warm, aromatic flavor.
- Pears (2 medium, peeled, cored, and chopped): The star ingredient, providing natural sweetness and moisture.
- Ground cinnamon (½ tsp): Optional, but enhances the flavor of the pears.
Optional Topping:
- Icing sugar (for dusting) or whipped cream: To serve.
Instructions to Make Mary Berry Pear Cake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Tin
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) or 160°C (fan).
- Grease and line a 9-inch round cake tin with parchment paper.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and caster sugar together until light and fluffy. This will take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.
Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to incorporate fully.
- Stir in the vanilla extract to blend evenly.
Step 4: Add the Dry Ingredients
- Sift the self-raising flour, baking powder, and cinnamon into the bowl. Gently fold in the dry ingredients until just combined.
- Add the milk to achieve a smooth, pourable batter.
Step 5: Fold in the Pears
- Gently fold the chopped pears into the batter until evenly distributed.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
- Allow the cake to cool in the tin for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Dust with icing sugar or serve with whipped cream, if desired.
What Goes Well with Mary Berry Pear Cake?
- Vanilla ice cream: Complements the flavors and adds a creamy contrast.
- Custard: A classic pairing that adds warmth and richness.
- Caramel sauce: Drizzle over the cake for a touch of extra sweetness.
- Fresh berries: Adds color and a hint of tartness.
- Chai tea or coffee: Pairs perfectly with the warm flavors of the cake.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Mary Berry Pear Cake
- Use ripe pears: Ripe pears will add natural sweetness and moisture to the cake.
- Don’t overmix: Gently fold the ingredients for a light, tender texture.
- Test for doneness: Insert a skewer into the center; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
- Serve slightly warm: This brings out the flavor of the pears and makes the cake even more comforting.
Easy Variations of Mary Berry Pear Cake
- Add nuts: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
- Spiced pear cake: Increase the cinnamon or add a pinch of nutmeg and ginger.
- Chocolate pear cake: Add chocolate chips for a sweet twist.
- Caramel pear cake: Drizzle caramel sauce into the batter for added richness.
Best Practices to Store Mary Berry Pear Cake
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerate for longer storage: For up to 5 days, store the cake in the fridge. Allow it to come to room temperature or reheat slightly before serving.
Best Practices to Reheat Mary Berry Pear Cake
- Microwave: Reheat individual slices for 10-15 seconds.
- Oven: Reheat in a preheated oven at 150°C (300°F) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through.
How Can I Make Mary Berry Pear Cake Healthier?
- Use whole wheat flour: Substitute part of the self-raising flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
- Reduce sugar: Use less caster sugar or a natural sweetener.
- Add seeds: Incorporate chia or flaxseeds for added nutrition.
- Use low-fat milk: Swap the regular milk for a low-fat or plant-based milk option.
Nutrition Value (per serving):
- Calories: 270
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Protein: 4g
- Fiber: 2g
FAQs
Can I use canned pears instead of fresh pears in Mary Berry Pear Cake?
Yes, canned pears can be used as a substitute for fresh pears. Be sure to drain them well and pat them dry to remove excess moisture before chopping and adding them to the batter.
How do I keep my pear cake from becoming soggy?
To prevent a soggy cake, use ripe but firm pears and avoid overmixing the batter. Excess liquid from overly ripe or canned pears can be reduced by patting them dry with a paper towel before adding them to the batter.
Can I freeze Mary Berry Pear Cake?
Yes, pear cake freezes well. Wrap the cake or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months, and thaw at room temperature before serving.
What type of pears work best for pear cake?
Firm, ripe pears like Bartlett, Anjou, or Bosc work best for pear cake. These varieties hold their shape well during baking and add a balanced sweetness without releasing too much moisture.
Final Words
The Mary Berry Pear Cake is a delightful and easy-to-make dessert that captures the essence of fall. With tender pears and a light sponge, this cake is perfect for any occasion. Serve it warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of icing sugar, and enjoy every bite of this cozy, comforting treat!
More By British Baking Recipe
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Mary Berry Pear Cake
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 50
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
Mary Berry’s Pear Cake is a light sponge cake with pieces of fresh pear folded into the batter, adding moisture and a gentle sweetness. Often flavored with a touch of cinnamon or vanilla, the cake is baked until golden and tender. It can be served as is or with a dusting of icing sugar or a dollop of cream for an extra touch.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- Butter (175g, softened): Adds richness and moisture.
- Caster sugar (175g): Sweetens the cake.
- Self-raising flour (225g): Gives structure and a light crumb.
- Baking powder (1 tsp): Helps the cake rise.
- Eggs (3 large): Binds and enriches the batter.
- Milk (2 tbsp): Loosens the batter for a smoother texture.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Adds a warm, aromatic flavor.
- Pears (2 medium, peeled, cored, and chopped): The star ingredient, providing natural sweetness and moisture.
- Ground cinnamon (½ tsp): Optional, but enhances the flavor of the pears.
Optional Topping:
- Icing sugar (for dusting) or whipped cream: To serve.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Tin
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) or 160°C (fan).
- Grease and line a 9-inch round cake tin with parchment paper.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and caster sugar together until light and fluffy. This will take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.
Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to incorporate fully.
- Stir in the vanilla extract to blend evenly.
Step 4: Add the Dry Ingredients
- Sift the self-raising flour, baking powder, and cinnamon into the bowl. Gently fold in the dry ingredients until just combined.
- Add the milk to achieve a smooth, pourable batter.
Step 5: Fold in the Pears
- Gently fold the chopped pears into the batter until evenly distributed.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
- Allow the cake to cool in the tin for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Dust with icing sugar or serve with whipped cream, if desired.
