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.