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Mary Berry Pear Cake

Mary Berry Pear Cake
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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.

Find it online: https://britishbakingrecipes.co.uk/mary-berry-pear-cake/