If you have a soft spot for tender, fruit-infused desserts, this Moist Pear Cake Recipe will quickly become one of your all-time favorites. Imagine the sweet, delicate aroma of ripe pears mingling with warm cinnamon and brown sugar as you cut into a cake so wonderfully moist and tender that every bite feels like a cozy hug. This recipe brings together simple pantry staples and fresh fruit to create a dessert that’s incredibly easy to make yet impressively delicious. Whether it’s a family gathering or a quiet afternoon treat, this Moist Pear Cake Recipe promises a slice of home-baked happiness that’s bursting with natural pear sweetness and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows various baking ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. At the top left, there is a small white bowl with white baking powder, next to it a small white bowl with dark brown vanilla extract. On the right side, two ripe pears rest in a white bowl. Below the pears, there is a small white bowl with clear white salt. In the center-left, there is a large clear glass bowl filled with white flour, beside a large white bowl full of white sugar. A smaller clear bowl with light brown brown sugar is placed below the salt. A small clear bowl with yellow lemon zest is in the center. At the bottom left, a white bowl holds a clear liquid oil, next to a white bowl filled with white milk. A clear bowl with four brown eggs is placed above the bowls of oil and milk. Two unwrapped butter sticks lie beside the sugar bowl, and a small clear bowl with white powdered sugar is placed near the butter. The setup is bright and clean, showing ingredients ready for baking, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering your ingredients for this recipe is a breeze because each one plays an essential role in delivering the perfect Moist Pear Cake Recipe. From the flour providing structure to the pears lending juiciness and natural sweetness, every element contributes to the cake’s divine taste, texture, and inviting appearance.

2¼ cups cake or all-purpose flour, sifted: Ensures a tender crumb and even texture in the cake.
1½ cups granulated white sugar: Sweetens the cake perfectly while helping it brown.
½ cup unsalted butter, soft: Adds richness and moisture to keep the cake soft.
⅓ cup canola or vegetable oil: Enhances the cake’s moistness without making it heavy.
3 teaspoons baking powder: Gives the cake its wonderful rise and lightness.
1–2 tablespoons vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and depth of flavor.
4 large eggs: Bind everything together and add a velvety texture.
½ cup whole milk: Keeps the batter moist and tender.
3 ripe pears, peeled and thinly sliced: The star of the show, these add natural sweetness and juiciness.
⅛ teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to balance the flavors.
1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional): Brightens the cake with a subtle citrus note.
2 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar: For a pretty dusting after baking.
Toppings before baking: ¼ cup brown sugar and ¾ teaspoon cinnamon for a beautifully caramelized, spiced pear topping.

How to Make Moist Pear Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pears and Oven

Start by peeling and thinly slicing your ripe pears — the juicier and riper, the better. Then, preheat your oven to 350°F to get it ready for baking the magic that’s about to happen.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a mixing bowl, whip the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about one minute. This step sets the stage for a tender crumb by incorporating air into the batter.

Step 3: Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Lemon Zest

Mix in the vanilla extract and optional lemon zest for a lovely aroma, followed by the eggs, one at a time. Beat on high speed for a couple of minutes until the batter turns pale and fluffy — this is the secret behind the cake’s soft lift.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Sift together your flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently but thoroughly. This ensures the cake rises evenly and isn’t dense.

Step 5: Add Milk and Oil

Slowly pour in the milk and canola oil while mixing on low. This addition keeps the batter moist and silky without weighing it down. The batter should feel thick but not runny — the perfect consistency for a moist pear cake.

Step 6: Prepare the Pan and Add Batter

Line the bottom of a 10 x 3-inch deep springform pan with parchment paper and grease the sides. Pour in the cake batter and spread it out evenly. A properly prepped pan helps the cake bake uniformly and makes removal easier.

Step 7: Top with Pears and Spices

Arrange the thinly sliced pears in a single layer over the batter. Sprinkle with a mixture of brown sugar and cinnamon to add a wonderful spiced sweetness that caramelizes in the oven.

Step 8: Bake Your Cake

Bake in the preheated oven for 55 to 60 minutes. At around 40 minutes, cover the cake loosely with foil to prevent the top from over-browning while it finishes baking inside. The key to the perfect Moist Pear Cake Recipe is avoiding overbaking so it stays soft and tender.

Step 9: Cool and Dust

Once baked, remove the cake and cover it with a kitchen towel. Allow it to cool completely for up to an hour. Before serving, sprinkle with confectioners’ sugar for a delicate, snowy finish that makes every slice look as good as it tastes.

How to Serve Moist Pear Cake Recipe

A round black baking pan filled with a dessert that has a bottom layer of light batter, covered with thinly sliced white fruit arranged in a spiral pattern from the outer edge to the center. The fruit slices are sprinkled evenly with a light brown powder, likely cinnamon or sugar. The baking pan sits on a white marbled surface, with some flour residue visible along the pan's inner edges. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

One of the simplest ways to elevate your slice is with a light dusting of powdered sugar and a few thin pear slices on top. You could also add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra decadence without overshadowing the pear’s natural sweetness.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with a warm cup of tea or coffee, making it perfect for breakfast or afternoon snack time. For dessert, serve it alongside a tart fruit compote or a creamy custard to complement the fruity, spiced flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning presentation, serve individual slices on pretty plates with a drizzle of honey or caramel sauce. You can also cut the cake into small squares and serve it as bite-sized treats for parties or gatherings. The moist texture makes it perfect for layered desserts or trifles, too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Moist Pear Cake Recipe can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The cake’s moisture holds up beautifully, but make sure to keep it covered to prevent drying.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. You can freeze the cake for up to two months without losing its lovely, moist texture.

Reheating

To enjoy your cake warm, gently reheat slices in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or in a low oven until warmed through. This brings back that freshly baked softness that makes this Moist Pear Cake Recipe so irresistible.

FAQs

Can I use canned pears instead of fresh pears?

While canned pears can work in a pinch, fresh ripe pears give the Moist Pear Cake Recipe its signature juicy texture and fresh flavor. If using canned, drain them well and pat dry to avoid excess moisture in the batter.

What type of pears are best for this cake?

Choose ripe but firm pears like Bartlett or Anjou. They hold their shape well during baking and offer a perfect balance of sweetness and texture.

Can I substitute the oil with more butter?

You can try replacing the oil with an equal amount of melted butter, but the oil helps keep the cake extra moist without heaviness, which is central to this Moist Pear Cake Recipe’s charm.

Is it okay to use all-purpose flour instead of cake flour?

Absolutely! All-purpose flour works just fine and will still give you a tender, moist cake, especially if you sift it to lighten the texture.

How can I tell when the cake is done baking?

Insert a wooden skewer into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs (not wet batter), the cake is ready. Be careful not to overbake, as this can dry out the cake.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you try this Moist Pear Cake Recipe, it will hold a special place on your recipe list for easy, comforting desserts that feel homemade and wholesome. The delightful combination of juicy pears, warm spices, and moist crumb is just unbeatable. So grab those pears, roll up your sleeves, and embrace the joy of baking something truly delicious that everyone will ask for again and again!