Description
Caramel Pear Walnut Cake is a warm, comforting dessert featuring tender pear-studded cake topped with a rich caramel walnut sauce. The sweet topping seeps into the cake, creating a moist, flavorful treat perfect for holidays or cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup coarsely chopped walnuts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 5 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large very ripe pear, mashed
- 1 large very ripe pear, diced
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan.
- Spread chopped walnuts on a baking sheet and toast for about 10 minutes until fragrant.
- In a bowl mix flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
- In another bowl whisk brown sugar, eggs, melted butter, mashed pear, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a smooth batter forms.
- Fold in the diced pear pieces.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for about 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Meanwhile prepare the topping by simmering brown sugar, butter, and heavy cream in a saucepan for about 2 minutes.
- Add toasted walnuts and simmer for another 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Poke small holes in the hot cake using a toothpick.
- Pour the warm caramel walnut topping evenly over the cake.
- Let the cake rest for about 5 minutes before removing the springform sides and serving.
Notes
- Pecans can replace walnuts for a sweeter nut flavor.
- Add a teaspoon of maple syrup to the topping for deeper caramel flavor.
- Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on the topping for a salted caramel version.
- Add raisins or chopped dates to the batter for extra sweetness.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature or 5 days in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 46 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
