To make this apple and pear cake, you’ll need a few basic ingredients: butter, sugar, eggs, flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, apples, and pears. You can use any variety of apple and pear that you like, but we recommend using firm, tart apples like Granny Smith and sweet, juicy pears like Bartlett. These flavors complement each other and create a delicious, balanced cake.
To start, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a 9-inch cake pan. Cream together 1/2 cup of softened butter and 1 cup of sugar in a mixing bowl until light and fluffy. Beat in 2 eggs, one at a time, until fully incorporated.
In a separate bowl, sift together 1 and 1/2 cups of flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg. Gradually stir this dry mixture into the wet mixture, alternating with 1/4 cup of milk. Mix until fully combined, being careful not to over-mix.
Peel and dice 2 medium apples and 2 medium pears. Fold these into the batter and mix gently. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the fruit topping, thinly slice 1 medium apple and 1 medium pear. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet until melted. Add the sliced fruit and sauté for 4 to 5 minutes, or until tender. Add 2 tablespoons of brown sugar and stir until melted and caramelized.
To serve the cake, arrange the sautéed fruit on top of the cake and spoon any remaining caramel sauce over the fruit. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon and enjoy!
This apple and pear cake is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a special celebration. The combination of sweet fruit, warm spices, and tender cake is sure to please any palate. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be prepared in advance, making it a great option for busy weeknights. So why not try this recipe today and see for yourself how delicious an apple and pear cake can be?