Sticky Pear and Ginger Cake

Sticky Pear and Ginger Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the warmth of spices with the sweetness of ripe pears. This cake is perfect for any occasion, from cozy family dinners to celebratory gatherings. Its rich sticky glaze adds an irresistible finish that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This cake uses simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it approachable for bakers of all levels.
• Deliciously Moist: The combination of pears and a sticky glaze ensures each bite is incredibly moist and flavorful.
• Perfect for Sharing: With its eight generous servings, this cake is ideal for sharing at parties or bringing to potlucks.
• Versatile Flavor Profile: The blend of ginger and cinnamon gives this cake a warm, spiced flavor that’s comforting year-round.
• Great with Tea or Coffee: Enjoy it as a sweet treat during afternoon tea or paired with your favorite coffee.

Tools and Preparation

Before you begin baking your Sticky Pear and Ginger Cake, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready will make the process much smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Cake tin (20cm / 8-inch)
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Sifter
• Saucepan
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Cake tin: A good-quality cake tin ensures even baking, helping your cake rise perfectly.
• Mixing bowls: Having multiple mixing bowls allows you to prepare dry and wet ingredients separately without any hassle.
• Whisk: A whisk helps incorporate air into your batter, resulting in a light and fluffy texture.
• Sifter: Sifting flour and dry ingredients helps prevent lumps, giving your cake a smooth consistency.

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Ingredients

Sticky Pear and Ginger Cake is a warm, spiced dessert featuring ripe pears, ginger, and a rich sticky glaze. Perfectly moist and comforting, it’s ideal for cozy gatherings or a sweet treat with tea.

For the Cake

• 200g (1 1/3 cups) all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 100g (1/2 cup) light brown sugar
• 100g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, melted
• 150ml (2/3 cup) milk
• 1 large egg
• 100g (1/4 cup) dark treacle or molasses
• 2 ripe pears, peeled, cored, and diced

For the Glaze

• 100g (1/2 cup) golden syrup
• 50g (1/4 cup) unsalted butter
• 50g (1/4 cup) light brown sugar

How to Make Sticky Pear and Ginger Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F). Grease and line a 20cm (8-inch) cake tin with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, sift together the following:
* All-purpose flour
* Ground ginger
* Ground cinnamon
* Baking soda
* Salt

Set this mixture aside.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together:
1. Melted butter
2. Light brown sugar
3. Milk
4. Egg
5. Dark treacle

Ensure everything is well combined until smooth.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined; avoid over-mixing to keep the cake tender.

Step 5: Fold in Pears

Gently fold in the diced pears into the batter until evenly distributed.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared tin. Smooth out the top with a spatula. Bake in preheated oven for about 35–40 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Prepare the Glaze

While the cake bakes, prepare the glaze by combining:
– Golden syrup
– Unsalted butter
– Light brown sugar

Heat over medium-low until smooth.

Step 8: Glaze the Cake

Once baked, take the cake out of the oven. Poke holes in its top using a skewer or fork. Pour warm glaze evenly over it while still hot.

Step 9: Cool Before Serving

Allow your Sticky Pear and Ginger Cake to cool slightly before slicing. It can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature—perfect for any occasion!

How to Serve Sticky Pear and Ginger Cake

Serving Sticky Pear and Ginger Cake can enhance its delightful flavors and textures. Here are some creative suggestions to enjoy this warm, spiced dessert.

With Fresh Whipped Cream

• Light and airy whipped cream complements the rich cake perfectly, adding a creamy contrast.

A Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream

• The cold ice cream melts slightly against the warm cake, creating a delicious temperature contrast.

Drizzled with Extra Golden Syrup

• A simple drizzle of golden syrup enhances the sweetness and adds an extra sticky layer to each slice.

Paired with Spiced Chai Tea

• Enjoying a slice with a cup of spiced chai tea elevates the cozy experience, balancing the spices in the cake.

Topped with Toasted Nuts

• Sprinkling toasted pecans or walnuts adds a crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the soft cake.

How to Perfect Sticky Pear and Ginger Cake

Perfecting your Sticky Pear and Ginger Cake ensures every bite is delicious. Here are some helpful tips to elevate your baking skills.

• Use ripe pears: Ripe pears will provide natural sweetness and moisture, enhancing the cake’s flavor.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to a dense cake. Mix until just combined for a light texture.

• Let it cool slightly: Allowing the cake to cool helps set the glaze, making it easier to slice without falling apart.

• Check for doneness: Insert a skewer in the middle; it should come out clean. This ensures your cake is perfectly baked.

Best Side Dishes for Sticky Pear and Ginger Cake

Pairing side dishes with your Sticky Pear and Ginger Cake can create a well-rounded dessert experience. Here are some excellent options:

1. Chai-Spiced Yogurt – A creamy yogurt topped with chai spices offers a tangy balance to the sweet cake.

2. Caramelized Apples – Sautéed apples in butter and sugar add warmth and complement the ginger flavor.

3. Cinnamon Sugar Toast – Crispy toast sprinkled with cinnamon sugar provides a crunchy contrast to the moist cake.

4. Fruit Salad – A light fruit salad can refresh your palate after indulging in the rich cake.

5. Ginger Ale – This fizzy drink enhances the ginger notes in the cake while providing a refreshing sip.

6. Cream Cheese Frosting – A dollop of cream cheese frosting on top adds richness that pairs wonderfully with ginger desserts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking can be tricky, and there are common pitfalls to watch out for when making Sticky Pear and Ginger Cake.

• Boldly measuring ingredients – Not measuring ingredients accurately can lead to a cake that doesn’t rise properly. Use a kitchen scale for precision.
• Boldly ignoring room temperature – Using cold ingredients, like butter and eggs, can affect the batter’s texture. Let them sit out for about 30 minutes before use.
• Boldly overmixing the batter – Mixing too much can create a dense cake instead of a light one. Combine until just mixed to keep it airy.
• Boldly skipping the glaze – The sticky glaze adds flavor and moisture. Don’t skip this step; it elevates the entire dessert.
• Boldly underbaking the cake – If you’re unsure, always check with a skewer for doneness. A clean skewer indicates it’s fully baked.
• Boldly serving too soon – Letting the cake cool slightly before slicing helps flavors meld and improves texture. Give it at least 10 minutes.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Stays fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezing Sticky Pear and Ginger Cake

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Sticky Pear and Ginger Cake

• Oven – Preheat to 150°C (300°F), cover with foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave – Heat individual slices on medium power for 20-30 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop – Place slices in a skillet over low heat, covering until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Sticky Pear and Ginger Cake.

What makes Sticky Pear and Ginger Cake sticky?

The combination of dark treacle or molasses and the glaze made from golden syrup gives this cake its signature sticky texture.

Can I use other fruits in this recipe?

Yes! You can swap pears for apples or even peaches if you prefer different flavors.

How do I know when my cake is done baking?

Insert a skewer into the center; if it comes out clean, your cake is ready! If there’s batter on it, bake for a few more minutes.

Can I make Sticky Pear and Ginger Cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! This cake tastes even better after resting, so it’s perfect to prepare a day in advance.

Is Sticky Pear and Ginger Cake suitable for freezing?

Yes, you can freeze this cake! Just ensure it’s well-wrapped to maintain its moisture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

Sticky Pear and Ginger Cake is a delightful dessert that combines spice and sweetness perfectly. Its moist texture makes it an excellent choice for gatherings or an afternoon treat with tea. Feel free to customize it by adding nuts or different spices to suit your taste!