What You’ll Find Here
Disclaimer: Please note that some of the links below are affiliate links and I will earn a commission if you purchase through those links.
Welcome to a world of sweet indulgence! In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the process of creating a delectable Hazelnut Pear Cake that will leave your taste buds craving for more. This cake is a perfect combination of rich hazelnuts and juicy pears, creating a moist and flavorful dessert that is sure to impress your family and friends. Join us as we explore the step-by-step instructions, key ingredients, and helpful tips to make this Hazelnut Pear Cake a showstopper at your next gathering.
Hazelnut pear cake is a delightful dessert that combines the nuttiness of hazelnuts with the sweet, juicy flavors of pears. While the exact origins of this cake are not well-documented, it draws inspiration from European and Mediterranean baking traditions, where both hazelnuts and pears are commonly used ingredients.
Pears have been cultivated for thousands of years and are native to Europe and Asia. They’ve long been cherished in baking due to their natural sweetness and subtle fragrance. Hazelnuts, on the other hand, have a rich, earthy flavor and have been a staple in European desserts, particularly in countries like Italy, France, and Germany.
The fusion of these two ingredients in hazelnut pear cake results in a moist and tender dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether enjoyed with a cup of coffee or as a finishing touch to a special meal, this cake offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors.
Hazelnut Pear Cake
The Hazelnut Pear Cake is a delightful dessert that beautifully blends the nutty aroma of hazelnuts with the natural sweetness of pears. This cake is moist, tender, and bursting with flavors that will make your taste buds dance. The combination of ground hazelnuts and fresh pears creates a harmonious balance that is both satisfying and indulgent. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a sweet treat, this Hazelnut Pear Cake is the perfect choice.
Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls: Buy On Amazon
- Electric mixer or whisk: Buy On Amazon / Buy On Amazon
- Spatula: Buy On Amazon
- Cake pans (8-inch round): Buy On Amazon
- Parchment paper: Buy On Amazon
- Cooling rack: Buy On Amazon
- Knife or offset spatula: Buy On Amazon / Buy On Amazon
Ingredients
For the cake:
For the frosting:
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground hazelnuts, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a separate mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter-sugar mixture, alternating with the sour cream and milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Gently fold in the diced pears until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Divide the batter equally between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, transfer the cakes to a cooling rack to cool completely.
While the cakes are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat together the powdered sugar, softened cream cheese, softened butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting evenly over the top.
Carefully place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.
For an extra touch, garnish the cake with toasted hazelnuts or pear slices.
Allow the cake to set for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 12
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 380.66kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 18.55g29%
- Saturated Fat 8.17g41%
- Trans Fat 0.18g
- Cholesterol 66.07mg23%
- Sodium 241.09mg11%
- Potassium 152.18mg5%
- Total Carbohydrate 50.59g17%
- Dietary Fiber 1.93g8%
- Sugars 35.69g
- Protein 5.17g11%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. Please note that the nutritional values provided are approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used. It's always best to double-check with your specific ingredients and measurements for accurate nutritional information.
Note
Tips and Variations:
- For an extra nutty flavor, toast the ground hazelnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until fragrant before using them in the recipe.
- If you prefer a lighter frosting, you can substitute whipped cream for the cream cheese frosting.
- Experiment with different pear varieties to add unique flavors and textures to your cake.
- Serve the Hazelnut Pear Cake with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence.
Serving Suggestions:
- Enjoy a slice of Hazelnut Pear Cake as a delightful dessert after a family dinner or as a centerpiece for a special occasion celebration.
- Pair it with a warm cup of coffee or tea for a cozy and satisfying treat.
Allergen Information:
When preparing hazelnut pear cake, it's essential to consider potential allergens, especially if you or your guests have food allergies. Here's the allergen information:
Hazelnuts: Hazelnuts are tree nuts, and some individuals may have allergies to them. Ensure that none of your guests are allergic to hazelnuts before serving this cake.
Flour: The cake typically uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. If you need a gluten-free option, you can substitute with a gluten-free flour blend.
Dairy: Some recipes may include dairy products like butter or milk. If anyone has lactose or dairy allergies, consider using dairy-free alternatives like vegan butter and almond or soy milk.
Wine or Drink Pairing:
Pairing a beverage with hazelnut pear cake can enhance the dessert experience. Here are some pairing suggestions:
Coffee: The rich, roasted flavors of coffee, whether black or with cream, complement the nuttiness of hazelnuts and the sweetness of pears.
Hot Tea: A cup of herbal or black tea can be a soothing choice, especially if you prefer a non-alcoholic option.
Dessert Wine: Consider a sweet dessert wine like a late-harvest Riesling or a Moscato d'Asti, as these wines can balance the sweetness of the cake.
Sparkling Wine: A sparkling wine or champagne can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cake, making it an excellent choice for celebratory occasions.
Port or Sherry: If you enjoy fortified wines, a glass of port or sherry with its complex flavors can be a delightful pairing.
Storage and Leftovers:
Properly storing hazelnut pear cake helps maintain its freshness and flavor:
Room Temperature: If you plan to consume the cake within a day or two, it can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Ensure that the container is sealed to prevent the cake from drying out.
Refrigeration: For longer storage, or if the cake contains perishable fillings like cream or custard, store it in the refrigerator. Place it in an airtight container or cover it with plastic wrap to prevent odors from affecting the cake.
Freezing: Hazelnut pear cake can be frozen for longer-term storage. Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw the cake in the refrigerator when you're ready to enjoy it again.
