Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will tantalize your taste buds and elevate your baking skills! This isn't just another cake recipe - it's a sophisticated symphony of flavors that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dessert. Imagine a moist, tender buttermilk cake crowned with a luxurious pear compote infused with aromatic thyme and bright lemon notes. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to a gourmet indulgence, this recipe promises to be your new favorite showstopper that's surprisingly simple to create.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 ripe pears, peeled and diced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- Juice of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and 1 1/2 cups of sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined after each addition. Be careful not to overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the cake is baking, prepare the pear compote. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the diced pears, fresh thyme, lemon juice, and the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar. Stir to combine.
- Cook the pear mixture for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pears are soft and the mixture has thickened slightly. Remove from heat and let it cool.
- Once the cake is done baking, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once the cake is completely cooled, slice it into wedges and serve topped with the lemon and thyme glazed pear compote. Enjoy your delicious buttermilk cake!
Tips
- Room Temperature Matters: Ensure all ingredients, especially butter, eggs, and buttermilk, are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better cake texture.
- Don't Overmix: Mix the batter just until ingredients are combined to keep the cake tender and prevent a tough, dense result.
- Check Cake Doneness: Use the toothpick test - insert it into the center, and if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your cake is perfectly baked.
- Pear Compote Pro Tip: For a more intense flavor, let the pears simmer a bit longer to caramelize slightly and concentrate their natural sweetness.
- Make Ahead: The pear compote can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator, making day-of preparation easier.
- Serving Suggestion: For an extra touch of elegance, dust the cake with powdered sugar or serve with a dollop of whipped cream.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 95mg
