Prepare to embark on a delectable journey through the rustic kitchens of Vermont with this mouthwatering Roasted Pears and Pear Cake that will transform your dessert game forever! Imagine a dessert that combines the delicate sweetness of caramelized pears with a perfectly spiced cake, creating a culinary masterpiece that will have your guests begging for seconds. This isn't just a recipe - it's a slice of Vermont's finest home cooking tradition that promises to elevate your baking skills and tantalize your taste buds in ways you never thought possible.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 50 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: Vermont
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 4 ripe pears
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9-inch round baking pan by greasing it with butter and lightly dusting with flour.
- Wash and carefully core the pears. Cut them into thin, uniform slices, keeping the shape intact if possible.
- In a large skillet, melt 1/4 cup of butter over medium heat. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of sugar evenly and allow it to caramelize to a golden brown color.
- Carefully arrange the pear slices in the caramelized sugar, cooking for 3-4 minutes on each side until they are lightly golden and tender.
- In a separate mixing bowl, cream the remaining butter with the remaining sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition to ensure a smooth consistency.
- In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and cinnamon.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Transfer the caramelized pear slices to the prepared baking pan, arranging them in an attractive pattern.
- Pour the cake batter evenly over the pear slices, ensuring complete coverage.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Carefully invert onto a serving plate, allowing the caramelized pears to be on top.
- Let the cake cool completely before serving. Can be served warm or at room temperature, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Tips
- • Choose ripe but firm pears for the best texture and flavor - look for pears that yield slightly when gently pressed near the stem. • For perfect caramelization, use a heavy-bottomed skillet and watch the sugar carefully to prevent burning. • When arranging pear slices, take your time to create a beautiful pattern - this will make your cake look as stunning as it tastes. • Use room temperature eggs and butter to ensure a smoother, more consistent cake batter. • Don't overmix the batter - stop mixing as soon as the dry ingredients are just incorporated to keep the cake tender. • Let the cake cool for at least 10 minutes before inverting to ensure the caramelized pears stay intact. • Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent touch that complements the warm spices perfectly.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 85mg
