Date and Pear Cake

Name: Date and Pear Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 65 min
Yield: 10 slices
Cuisine: Canadian
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (spooned and levelled); 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup dates (pitted and chopped); 1/2 cup boiling water; 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened); 3/4 cup brown sugar (packed); 2 large eggs (room temperature); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 medium pears (peeled, cored, and diced)

65 min 10 slices Easy

All Recipes

Date and Pear Cake

A moist and delightful cake featuring the natural sweetness of dates and pears.

Prep

20 min

Cook

45 min

Total

65 min

Servings

Difficulty

Easy

The Date and Pear Cake is a classic dessert that brings the natural sweetness of dates and the juicy tenderness of pears together in a moist and satisfying cake. This delightful treat is perfect for any occasion, from a casual family dinner to a festive celebration. In this recipe, the rich flavours of dates are beautifully complemented by the subtle taste of pears, creating a harmonious balance that is sure to please your taste buds. The cake is easy to prepare and is a great way to use up ripe pears that are at their peak of sweetness.

Ingredients

Servings

Cake Batter

Instructions

Preheat and prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch (23 cm) round cake pan.

Pro tip: Use a springform pan for easy removal.

Soak dates

Place chopped dates in a bowl and pour boiling water over them. Let them soak for about 10 minutes until softened.

Pro tip: This helps break down the dates for a smoother batter.

Combine dry ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Cream butter and sugar

In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in the vanilla extract.

Pro tip: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for a smooth batter.

Mix in dates and dry ingredients

Stir the soaked dates, along with their soaking liquid, into the butter mixture. Gradually add the flour mixture and mix until just combined.

Pro tip: Do not overmix to keep the cake tender.

Add pears

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

Pro tip: Use a spatula to avoid mashing the pears.

Bake the cake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.

Pro tip: Rotate the cake halfway through baking for even cooking.

Cool and serve

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.

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Tips & Tricks

<ul><li>Ensure dates are pitted for easy blending.</li><li>Use ripe pears for maximum sweetness and flavour.</li><li>Test cake doneness with a skewer; it should come out clean.</li><li>Let the cake cool completely before slicing for best texture.</li></ul>

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Date and Pear Cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to enhance its flavours. This cake can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For a delightful pairing, enjoy a slice with a cup of your favourite herbal tea or a robust coffee. The cake also freezes well; simply wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store them in the freezer for up to a month.