Pear Preserves Cake
A moist and flavorful cake infused with warm spices and sweet pear preserves, complemented by crunchy pecans. Perfect for fall gatherings or teatime indulgence, this cake offers a delightful combination of fruity sweetness and aromatic spices that will satisfy any dessert lover.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream the softened butter in a large mixing bowl.
- Gradually add sugar, beating until light and fluffy.
- Add egg yolks and beat well.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground allspice, and ground nutmeg.
- Alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the creamed mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients, mixing after each addition.
- In a clean bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the egg whites into the batter.
- Fold in chopped pecans and pear preserves.
- Pour the batter into a greased and floured cake pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool before removing from the pan and serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of white sugar. If you don't have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to regular milk. Make sure to fold the egg whites gently to maintain the cake's light texture. This cake is also delicious with a cream cheese frosting if you're looking for a sweet twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Pear Preserves Cake warm or at room temperature, dusted with powdered sugar for a simple touch. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a delightful afternoon treat, enjoy it alongside a cup of tea or coffee. This cake also makes a lovely dessert after a hearty meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, simply microwave a slice for 10-15 seconds or warm it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes, ensuring it stays moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pear Preserves Cake contains roughly 495 calories, with 7g protein, 70g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (46% of the Daily Value), iron (23% of the Daily Value), and calcium (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 493mg per serving (21% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of preserves instead of pear?
Yes, you can substitute pear preserves with other fruit preserves such as apricot, raspberry, or peach. Each will impart a different flavor to the cake while keeping the moist texture intact. Just make sure the preserves are not too runny to maintain the cake's consistency.
What can I do if I don't have pecans?
If you don't have pecans, you can easily substitute them with walnuts or sliced almonds. Alternatively, you can omit the nuts entirely for a nut-free version. The cake will still be delicious and maintain its texture without them.
How can I tell when the cake is done baking?
To check if the cake is done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the cake is ready. Keep an eye on the baking time, as it may vary slightly based on your oven. Allow it to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).