Pears Preserve Cake
A moist, spiced cake infused with pear preserves and toasted pecans, perfect for autumn gatherings or tea time, offering warm flavors and delightful texture.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream sugar and shortening until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in vanilla, allspice, and gradually add sifted flour.
- Dissolve baking soda in buttermilk.
- Add the buttermilk mixture to the creamed ingredients, mixing well.
- Fold in pear preserves and chopped pecans.
- Pour batter into a greased tube pan.
- Bake at 325°F for 1 hour and 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter cake, consider using half butter and half shortening. You can also substitute the pecans with walnuts or omit them for a nut-free version. If you want to enhance the fruit flavor, add a cup of finely diced fresh pears to the batter. Make sure to sift the flour to ensure a lighter texture.
Serving Suggestions
This cake pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added richness. Serve it alongside Aunt Winona's Fruit Salad for a refreshing contrast. It’s perfect for holiday gatherings or as a comforting dessert after a hearty meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Pears Preserve 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, slice a piece and microwave for about 15-20 seconds or warm in the oven at 300°F until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pears Preserve Cake contains roughly 379 calories, with 7g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (33% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. It also contributes 9g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 a different type of preserve?
Yes, you can substitute pear preserves with other fruit preserves like apricot or peach for a different flavor profile. Just ensure the preserves you choose complement the spices in the cake.
What should I do if my cake is too dry?
If your cake turns out dry, it may be due to overbaking. To remedy this, you can drizzle a simple syrup (made from equal parts sugar and water) over the cake slices before serving. This adds moisture and sweetness.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day in advance. Just let it cool completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and store it. This allows the flavors to meld together and can actually enhance the taste.
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).