If you are looking for a simple yet delicious dessert that will impress your guests, look no further than Mary Berry’s pear cake recipe. This cake is a light and airy sponge cake stuffed with slices of fresh pear and topped with a crunchy cinnamon crumble. It is a crowd-pleaser that is perfect for any occasion, from a formal dinner to a more relaxed afternoon tea. In this article, I will show you how to make Mary Berry’s pear cake step by step, with tips and tricks to ensure a foolproof result.
Let’s get started!
What is Mary Berry Pear Cake?
Mary Berry pear cake is a delicious dessert that consists of a light and airy sponge cake stuffed with slices of fresh pear and topped with a crunchy cinnamon crumble. It is a recipe by Mary Berry, a famous British baker and cookbook author, who is known for her simple and elegant cakes. Mary Berry pear cake is one of her signature recipes that showcases her skill and creativity.
- Learn: The Basics of Cake Baking
Why You Love this Recipe
There are many reasons to love this recipe, such as:
- Simplicity: Crafted with everyday ingredients and tools. No special gadgets or expertise are required. Just follow straightforward steps for consistent perfection.
- Flexibility: Tailor to your taste. Use any pear variety, opt for canned ones, or incorporate nuts, lemon zest, or extra spices for a twist.
- Taste & Texture: Relish in the cake’s moistness, courtesy of the pears. The crumble brings crunch, offering a delightful contrast.
- Occasion-Friendly: Whether it’s a grand dinner finale or a tea-time treat, this cake fits in. Plus, make it in advance and keep it refrigerated or frozen until needed.
Ingredients Needed For Mary Berry Pear Cake
To make Mary Berry’s pear cake, you will need the following ingredients:
- 175g (6 oz) butter, softened
- 175g (6 oz) caster sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 250g (9 oz) self-raising flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 3 ripe pears, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
For Crumble topping
For the crumble topping, you will need:
- 75g (2.5 oz) plain flour
- 50g (1.75 oz) butter, cubed
- 25g (0.9 oz) caster sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Equipment
You will also need the following equipment to make Mary Berry’s pear cake:
- A 20cm (8 inch) round cake tin, greased and lined with baking paper
- A large mixing bowl
- An electric mixer or a wooden spoon
- A small saucepan
- A knife and a chopping board
- A measuring scale and spoons
- A skewer or a toothpick
Instruction to Make Mary Berry Pear Cake
Follow these steps to make Mary Berry’s pear cake:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C/160°C fan/gas mark 4.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, using an electric mixer or a wooden spoon.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Sift the flour, baking powder, and cinnamon over the mixture and fold in gently with a spatula or a metal spoon.
- Spoon the batter into the prepared cake tin and spread it evenly.
- Arrange the pear slices on top of the batter, overlapping them slightly.
- To make the crumble topping, put the flour and butter in a small saucepan and rub them together with your fingertips until they resemble breadcrumbs.
- Stir in the sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle the mixture over the pears.
- Bake the cake for 40 to 45 minutes or until golden and firm to the touch.
- Insert a skewer or a toothpick into the centre of the cake and if it comes out clean, the cake is done.
- Let the cake cool slightly in the tin before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
How do I Serve Mary Berry Pear Cake
Presentation:
- Plating: Place the cake on a decorative serving plate or cake stand to highlight its aesthetics.
- Slices: Use a sharp knife dipped in warm water for clean cuts. This ensures each slice showcases the layers of pear and crumble topping.
Accompaniments:
- Creamy Additions: A dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side complements the cake’s flavors and adds a touch of richness.
- Fruit Garnishes: Consider adding fresh fruit slices or berries around the plate for a burst of color and added freshness.
- Sauces: A drizzle of caramel or a berry coulis can enhance the cake’s sweetness and provide a contrasting flavor.
Temperature:
- Warm Serving: If the cake has been stored, consider warming it slightly in the oven or microwave. A warm cake releases its aromas better and pairs wonderfully with cold accompaniments.
- Room Temperature: This cake is also delightful at room temperature, allowing all its nuanced flavors to shine through.
Garnishing:
- Icing Sugar: A light dusting of icing sugar can give the cake a snowy appearance and add a touch of sweetness.
- Cinnamon: If you love a hint of spice, a sprinkle of ground cinnamon can elevate the cake’s flavors.
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Beverage Pairings:
- Tea: The cake pairs beautifully with a cup of Earl Grey or Chamomile tea.
- Coffee: A freshly brewed cup of coffee complements the cake’s sweetness and makes for a cozy combination.
- Dessert Wine: For more formal settings, consider serving with a glass of sweet dessert wine or a bubbly Prosecco.
Pro Tips to Make Perfect Mary Berry Pear Cake
Here are some pro tips to make the perfect Mary Berry pear cake:
- Choose ripe but firm pears that are not too mushy or bruised. You want the pears to hold their shape and not turn into mush when baked.
- Sift the flour, baking powder, and cinnamon over the batter and fold in gently with a spatula or a metal spoon. This will ensure a light and airy sponge cake that is not dense or heavy.
- Arrange the pear slices on top of the batter, overlapping them slightly. This will create a nice pattern and ensure even distribution of the pears throughout the cake.
- To make the crumble topping, rub the flour and butter together with your fingertips until they resemble breadcrumbs. This will create a crumbly and crunchy texture that is not too wet or dry.
- Bake the cake for 40 to 45 minutes or until golden and firm to the touch. Do not overbake or underbake the cake, as it will affect its texture and flavor.
- Let the cake cool slightly in the tin before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This will prevent the cake from breaking or sticking to the tin.
How do I Store Mary Berry Pear Cake Leftovers?
- Refrigeration: Place the cake in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days.
- Freezing: Securely wrap and freeze the cake for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
How do I Reheat Mary Berry Pear Cake Leftovers?
- Microwave: Give it a quick zap for a few seconds until warm.
- Oven: Preheat to 180°C/160°C fan/gas mark 4 and warm the cake for 10 minutes.
- Cold Serving: If you fancy, the cake can also be enjoyed as is, without reheating.
Final Words
Mary Berry’s pear cake is a simple yet delicious dessert that will satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your guests. It is easy to make with basic ingredients and equipment, and it has a lovely texture and flavor that is enhanced by the juicy pears and the crunchy cinnamon crumble.
It is perfect for any occasion, from a formal dinner to a more relaxed afternoon tea.
I hope you enjoyed this article and learned how to make Mary Berry’s pear cake step by step.
If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below.
Happy baking!