Old-Fashioned German Pear Cake Recipe

Indulge in a delightful trip down memory lane with our Old Fashioned German Pear Cake Recipe. This classic dessert, known as "Birnenkuchen" in Germany, is a timeless favorite that combines the humble pear with a simple, yet delectable cake batter. It's the perfect balance of fruity and sweet, with a texture that's both tender and moist. Let's dive into this nostalgia-inducing recipe that's sure to become a beloved addition to your baking repertoire.

Old-Fashioned Pear Kuchen (Pear, Peach, or Apple)

Ingredients

Before we begin, gather your ingredients:

4-5 ripe but firm pears (about 1.5 lbs or 700g)
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar, divided
1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 cup (60ml) milk
1 tbsp lemon juice
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Optional: 1/4 cup (30g) sliced almonds for topping

German Pear Cake • Authentic German Recipe Easy to Make

Preparation

Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease a 9-inch (23cm) springform pan or a 10-inch (25cm) round cake pan. Line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.

Prepare the Pears

Peel, quarter, and core the pears. You can leave them whole or slice them into 1/2-inch (1cm) thick slices, depending on your preference. Toss them with 1/4 cup (50g) of sugar and the lemon juice, then set aside.

Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and the remaining 3/4 cup (150g) of sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes.

Add Eggs and Vanilla

a close up of a cake on a plate with the words easy chocolate pear cake

Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each egg is well incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Combine Dry Ingredients

four pictures showing different stages of making pies

a close up of a piece of cake on a plate with the title overlay

Fresh Pear Cake with Whipped Brown Sugar Buttercream - A baJillian Recipes

a close up of a cake on a cutting board with the words, pear cake recipe

a bundt cake on a plate with the words fresh pear bundt cake

The Best and Easiest Pear Bundt Cake Recipe

a close up of a piece of cake on a wooden table with crumbs

Easy Italian Pear Cake Recipe (Torta di Pere)

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Milk

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter and egg mixture, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined.

Assembly

Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan. Arrange the pears on top of the batter, overlapping them slightly if using slices. If using whole pears, place them in the center and arrange the slices around them. Sprinkle the cinnamon and sliced almonds (if using) evenly over the pears.

Baking and Serving

Bake the cake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serve the Old Fashioned German Pear Cake warm or at room temperature, with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, if desired. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

This Old Fashioned German Pear Cake Recipe is not only a delightful treat but also a wonderful way to celebrate the simple pleasures in life. The combination of the tender cake and the sweet, slightly caramelized pears is truly a match made in heaven. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let the nostalgia begin!