The Ultimate Guide to Making a Scrumptious Pear Cake in a Skillet
Welcome to the world of irresistible and delicious pear cake baked in a cast iron skillet. The combination of soft, moist cake, fresh sliced pears, and a tangy lemon glaze results in a dessert that is perfect for any occasion.
If you’ve only associated pears with poaching or salad, get ready to be blown away by this rustic pear cake recipe. For more delightful desserts, don’t miss out on trying the pineapple upside-down cake and the easy lemon yogurt cake.
Why I Love This Pear Cake Recipe
- Sweet, but not too sweet. This easy pear cake strikes a perfect balance of sweetness with the juicy fresh pears.
- It’s baked in a skillet. Baking the cake in a skillet adds a rustic charm and ensures even baking.
- Perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a casual gathering, this pear cake fits the bill.
Cake Ingredients
If you’re ready to dive into making this delectable pear cake, here’s a quick overview of the key ingredients you’ll need. For detailed instructions and measurements, refer to the printable recipe card below.
- Pears – Choose your favorite variety of pears for this cake.
- Lemon – Adds a zesty flavor to the cake and prevents browning of the pears.
- All-Purpose Flour, Baking Powder, and Salt – Basic dry ingredients for the cake batter.
- Butter – Ensure the butter is at room temperature for easy blending.
- Sugar – Can use granulated or brown sugar.
- Eggs – Bind the ingredients together and provide structure.
- Vanilla Extract – Adds richness to the flavor.
- Glaze – Made with lemon juice, powdered sugar, and milk.
Can I Use Canned Pears?
If fresh pears are not in season, canned pears can be used as a substitute. Adjust the sugar amount accordingly and avoid slicing the canned pears too thin to prevent mushiness.
How to Make a Pear Cake
Follow these simple steps to create a mouthwatering pear cake in a skillet:
- Prep the pears. Slice the pears and toss them in lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Make the batter. Combine the dry ingredients in one bowl and the wet ingredients in another. Blend the two mixtures together and fold in half of the pear slices.
- Bake. Spread the batter in a greased skillet, top with remaining pear slices, and bake at 375ºF for 30-35 minutes.
- Add the glaze. Prepare the glaze by heating milk, lemon juice, and powdered sugar. Drizzle over the cake before serving.
Tips and Variations
- Avoid overmixing the cake batter. Be gentle with the batter to prevent a tough texture.
- Don’t slice the pears too thin. Aim for a 1/4-inch thickness for optimal texture.
- Check for doneness. Insert a toothpick to ensure the cake is baked through.
- Add spices. Enhance the flavor with a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg.
