Introduction

I found this recipe in one of my grandmother’s magazines (Famiglia Cristiana, No. 17, 1989). It’s a very old and simple recipe, perfect for beginner bakers or anyone looking for a comforting homemade dessert. This pear cake is easy to make and a great way to begin your journey into baking cakes.

The pear cake is a close cousin of the classic apple cake. Both are delicious ways to use up fruit that may be too ripe to eat on its own. If you find yourself with a bowl of soft pears sitting on your kitchen counter, this recipe is a great solution. A slice of this cake at breakfast provides a lovely boost of energy to start your day. It’s also a comforting snack after a long day at work, school, or any of the many things life throws your way.

Some Suggestions

This is a traditional and classic recipe, something that in Italy might be called a “grandma’s pear cake.” It’s quick to prepare, requires only a handful of ingredients, and is very forgiving. Most of the ingredients are probably already in your kitchen. I made this cake with the type of pear I had at home for the very reason I mentioned earlier: they were too ripe to eat fresh but perfect for baking.

My favorite variety of pear for this cake is the Bartlett. It’s soft, juicy, and very sweet, which means you can reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe and let the natural sweetness of the fruit shine through. Of course, you can use whatever variety you prefer or have on hand. At the supermarket, you’ll usually find many types to choose from: Bartlett, Anjou, Bosc, Forelle, and more.

Another ingredient you can personalize is the flour. Cake flour is a good choice because it creates a lighter texture, but feel free to use whatever flour you like best.

Finally, let’s talk about milk. One reason I love this recipe is that it doesn’t require butter, just milk. When I can, I enjoy substituting butter with alternatives like milk, plain yogurt, or ricotta. This not only reduces the calories but also makes the cake easier to digest while preserving its rich, satisfying flavor.

Conclusion

So let’s start this baking journey together and prepare this soft, easy, and delicious cake. All you need are a few simple ingredients and a kitchen. Get ready—and keep your appetite—because you’re going to be amazed by how good this cake is!

Grandma’s Classic Pear Cake: Simple and Delicious

Recipe by RobertaCourse: DessertsCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

45

minutes

Ingredients

• 1 kg pears

• 80 g flour

• 80 g sugar

• 2 eggs

• 1 packet of baking powder (e.g. Lievito Pane degli Angeli)

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 cup milk

• 20 g butter

• 1 tsp salt

Directions

• Peel the pears and cut them into thin slices. Place them in a bowl and add the lemon juice.
• Separate the egg yolks from the whites and place them in two separate bowls.
• Beat the yolks with the sugar until well combined.
• Add the flour and the yeast to the yolk mixture and mix well.
• Gradually add the milk and stir until you get a smooth batter.
• Whip the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold them into the batter along with the salt.
• Add the sliced pears and mix everything together carefully.
• Grease a baking pan with butter and lightly dust it with flour. Pour the mixture into the pan.
• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 45 minutes.