Ingredients and Weight:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 12 ripe pears, peeled, cored, and halved
Preparation Time:
30 minutes
Cooking Time:
45-50 minutes
Difficulty Level:
2 (easy)
Preparation Method Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and ground ginger.
- Alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the wet ingredients, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Beat until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish. Arrange the pear halves, cut side down, on top of the batter.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cool for 10 minutes before inverting onto a serving platter.
Nutritional Information:
- Per serving (1/8 cake):
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 160mg
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 30g
- Protein: 5g
Dish Characteristics:
- Moist and flavorful gingerbread cake
- Topped with tender, caramelized pears
- Perfect for special occasions or dessert parties
User Comments:
- "This cake was a hit at our holiday gathering! The pears added a delicious twist to the classic gingerbread flavor."
- "I've made this cake several times, and it always turns out perfect. It's so easy to make and looks so impressive."
- "The combination of gingerbread and pears is simply divine. This cake is sure to become a family favorite."
Special Precautions and Tips:
- To ensure even cooking, make sure the pears are evenly spaced in the baking dish.
- If you don't have a 9x13-inch baking dish, you can use a 10-inch round baking dish.
- If the pears start to brown too much during baking, you can cover them with aluminum foil.
