Capricorn Pear Gingerbread Cake

Name: Capricorn Pear Gingerbread Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon ground ginger; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup brown sugar; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup molasses; 1 cup diced ripe pears

Highlighted under: Sweet Baking Ideas

Delight in the warm spices and sweet pear of this Capricorn Pear Gingerbread Cake, a perfect treat for the holiday season.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-20T13:17:52.070Z

This delightful cake combines the warmth of gingerbread spices with the sweetness of ripe pears, making it a perfect dessert for any celebration.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich ginger flavor paired with sweet, juicy pears
Moist and tender crumb that stays fresh for days
A beautiful centerpiece for any holiday gathering

      

The Perfect Holiday Treat

The Capricorn Pear Gingerbread Cake is not just a dessert; it's a celebration of flavors that perfectly encapsulates the essence of the holiday season. The combination of warm spices and sweet, juicy pears creates a delightful balance that will leave your guests asking for seconds. The cake's rich ginger flavor offers a comforting warmth, making it an ideal choice for chilly winter evenings.

What sets this cake apart is its ability to remain moist and tender for days after baking. This means you can prepare it ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy stress-free holiday gatherings. Whether served as a festive centerpiece or enjoyed with a cup of tea, this cake promises to elevate your holiday experience.

Baking Tips for Success

To achieve the best results with your Capricorn Pear Gingerbread Cake, it’s essential to use ripe pears. Their natural sweetness and juiciness will enhance the cake's flavor and texture. Make sure to dice the pears into small, even pieces to ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter, providing delightful bursts of flavor in every bite.

Additionally, be mindful of your mixing technique. Over-mixing can lead to a denser cake, so mix until just combined when adding the dry ingredients. This will help maintain that lovely, tender crumb that makes this cake so irresistible. Lastly, let the cake cool completely before slicing to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

Once your Capricorn Pear Gingerbread Cake has cooled, consider serving it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. The creaminess complements the spices and pears perfectly, adding an extra layer of richness that is sure to impress your guests.

For a festive touch, dust the cake with powdered sugar or drizzle a simple icing made of powdered sugar and milk over the top. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a sweet contrast to the warm spices. Whether you're hosting a holiday party or enjoying a quiet evening at home, this cake is sure to be a hit.

Ingredients

For the Cake

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1/2 cup molasses
1 cup diced ripe pears

Mix well and pour into a prepared cake pan.

Instructions

Prepare the Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, spices, and salt.

Cream Butter and Sugar

In another bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar together until fluffy.

Add Eggs and Molasses

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the molasses.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the diced pears.

Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 45 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy your delicious Capricorn Pear Gingerbread Cake!

Storing Your Cake

To keep your Capricorn Pear Gingerbread Cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. This will help retain its moisture and flavor for several days. If you plan to keep it longer, consider wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerating it, which can extend its shelf life up to a week.

When ready to enjoy, simply take it out of the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature. You can also warm individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds, which enhances the spices and brings back that fresh-baked taste.

Variations to Try

Feel free to get creative with the Capricorn Pear Gingerbread Cake by adding your favorite mix-ins. Chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, can provide a delightful crunch, while dried fruits like cranberries or raisins can introduce additional layers of flavor. Experimenting with different spices, like allspice or cloves, can also give the cake a unique twist.

For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just be sure to check the baking powder and other ingredients for gluten content to ensure a safe and delicious alternative.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other fruits instead of pears?

Yes, apples or peaches can also work well in this recipe.

→ How should I store the cake?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze this cake?

Absolutely! Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.

→ What can I serve with this cake?

This cake pairs beautifully with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.