Pear and Cherry Cake

Delicious Cake with Pears and Cherries

If you are looking for a cake that brings a touch of joy in every bite, you have found the perfect recipe! This cake with pears and cherries is a savory blend of fresh fruits, warm flavors, and a soft texture that will make you fall in love with it at first taste. It is ideal for any occasion, from a simple afternoon snack to the perfect dessert for a festive meal.

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Necessary ingredients:
- 100 g butter (make sure it is at room temperature)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 pinch of salt
- 200 g flour
- ½ packet of baking powder
- 4 tablespoons milk
- 2 tablespoons quality cocoa
- 100 g sugar + 4 tablespoons for caramelization
- 3-4 pears (depending on size, choosing ripe pears will add sweetness)
- 200 g cherries (can be fresh or frozen)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Caramelizing the sugar: Start by melting the 4 tablespoons of sugar in a saucepan. Choose a heavy-bottomed saucepan to prevent the sugar from burning. Heat the sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spatula. It is important not to leave it on the heat too long, as it can burn and become bitter. Once the sugar has turned into a golden caramel, quickly pour it onto the sides of the saucepan. This step will give your cake a rich flavor and special texture.

2. Preparing the pears: Peel the pears and cut them in half, removing the core. Place them cut side up in the caramelized saucepan, creating a beautiful arrangement. In the center of each pear, place a cherry. This detail will add a note of acidity that will balance the sweetness of the cake.

3. Butter cream: In a large bowl, mix the soft butter with 100 g of sugar until the mixture becomes fluffy and light in color. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This is the base for your cake, so make sure the ingredients are well integrated.

4. Dry ingredients: In another bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, cocoa, and cinnamon. Sift this mixture into the butter cream, combining everything with a spatula or wooden spoon to avoid lumps. Finally, add the 4 tablespoons of milk to achieve a smooth and creamy mixture.

5. Sharing the mixture: Carefully pour the batter over the pears and cherries arranged in the saucepan, ensuring it is evenly distributed. You can use a spatula to level the batter.

6. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the saucepan in the oven and bake the cake for about 40 minutes. Test if it is done by inserting a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.

7. Inverting: When the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, carefully invert the saucepan onto a platter, without letting the cake cool in the saucepan. This will allow the caramel to flow over the cake, adding an attractive appearance.

Useful tips:
- Use ripe but firm pears so they don't fall apart during baking.
- Add a splash of vanilla extract to the butter cream for extra flavor.
- Substitute cherries with peaches or plums, depending on the season and preferences.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
This cake with pears and cherries is a healthier choice than many other desserts, offering vitamins and antioxidants from the fruits. A serving has about 250 calories, but this value may vary depending on the ingredients used. Pears are an excellent source of fiber, and cherries contain antioxidants that can support heart health.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other fruits? Yes, you can experiment with other seasonal fruits, such as peaches or apples.
2. Can I make the cake gluten-free? Sure! You can replace regular flour with gluten-free flour, but make sure to add a binding agent, such as xanthan gum.
3. Is the cake suitable for children? Absolutely! It is a natural dessert, with a moderate sugar content.

Serving suggestions:
Serve the cake warm, alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or homemade caramel sauce. A cup of tea or coffee will also pair perfectly with the cake's flavors.

Preheat your oven and get ready to indulge in this delicious cake with pears and cherries. You are about to create a memorable recipe that will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones!