Best Easy Fresh Pear Cake Recipe Paula Deen
Paula Deen is widely known for her delicious Southern recipes, and her fresh pear cake is no exception. This easy-to-make dessert is a perfect way to enjoy the juicy sweetness of pears, combined with a moist and flavorful cake. Here’s the recipe for Paula Deen’s best fresh pear cake:
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 cups granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 2 eggs
– 1/2 cup vegetable oil
– 4 cups fresh pears, peeled, cored, and chopped
– 1 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
3. Add the eggs and vegetable oil to the dry ingredients, stirring until well combined.
4. Fold in the chopped pears and pecans (if using), ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes before transferring it to a serving plate.
8. Serve warm or at room temperature, and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q1. Can I use canned pears instead of fresh ones?
A1. Fresh pears are highly recommended for this recipe, as they provide a better texture and flavor.
Q2. Can I substitute the vegetable oil with butter?
A2. Yes, you can use melted butter as a substitute for vegetable oil.
Q3. Can I add other fruits to the cake?
A3. While the recipe specifically calls for pears, you can experiment with other fruits like apples or peaches.
Q4. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A4. Yes, you can make the cake a day in advance and store it in an airtight container at room temperature.
Q5. Can I freeze the pear cake?
A5. Yes, you can freeze the cake for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Q6. Can I omit the nuts?
A6. Yes, the nuts are optional and can be omitted if you have allergies or simply prefer not to include them.
Q7. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
A7. Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but keep in mind that it may result in a slightly denser texture.
Q8. Can I use a different size baking dish?
A8. If you use a different size baking dish, the cooking time may vary. Adjust accordingly and keep an eye on the cake.
Q9. Can I add a glaze or frosting to the cake?
A9. The cake is delicious on its own, but you can certainly add a simple glaze or cream cheese frosting if desired.
Q10. Can I use a different type of sugar?
A10. While granulated sugar works best for this recipe, you can experiment with other sugars like brown sugar or coconut sugar.
Q11. Can I make this cake gluten-free?
A11. Yes, you can try using a gluten-free flour blend as a substitute for all-purpose flour to make it gluten-free.