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Spiced Pear Walnut Coffee Cake Delightfully Simple Treat

by on September 6, 2025
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Are you ready to bake something delightful? This Spiced Pear Walnut Coffee Cake is not only simple, but it also bursts with flavor. You’ll love how easy it is to make, using fresh pears and crunchy walnuts. In this post, I’ll guide you step by step, from gathering the right ingredients to tips on how to store leftovers. Let’s dive in and create a treat that everyone will enjoy!

To make the spiced pear walnut coffee cake, you will need the following items: - 2 ripe pears, peeled and diced into small pieces - 1 cup walnuts, coarsely chopped - 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, divided - 1 teaspoon baking powder - ½ teaspoon baking soda - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg - ½ teaspoon fine salt - ¾ cup granulated sugar - ½ cup packed brown sugar - ½ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature - 2 large eggs, at room temperature - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - ½ cup buttermilk, at room temperature You can make some swaps if you need to. For example: - Use any firm fruit, like apples, instead of pears. - Swap walnuts with pecans or almonds for a different nut flavor. - If you lack buttermilk, mix milk with lemon juice or vinegar. - You can use coconut oil in place of butter for a dairy-free option. Gather these tools to make your baking easy: - 9-inch round cake pan - Electric mixer - Mixing bowls (small and large) - Spatula - Whisk - Measuring cups and spoons - Wire rack for cooling - Toothpick to check doneness With these ingredients and tools, you are ready to create a delicious spiced pear walnut coffee cake that will impress your family and friends! First, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9-inch round cake pan. Grease this pan with butter. Then, dust it with flour. This will help the cake not stick later. In a small bowl, take the diced pears. Toss them with 1 tablespoon of flour. This helps keep the pears from sinking. Next, in a larger bowl, mix 1 ½ cups flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk them all together. This is your dry mix. Now, in a big bowl, cream ½ cup of softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Use an electric mixer on medium speed. Mix until it’s light and fluffy, which takes about 3 to 5 minutes. This step is key for a soft cake. Add the eggs one at a time to the butter mix. Make sure each egg blends well before adding the next. Then, stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry mix to the butter mix. Alternate with ½ cup of buttermilk. Start and end with the dry mix. Mix gently until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix! Take a spatula and carefully fold in the floured pears and 1 cup of chopped walnuts. Do this gently to keep the batter fluffy. You want them to be evenly spread in the mix. Pour the batter into your prepared pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly. Place the pan in the oven. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Check if it's done by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, it’s ready! Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, move it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Enjoy your treat! To keep your spiced pear walnut coffee cake moist, use ripe pears. Ripe pears add natural sweetness and moisture. Toss the diced pears in flour before adding them to the batter. This helps them stay suspended and prevents them from sinking. Also, use buttermilk. It adds richness and keeps the cake tender. To check if your cake is done, use a toothpick. Insert it into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the cake is ready. If it has wet batter on it, bake for a few more minutes. Keep an eye on it after 30 minutes. Mix the batter just until combined. Over-mixing can make the cake tough. Gently fold in the pears and walnuts. This keeps the batter light and fluffy. Finally, let the cake cool before slicing. It helps the flavors meld together, giving you a better texture. {{image_4}} You can easily change the flavor of your cake. Try adding ginger for a warm kick. A dash of cloves can add a nice depth too. If you love citrus, mix in some lemon zest. This adds brightness and freshness to the cake. You can also add a splash of almond extract for a nutty taste. Each of these options gives your cake a unique twist. This cake is not just for pears and walnuts. You can swap out pears for apples, peaches, or even berries. Each fruit brings a different texture and taste. If you want to change the nuts, try pecans or almonds. They both work well with the cake. Mixing and matching will let you create your own favorite version. You can make this coffee cake gluten-free with a simple swap. Use a gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. Make sure it has a binding agent like xanthan gum. For dairy-free, replace the butter with coconut oil or dairy-free butter. Instead of buttermilk, use almond milk mixed with vinegar. These changes keep the cake tasty and moist. Store leftover spiced pear walnut coffee cake in an airtight container. Keep it at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep it longer, place it in the fridge. This helps keep the cake fresh for about a week. Just remember to let it cool completely before you store it. To freeze the coffee cake, first slice it into pieces. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. Be sure to remove as much air as possible. This way, the cake stays fresh for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy it, just thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat the cake in a microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds. This warms the cake while keeping it moist. You can also use an oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and warm the cake for about 10 minutes. This method gives a nice texture and taste. If you like, top it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for extra delight! Yes, you can make this coffee cake ahead of time. Once baked, let it cool completely. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store it at room temperature for up to three days. If you need to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. You can also freeze it. Wrap the cake well and store it in an airtight container for up to three months. This coffee cake pairs well with various treats. Here are some tasty ideas: - Fresh whipped cream - Vanilla ice cream - A drizzle of caramel sauce - A scoop of yogurt - Fresh fruit, like berries or apple slices These options add flavor and texture, making each bite special. To enhance the flavor of your coffee cake, try these tips: - Add a pinch of ground ginger for warmth. - Mix in some orange zest for a citrus note. - Use fresh spices instead of pre-ground for more depth. - Add vanilla bean seeds for an extra boost of flavor. These simple changes will give your cake a unique touch. Yes, you can substitute walnuts with other nuts. Here are some great options: - Pecans for a sweeter taste - Almonds for a crunchy texture - Hazelnuts for a rich, nutty flavor - Pistachios for a colorful twist Make sure to chop them coarsely, just like the walnuts, for even distribution in the cake. This blog post covered everything you need to make a great spiced pear walnut coffee cake. We discussed the ingredients, equipment, and detailed steps for baking. You learned tips for moisture and flavor and explored delicious variations. Proper storage and answers to common questions rounded out the post. As you bake, remember that each step is key to great taste. Enjoy your coffee cake and share it with friends!

Ingredients

List of Ingredients

To make the spiced pear walnut coffee cake, you will need the following items:

– 2 ripe pears, peeled and diced into small pieces

– 1 cup walnuts, coarsely chopped

– 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, divided

– 1 teaspoon baking powder

– ½ teaspoon baking soda

– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

– ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

– ½ teaspoon fine salt

– ¾ cup granulated sugar

– ½ cup packed brown sugar

– ½ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

– 2 large eggs, at room temperature

– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

– ½ cup buttermilk, at room temperature

Ingredient Substitutions

You can make some swaps if you need to. For example:

– Use any firm fruit, like apples, instead of pears.

– Swap walnuts with pecans or almonds for a different nut flavor.

– If you lack buttermilk, mix milk with lemon juice or vinegar.

– You can use coconut oil in place of butter for a dairy-free option.

Equipment Needed

Gather these tools to make your baking easy:

– 9-inch round cake pan

– Electric mixer

– Mixing bowls (small and large)

– Spatula

– Whisk

– Measuring cups and spoons

– Wire rack for cooling

– Toothpick to check doneness

With these ingredients and tools, you are ready to create a delicious spiced pear walnut coffee cake that will impress your family and friends!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepping the Oven and Pan

First, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9-inch round cake pan. Grease this pan with butter. Then, dust it with flour. This will help the cake not stick later.

Mixing the Dry Ingredients

In a small bowl, take the diced pears. Toss them with 1 tablespoon of flour. This helps keep the pears from sinking. Next, in a larger bowl, mix 1 ½ cups flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk them all together. This is your dry mix.

Creaming the Butter and Sugars

Now, in a big bowl, cream ½ cup of softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Use an electric mixer on medium speed. Mix until it’s light and fluffy, which takes about 3 to 5 minutes. This step is key for a soft cake.

Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients

Add the eggs one at a time to the butter mix. Make sure each egg blends well before adding the next. Then, stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry mix to the butter mix. Alternate with ½ cup of buttermilk. Start and end with the dry mix. Mix gently until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix!

Folding in Pears and Walnuts

Take a spatula and carefully fold in the floured pears and 1 cup of chopped walnuts. Do this gently to keep the batter fluffy. You want them to be evenly spread in the mix.

Baking the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly. Place the pan in the oven. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Check if it’s done by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, it’s ready! Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, move it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Enjoy your treat!

Tips & Tricks

Ensuring Moisture and Flavor

To keep your spiced pear walnut coffee cake moist, use ripe pears. Ripe pears add natural sweetness and moisture. Toss the diced pears in flour before adding them to the batter. This helps them stay suspended and prevents them from sinking. Also, use buttermilk. It adds richness and keeps the cake tender.

How to Test for Doneness

To check if your cake is done, use a toothpick. Insert it into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the cake is ready. If it has wet batter on it, bake for a few more minutes. Keep an eye on it after 30 minutes.

Perfecting Texture

Mix the batter just until combined. Over-mixing can make the cake tough. Gently fold in the pears and walnuts. This keeps the batter light and fluffy. Finally, let the cake cool before slicing. It helps the flavors meld together, giving you a better texture.

Variations

Adding Spices or Flavorings

You can easily change the flavor of your cake. Try adding ginger for a warm kick. A dash of cloves can add a nice depth too. If you love citrus, mix in some lemon zest. This adds brightness and freshness to the cake. You can also add a splash of almond extract for a nutty taste. Each of these options gives your cake a unique twist.

Using Different Fruits or Nuts

This cake is not just for pears and walnuts. You can swap out pears for apples, peaches, or even berries. Each fruit brings a different texture and taste. If you want to change the nuts, try pecans or almonds. They both work well with the cake. Mixing and matching will let you create your own favorite version.

Gluten-Free or Dairy-Free Options

You can make this coffee cake gluten-free with a simple swap. Use a gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. Make sure it has a binding agent like xanthan gum. For dairy-free, replace the butter with coconut oil or dairy-free butter. Instead of buttermilk, use almond milk mixed with vinegar. These changes keep the cake tasty and moist.

Storage Info

How to Store Leftovers

Store leftover spiced pear walnut coffee cake in an airtight container. Keep it at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep it longer, place it in the fridge. This helps keep the cake fresh for about a week. Just remember to let it cool completely before you store it.

Freezing Instructions

To freeze the coffee cake, first slice it into pieces. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. Be sure to remove as much air as possible. This way, the cake stays fresh for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just thaw it in the fridge overnight.

Reheating Tips

Reheat the cake in a microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds. This warms the cake while keeping it moist. You can also use an oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and warm the cake for about 10 minutes. This method gives a nice texture and taste. If you like, top it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for extra delight!

FAQs

Can I make this coffee cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this coffee cake ahead of time. Once baked, let it cool completely. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store it at room temperature for up to three days. If you need to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. You can also freeze it. Wrap the cake well and store it in an airtight container for up to three months.

What can I serve with spiced pear walnut coffee cake?

This coffee cake pairs well with various treats. Here are some tasty ideas:

– Fresh whipped cream

– Vanilla ice cream

– A drizzle of caramel sauce

– A scoop of yogurt

– Fresh fruit, like berries or apple slices

These options add flavor and texture, making each bite special.

How to enhance the flavor of the cake?

To enhance the flavor of your coffee cake, try these tips:

– Add a pinch of ground ginger for warmth.

– Mix in some orange zest for a citrus note.

– Use fresh spices instead of pre-ground for more depth.

– Add vanilla bean seeds for an extra boost of flavor.

These simple changes will give your cake a unique touch.

Can I substitute the walnuts for another nut?

Yes, you can substitute walnuts with other nuts. Here are some great options:

– Pecans for a sweeter taste

– Almonds for a crunchy texture

– Hazelnuts for a rich, nutty flavor

– Pistachios for a colorful twist

Make sure to chop them coarsely, just like the walnuts, for even distribution in the cake.

This blog post covered everything you need to make a great spiced pear walnut coffee cake. We discussed the ingredients, equipment, and detailed steps for baking. You learned tips for moisture and flavor and explored delicious variations. Proper storage and answers to common questions rounded out the post.

As you bake, remember that each step is key to great taste. Enjoy your coffee cake and share it with friends!

To make the spiced pear walnut coffee cake, you will need the following items: - 2 ripe pears, peeled and diced into small pieces - 1 cup walnuts, coarsely chopped - 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, divided - 1 teaspoon baking powder - ½ teaspoon baking soda - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg - ½ teaspoon fine salt - ¾ cup granulated sugar - ½ cup packed brown sugar - ½ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature - 2 large eggs, at room temperature - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - ½ cup buttermilk, at room temperature You can make some swaps if you need to. For example: - Use any firm fruit, like apples, instead of pears. - Swap walnuts with pecans or almonds for a different nut flavor. - If you lack buttermilk, mix milk with lemon juice or vinegar. - You can use coconut oil in place of butter for a dairy-free option. Gather these tools to make your baking easy: - 9-inch round cake pan - Electric mixer - Mixing bowls (small and large) - Spatula - Whisk - Measuring cups and spoons - Wire rack for cooling - Toothpick to check doneness With these ingredients and tools, you are ready to create a delicious spiced pear walnut coffee cake that will impress your family and friends! First, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9-inch round cake pan. Grease this pan with butter. Then, dust it with flour. This will help the cake not stick later. In a small bowl, take the diced pears. Toss them with 1 tablespoon of flour. This helps keep the pears from sinking. Next, in a larger bowl, mix 1 ½ cups flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk them all together. This is your dry mix. Now, in a big bowl, cream ½ cup of softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Use an electric mixer on medium speed. Mix until it’s light and fluffy, which takes about 3 to 5 minutes. This step is key for a soft cake. Add the eggs one at a time to the butter mix. Make sure each egg blends well before adding the next. Then, stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry mix to the butter mix. Alternate with ½ cup of buttermilk. Start and end with the dry mix. Mix gently until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix! Take a spatula and carefully fold in the floured pears and 1 cup of chopped walnuts. Do this gently to keep the batter fluffy. You want them to be evenly spread in the mix. Pour the batter into your prepared pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly. Place the pan in the oven. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Check if it's done by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, it’s ready! Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, move it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Enjoy your treat! To keep your spiced pear walnut coffee cake moist, use ripe pears. Ripe pears add natural sweetness and moisture. Toss the diced pears in flour before adding them to the batter. This helps them stay suspended and prevents them from sinking. Also, use buttermilk. It adds richness and keeps the cake tender. To check if your cake is done, use a toothpick. Insert it into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the cake is ready. If it has wet batter on it, bake for a few more minutes. Keep an eye on it after 30 minutes. Mix the batter just until combined. Over-mixing can make the cake tough. Gently fold in the pears and walnuts. This keeps the batter light and fluffy. Finally, let the cake cool before slicing. It helps the flavors meld together, giving you a better texture. {{image_4}} You can easily change the flavor of your cake. Try adding ginger for a warm kick. A dash of cloves can add a nice depth too. If you love citrus, mix in some lemon zest. This adds brightness and freshness to the cake. You can also add a splash of almond extract for a nutty taste. Each of these options gives your cake a unique twist. This cake is not just for pears and walnuts. You can swap out pears for apples, peaches, or even berries. Each fruit brings a different texture and taste. If you want to change the nuts, try pecans or almonds. They both work well with the cake. Mixing and matching will let you create your own favorite version. You can make this coffee cake gluten-free with a simple swap. Use a gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. Make sure it has a binding agent like xanthan gum. For dairy-free, replace the butter with coconut oil or dairy-free butter. Instead of buttermilk, use almond milk mixed with vinegar. These changes keep the cake tasty and moist. Store leftover spiced pear walnut coffee cake in an airtight container. Keep it at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep it longer, place it in the fridge. This helps keep the cake fresh for about a week. Just remember to let it cool completely before you store it. To freeze the coffee cake, first slice it into pieces. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. Be sure to remove as much air as possible. This way, the cake stays fresh for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy it, just thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat the cake in a microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds. This warms the cake while keeping it moist. You can also use an oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and warm the cake for about 10 minutes. This method gives a nice texture and taste. If you like, top it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for extra delight! Yes, you can make this coffee cake ahead of time. Once baked, let it cool completely. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store it at room temperature for up to three days. If you need to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. You can also freeze it. Wrap the cake well and store it in an airtight container for up to three months. This coffee cake pairs well with various treats. Here are some tasty ideas: - Fresh whipped cream - Vanilla ice cream - A drizzle of caramel sauce - A scoop of yogurt - Fresh fruit, like berries or apple slices These options add flavor and texture, making each bite special. To enhance the flavor of your coffee cake, try these tips: - Add a pinch of ground ginger for warmth. - Mix in some orange zest for a citrus note. - Use fresh spices instead of pre-ground for more depth. - Add vanilla bean seeds for an extra boost of flavor. These simple changes will give your cake a unique touch. Yes, you can substitute walnuts with other nuts. Here are some great options: - Pecans for a sweeter taste - Almonds for a crunchy texture - Hazelnuts for a rich, nutty flavor - Pistachios for a colorful twist Make sure to chop them coarsely, just like the walnuts, for even distribution in the cake. This blog post covered everything you need to make a great spiced pear walnut coffee cake. We discussed the ingredients, equipment, and detailed steps for baking. You learned tips for moisture and flavor and explored delicious variations. Proper storage and answers to common questions rounded out the post. As you bake, remember that each step is key to great taste. Enjoy your coffee cake and share it with friends!

Spiced Pear Walnut Coffee Cake

Indulge in the delightful flavors of spiced pear walnut coffee cake with this easy recipe! Discover how to blend ripe pears and crunchy walnuts into a moist, flavorful cake perfect for any occasion. With simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions, you'll have a delicious treat ready in just an hour. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your baking game today!
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Ingredients
  

2 ripe pears, peeled and diced into small pieces

1 cup walnuts, coarsely chopped

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, divided

1 teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

½ teaspoon fine salt

¾ cup granulated sugar

½ cup packed brown sugar

½ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

2 large eggs, at room temperature

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

½ cup buttermilk, at room temperature

Instructions
 

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9-inch round cake pan by greasing it with butter and dusting it with flour to prevent sticking.

    In a small bowl, toss the diced pears with 1 tablespoon of the all-purpose flour. Set this mixture aside; this technique helps the pears to stay suspended in the batter during baking.

      In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the remaining flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and fine salt. This will be your dry ingredient mixture. Set aside.

        In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes).

          Add the eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, ensuring each egg is thoroughly incorporated before adding the next. Finally, mix in the pure vanilla extract until combined.

            Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and finish with the dry ingredients. Mix gently and only until just combined; be cautious not to over-mix the batter.

              Carefully fold in the floured pears and chopped walnuts using a spatula, so they are evenly distributed without deflating the batter.

                Pour the prepared batter into the greased and floured cake pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.

                  Place the cake pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. The coffee cake is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

                    Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

                      Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 8-10

                        - Presentation Tips: For an appealing presentation, serve slices of the coffee cake on a rustic wooden board. Finish with a light dusting of powdered sugar and a scattering of extra walnuts on top. To make it extra special, offer a small bowl of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside for a delightful treat!