Pear Vanilla Cake with Citrus Zest

Pear Vanilla Cake with Citrus Zest

Ingredients

In Cups and Grams:

• • 2 eggs
  • A pinch of salt

• • 50 grams sugar (¼ cup)
  • 100 ml milk (⅓ cup + 1 tablespoon)
  • 25 grams melted butter (2 tablespoons)

• • 80 grams flour (⅔ cup)
  • 5 grams baking powder (1 teaspoon)
  • 5 ml vanilla extract (1 teaspoon)

• • Zest of 1 orange
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1-2 pears, sliced

• • 20 ml melted butter (1½ tablespoons, for topping)
  • 1 tablespoon sugar (for topping)
  • Icing sugar (optional, for dusting)

Directions

1. 1. Prepare the Batter:
      • • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 eggs with a pinch of salt and 50 grams of sugar until the mixture is light and frothy.
        • Add 100 ml milk, 25 grams melted butter, and 5 ml vanilla extract. Mix well.
        • Sift in 80 grams of flour and 5 grams of baking powder. Stir until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.
      • Fold in the zest of one orange and one lemon to the batter.
   2. Prepare the Pan:
      • • Grease a baking pan with butter, ensuring it is well-coated. Sprinkle some flour over the buttered surface, shaking off the excess.

   3. Assemble the Cake:
      • • Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Arrange the pear slices on top of the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed and fully submerged in the mixture.
        • Drizzle 20 ml of melted butter over the top of the cake and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of sugar for a caramelized finish.

   4. Bake the Cake:
      • • Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F). Bake the cake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
        • Let the cake cool slightly before dusting with icing sugar, if desired.

   5. Serve:
      • Slice the cake and serve it warm or at room temperature. Enjoy the delicate flavors of pear and citrus with a cup of tea or coffee.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve this cake warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
• Pair with a hot cup of herbal tea for a light afternoon snack.

Cooking Tips

• • Ensure the eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and a fluffier texture.

• If you prefer a stronger citrus flavor, you can add extra orange or lemon zest.
• To prevent the pear slices from sinking to the bottom, toss them in a bit of flour before adding to the batter.

Nutritional Benefits

• • Pears are a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin C.

• The use of citrus zest adds antioxidants and a fresh, vibrant flavor to the cake.
• This cake is a lighter dessert option, with moderate sugar and fat content.

Dietary Information

• • This recipe is vegetarian.

• To make it dairy-free, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use a non-dairy milk.

Nutritional Facts (per slice, based on 8 slices)

• • Calories: Approximately 180 kcal
  • Protein: 3 grams

• • Carbohydrates: 25 grams
  • Fat: 8 grams
  • Fiber: 2 grams

Storage

• Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Reheat slices in the microwave or oven before serving.