Irresistible Christmas Spiced Pear Cake Recipe You’ll Love

Katherine

Honoring generations of culinary artistry.

When the first hint of winter’s chill creeps in, nothing warms the soul quite like the rich aroma of a Christmas Spiced Pear Cake baking in the oven. I stumbled upon this delightful recipe while browsing through old family cookbooks, and it instantly became my go-to celebration cake. The tender pears soak up a symphony of warming spices—cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves—melding into a moist, fragrant treat that’s as comforting as a holiday hug. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or simply craving a cozy homemade dessert, this cake strikes the perfect balance between elegance and ease. Plus, its subtle sweetness and tender crumb mean it pairs beautifully with morning tea or after-dinner coffee. Trust me, once you try this spiced pear cake, fast food cravings will feel like a distant memory!

Why try this Christmas Spiced Pear Cake?

Irresistible flavor: Warm spices and juicy pears create a cozy, festive taste. Simple to bake: No fancy techniques—perfect for any skill level. Moist and tender: Each bite melts in your mouth with just the right crumb. Versatile delight: Enjoy it with morning tea or after-dinner coffee. Holiday favorite: Impress guests with a seasonal classic that feels homemade and heartfelt.

Christmas Spiced Pear Cake Ingredients

For the Cake Batter

Ripe Pears – Choose firm, sweet pears that will hold their shape and soak in the warm spices perfectly.
All-Purpose Flour – Provides the tender structure every Christmas Spiced Pear Cake needs.
Granulated Sugar – Balances the spices with just the right amount of sweetness.
Brown Sugar – Adds moistness and a subtle caramel note that complements the pears.
Unsalted Butter – Use softened butter to create a rich, velvety crumb.
Eggs – Bind the batter and contribute to a light, fluffy texture.
Baking Powder – Ensures your cake rises beautifully and stays airy.
Ground Cinnamon – The essential spice that delivers that unmistakable Christmas warmth.
Ground Nutmeg – Adds a fragrant depth that makes the cake truly festive.
Ground Cloves – Use sparingly to enhance the spice blend without overpowering.
Vanilla Extract – Elevates the flavors with a sweet, aromatic touch.
Salt – Balances sweetness and intensifies the spices for a fuller flavor profile.

Optional Topping

Powdered Sugar – A light dusting for a snowy, festive finish that’s simple yet stunning.
Chopped Walnuts or Pecans – Toasted for crunch and a nutty richness that pairs perfectly with the spices.

How to Make Christmas Spiced Pear Cake

For the Cake Batter:

Preheat Oven: Preheat to 350°F and grease a 9-inch cake pan with butter or nonstick spray, lining the bottom with parchment paper for an easy release and even browning.
Prepare Pears: Peel, core, and dice ripe pears into bite-size cubes. Toss them in a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg for extra warmth and flavor infusion.
Cream Butter & Sugars: Beat softened butter with granulated and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes on medium speed, yielding a silky, pale cream.
Add Eggs & Vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time, scraping the bowl between additions. Stir in vanilla extract until the batter is smooth and fragrant.
Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually fold the mix into the butter base until just combined.
Fold in Pears: Gently fold the diced spiced pears into the batter, ensuring each piece is evenly coated and the batter isn’t overstirred, preserving those juicy pear pockets.

Bake & Cool:

Bake Cake: Pour batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top. Bake at 350°F for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool Completely: Allow the cake to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool fully, ensuring a moist, tender crumb throughout.

Optional: Sprinkle with powdered sugar and chopped toasted pecans for extra crunch.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

What to Serve with Christmas Spiced Pear Cake?

When the enchanting aroma of spiced cake fills your kitchen, it’s time to create a magical meal around it.

Rich Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla provides a delightful contrast to the warmth of the cake, melting beautifully with each bite.
Whipped Cream: Fluffy clouds of whipped cream add a light, airy finish, enhancing the cake’s cozy spices and tender texture.
Herbal Tea: A warm cup of chamomile or peppermint tea pairs perfectly, offering a soothing complement to the cake’s richness.
Chai Latte: The spiced notes in a chai latte echo the flavors of your Christmas Spiced Pear Cake, making each sip a festive experience.
Toasted Nuts: Serve chopped walnuts or pecans on the side for a crunchy edge, complementing the cake’s soft crumb with their nutty flavor.
Coffee: A robust cup of coffee cuts through the sweetness, bringing out the complex flavors of the pears and spices in a comforting embrace.
Cranberry Sauce: The tartness of cranberry sauce creates a lively balance against the cake’s sweet spices, adding a refreshing twist.
Caramel Drizzle: Drizzling warm caramel on top enriches the cake with an indulgent sweetness, perfect for special holiday gatherings.
Cheese Board: A platter featuring sharp cheese and dried fruits makes for an elegant pairing, contrasting the cake’s sweetness with savory notes.

Expert Tips for Christmas Spiced Pear Cake

Choose firm pears: Select ripe but firm pears to prevent them from turning mushy and keep their texture in your Christmas Spiced Pear Cake.
Don’t overmix batter: Fold ingredients gently to preserve a light crumb and those lovely pockets of spiced pear throughout the cake.
Room temperature ingredients: Use softened butter and room-temp eggs to ensure your batter blends smoothly, yielding a tender, moist cake.
Watch baking time: Check the cake with a toothpick starting at 45 minutes to avoid overbaking, which can dry out the spiced pear cake.
Spice balance: Use cloves sparingly; too much can overpower the subtle scent of pear and cinnamon for the perfect holiday flavor.
Cool before topping: Let the cake cool completely before dusting powdered sugar or adding nuts to maintain that beautiful finish and crunch.

Christmas Spiced Pear Cake Variations & Substitutions

Get ready to enhance your festive baking with these delightful twists and alternatives for your Christmas Spiced Pear Cake!

Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for a deliciously inclusive cake. The flavors remain just as enticing!
Vegan: Use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) and replace butter with coconut oil to keep it plant-based.
Nut-Free: Omit nuts entirely or replace them with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a delightful crunch without the allergens.
Extra Spice: Add a pinch of cardamom or allspice to amp up the warmth of the cake, creating an enchanting aroma that fills your home.
Dried Fruit Twist: Mix in ½ cup of raisins or dried cranberries for bursts of sweetness and a chewy texture that pairs marvelously with the pears.
Citrus Zest: Brighten the flavor profile with the zest of one orange or lemon, adding a refreshing tang that complements the spices beautifully.
Chocolate Chips: Fold in some dark chocolate or white chocolate chips for a rich, indulgent surprise that harmonizes wonderfully with the fruity sweetness.
Maple Glaze: Drizzle a simple maple syrup glaze over the cooled cake for a decadent finish that adds a delightful sweetness, perfect for any holiday spread!

How to Store and Freeze Christmas Spiced Pear Cake

Room Temperature: Store the cake at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days to keep it fresh and delicious.

Fridge: If you want to prolong freshness, refrigerate the cake for up to 1 week. Cover it well to prevent drying out and preserve the flavor.

Freezer: For longer storage, wrap slices in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying your Christmas Spiced Pear Cake again.

Reheating: For a cozy treat, warm individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or enjoy at room temperature with a dusting of powdered sugar.

Make Ahead Options

These Christmas Spiced Pear Cake preparations are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the festive season! You can peel and dice the ripe pears and toss them with a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg up to 24 hours in advance, storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to prevent browning. Additionally, you can prepare the cake batter and refrigerate it for up to 3 days—just give it a gentle stir before folding in the spiced pears and proceeding to bake. This way, you’ll have a delightful dessert ready to pop in the oven, guaranteeing that your cake is just as delicious and fragrant when served fresh. Enjoy your holiday baking with minimal effort!

Christmas Spiced Pear Cake Recipe FAQs

How do I select the best pears for the Christmas Spiced Pear Cake?
Choose pears that are ripe but still firm to the touch. They should yield slightly under gentle pressure without dark spots all over. Varieties like Bosc or Anjou work wonderfully—they hold shape during baking and soak up the warm spices beautifully.

What’s the best way to store leftover Christmas Spiced Pear Cake?
Store your cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep it moist and flavorful. For longer freshness, transfer it to the fridge where it will keep well for up to one week. Make sure to cover it tightly to prevent drying out.

Can I freeze Christmas Spiced Pear Cake, and how should I do it?
Absolutely! Freezing is a great option to enjoy your festive treat later. Slice the cake, then wrap each piece tightly with plastic wrap followed by a layer of aluminum foil. Place the wrapped slices in a freezer-safe bag or container, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the slices overnight in the fridge and warm briefly in the microwave for that freshly baked feel.

What if my cake turns out dry or dense—how can I fix that next time?
Dry or dense results usually mean overbaking or overmixing. To avoid this, check for doneness starting at 45 minutes using a toothpick—it should come out clean but moist crumbs are okay. Also, gently fold in ingredients to keep the crumb tender. Using room-temperature butter and eggs helps the batter blend smoothly, creating a light texture.

Is Christmas Spiced Pear Cake safe for pets or those with nut allergies?
This cake is generally safe for humans with no nut ingredients unless you add walnuts or pecans as a topping. Never share spiced cake with pets, as ingredients like cloves and nutmeg can be toxic to them. For nut allergies, simply omit the nuts on top or substitute with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower for crunch.