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Indulging in a slice of cake can be one of life's simple pleasures, and the Heavenly Pear & Pistachio Delight is a perfect example of this joy. This delightful recipe combines the natural sweetness of ripe pears with the rich, nutty flavor of pistachios, creating a moist and flavorful cake that’s sure to impress friends and family. As we delve into the artistry of baking this enchanting treat, you'll discover not only the essential ingredients and steps but also insights into how the flavors meld together to create a unique dessert experience.

Pear & Pistachio Cake

Discover the joy of baking with the Heavenly Pear & Pistachio Delight, a delightful cake that marries the sweetness of ripe pears with the nutty richness of pistachios. This moist, flavorful treat is perfect for impressing friends and family, and it’s packed with nutritional benefits. Learn the essential steps, from selecting your fresh ingredients to perfecting the batter, and enjoy every heavenly slice of this unique dessert experience. Perfect for any occasion!
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Ingredients
  

2 ripe pears, peeled, cored, and diced

1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

1 cup granulated sugar

3 large eggs, at room temperature

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus additional for dusting

1 teaspoon baking powder

¼ teaspoon salt

1 cup ground pistachios (reserve some for garnish)

½ teaspoon almond extract

Zest of 1 lemon

½ cup whole milk, at room temperature

Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9-inch round cake pan by greasing and flouring it, or lining it with parchment paper to ensure easy release of the cake.

    Prepare the Pears: In a medium mixing bowl, coat the diced pears with a tablespoon of flour. This helps to prevent the fruit from settling to the bottom of the cake during baking.

      Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the mixture for about 3-5 minutes, or until it becomes light and fluffy.

        Incorporate Eggs and Extracts: Add the eggs to the butter mixture one at a time, ensuring to mix well after each addition. Next, blend in the vanilla and almond extracts until fully combined.

          Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and ground pistachios. Gradually mix this dry blend into the butter mixture, alternating with the whole milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined to maintain the cake's light texture.

            Fold in Pears and Zest: Use a spatula to gently fold in the coated diced pears and lemon zest, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

              Pour into the Pan: Carefully transfer the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with the spatula. For an added crunch and flavor, sprinkle additional ground pistachios over the top.

                Bake the Cake: Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is beautifully golden brown.

                  Cool and Serve: After baking, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. If desired, dust the top with powdered sugar before serving and garnish with leftover pistachios.

                    Enjoy: Slice the cake and serve it warm or at room temperature. It pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence!

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