The Pear Olive Oil Cake is a delightful fusion of fresh, juicy pears and the mellow, fruity flavors of olive oil. This cake embodies the essence of rustic Mediterranean baking, where simple yet high-quality ingredients come together to create a harmonious and moist dessert. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the history of this cake, list the necessary ingredients, and provide step-by-step instructions to help you create your own flavorful Pear Olive Oil Cake.
Olive oil has been a staple in Mediterranean cuisine for thousands of years, valued not only for its culinary uses but also for its symbolism of peace, prosperity, and well-being. The use of olive oil in baking dates back to ancient times when olives were first cultivated.
The concept of incorporating olive oil into cakes and desserts emerged as Mediterranean bakers sought to create moist and flavorful treats with the abundant ingredient at hand. Olive oil not only adds a unique richness but also keeps cakes tender and moist, even without the use of butter.
The pairing of pears with olive oil is a delightful combination that likely emerged as bakers explored the synergy of ingredients found in their local orchards and groves. Pears, with their sweet and slightly tangy flavor, complement the fruity and earthy notes of olive oil beautifully.
The Pear Olive Oil Cake, as we know it today, is a modern interpretation of this ancient tradition. It brings together the timeless flavors of olive oil and ripe pears to create a cake that’s both comforting and sophisticated, making it a delightful addition to any occasion.
INGREDIENTS
For the Pear Olive Oil Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 ripe pears, peeled, cored, and diced
For the Topping (optional):
- 1 ripe pear, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch (23 cm) round cake pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Set this dry mixture aside.
- In a separate large mixing bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil and granulated sugar until well combined.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, to the olive oil and sugar mixture, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gently fold the dry mixture (flour mixture) into the wet mixture (olive oil and sugar mixture) until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if there are a few lumps.
- Add the plain Greek yogurt to the batter and fold it in until you have a smooth and uniform consistency.
- Gently fold in the diced pears, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly.
- If you’re adding the optional topping, arrange the thinly sliced pear on top of the cake batter. Sprinkle the sugar and ground cinnamon over the pears.
- Place the cake pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.
- Remove the Pear Olive Oil Cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 10-15 minutes.
- After the initial cooling period, you can carefully remove the cake from the pan and let it cool completely on the wire rack.
- Slice and serve your Pear Olive Oil Cake, savoring the delightful blend of flavors and the moist texture that olive oil brings to this Mediterranean-inspired dessert.
This Pear Olive Oil Cake is a wonderful representation of Mediterranean baking traditions and the harmonious pairing of olive oil and fresh pears. Enjoy it as a versatile treat, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, accompanied by a cup of tea or coffee.
