Easy Christmas Spiced Pear Cake with Irresistible Holiday Warmth

Victoria

The Keeper of Heartfelt Homemade Traditions

There’s something truly enchanting about the scent of warm spices mingling with ripe pears during the holiday season. Last Christmas, I decided to swap out my usual fruitcake for a Christmas Spiced Pear Cake, and it quickly became the centerpiece of our festive table. This cake isn’t just delicious—it’s a comforting hug in dessert form, bursting with cozy cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, perfectly balanced by juicy pear slices. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or simply treating yourself, this recipe is surprisingly easy and endlessly versatile. Trust me, once you try this, it might just become your new holiday tradition.

Why choose Christmas Spiced Pear Cake?

Warm flavors: This cake blends cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves for a heartwarming holiday taste. Simple to bake: No complicated steps, perfect for all skill levels. Fragrant and inviting: The aroma fills your kitchen with festive cheer. Perfectly moist: Juicy pear slices keep every bite tender. Versatile dessert: Ideal for family gatherings or gifting. Crowd-pleaser: Everyone loves its comforting, seasonal charm.

Christmas Spiced Pear Cake Ingredients

For the Cake Batter

All-purpose flour – Use fresh flour to keep the cake light and tender.
Granulated sugar – Balances the spices with just the right amount of sweetness.
Baking powder – Helps the cake rise beautifully and stay fluffy.
Ground cinnamon – The star spice that brings warm holiday vibes.
Ground nutmeg – Adds a nutty depth to the flavor profile.
Ground cloves – Use sparingly for a subtle, aromatic kick.
Salt – Enhances all the sweet and spicy flavors.
Unsalted butter – Brings richness and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Eggs – Bind everything together and add moisture.
Vanilla extract – Elevates the flavor with sweet, floral notes.

For the Pears and Finishing Touch

Ripe pears – Choose firm yet juicy pears to keep the cake moist and fresh.
Brown sugar – Sprinkled over pears for caramelized sweetness as the cake bakes.
Lemon juice – Prevents the pears from browning while adding bright freshness.

This Christmas Spiced Pear Cake recipe marries classic holiday spices with luscious pears, creating a dessert that fills your home with warmth and irresistible seasonal charm.

How to Make Christmas Spiced Pear Cake

For the Cake Batter:

Preheat oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan with butter, lining the bottom with parchment paper for easy release.
Cream butter and sugar: Beat room-temperature unsalted butter with granulated sugar until pale and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes. Use a handheld mixer for best results.
Add eggs and vanilla: Crack in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla extract until just combined and smooth.
Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt until evenly blended. Check for lumps so texture stays smooth.
Combine wet and dry: Fold dry mix into butter mixture gently with a spatula, stopping when smooth. Avoid overmixing to keep cake tender.

For the Pear Topping:

Prepare pears: Peel, core, and slice pears into 1/4-inch pieces. Toss with lemon juice to prevent browning and maintain fresh flavor.
Assemble cake: Pour batter into pan and arrange pear slices on top in a circular pattern, ensuring even coverage for balanced flavor.
Sprinkle brown sugar: Evenly dust pear layer with brown sugar for caramelization and sweet crust. This creates a delicious crunchy topping.
Bake: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45–50 minutes, until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Tent loosely with foil if browning too fast.
Cool and serve: Let cake cool in pan 10 minutes, then remove ring. Slice with a sharp knife and serve warm or at room temperature.

Optional: Dust with powdered sugar for extra festive flair.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Make Ahead Options

These Christmas Spiced Pear Cakes are perfect for busy home cooks looking to simplify their holiday baking! You can prepare the cake batter up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator (this helps meld those cozy flavors). Just be sure to cover the mixing bowl tightly to maintain moisture. Additionally, slice your pears and toss them with lemon juice; they can be prepped up to 3 days ahead for freshness. When you’re ready to bake, simply pour the chilled batter into your prepared pan, arrange the lemon-coated pears on top, sprinkle with brown sugar, and bake as directed. This way, you’ll have a delightful cake with minimal last-minute effort, allowing you to enjoy the festive cheer!

Variations & Substitutions for Christmas Spiced Pear Cake

Feel free to play around with this recipe and make it your own! These delightful tweaks add unique twists to the classic flavors you know and love.

Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to accommodate dietary needs. The result? A cake that everyone can enjoy together.
Dairy-Free: Use coconut oil or a dairy-free butter substitute in place of regular butter, ensuring a moist cake that welcomes all guests around the table.
Vegan: Replace eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water and use unsweetened almond milk instead. This way, even the plant-based eaters can indulge in the festive flavors.
Spiced Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some freshly grated ginger for a subtle spice kick. The warmth from these spices brings an extra layer of comfort during chilly holidays.
Nutty Addition: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for a lovely crunch, enhancing the texture and heartiness of the cake.
Citrus Zing: Consider adding the zest of an orange or lemon into the batter for a bright contrast that elevates the flavor profile beautifully.
Fruit Mix-In: Experiment by adding dried cranberries or raisins for added sweetness and chewiness that perfectly complements the pears’ juiciness.
Frosting Twist: Top with a cream cheese frosting or a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice for an extra sweet finish that dazzles at any celebration.

Tips for the Best Christmas Spiced Pear Cake

Choose firm pears: Select ripe yet firm pears to keep the cake moist without turning mushy during baking.
Don’t overmix batter: Fold dry ingredients gently to avoid a dense cake; overmixing weakens texture and fluffiness.
Even pear layering: Arrange pear slices evenly on top to ensure balanced flavor and caramelization throughout the cake.
Monitor baking time: Tent with foil if the top browns too fast; this prevents burning while the inside finishes baking.
Use fresh spices: For the most vibrant aroma and flavor, freshly ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves are ideal for Christmas Spiced Pear Cake.

How to Store and Freeze Christmas Spiced Pear Cake

Room Temperature: Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain its moisture and freshness.

Fridge: If you prefer, store in the fridge for up to a week. Wrap the cake tightly with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze slices of Christmas Spiced Pear Cake in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Reheating: To enjoy, simply warm slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes to restore warmth and aroma.

What to Serve with Christmas Spiced Pear Cake?

There’s nothing like pairing your festive treat with sides that enhance its warm, inviting flavors.

Whipped Cream: A light dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a creamy texture, complementing the spices in the cake beautifully.
Vanilla Ice Cream: The cool, creamy sweetness of vanilla ice cream contrasts perfectly with the warm cake, creating a delightful taste experience.
Spiced Tea: Brewed chai or spiced herbal tea brings a cozy warmth to the table, enhancing the cake’s holiday spirit.
Candied Nuts: Roasted and lightly sweetened nuts provide a crunchy texture that pairs wonderfully with the cake’s tender crumb.

This festive dessert can also stand alone, but these elements will elevate your Christmas Spiced Pear Cake to magical heights!

Christmas Spiced Pear Cake Recipe FAQs

What kind of pears should I use for the Christmas Spiced Pear Cake?
I recommend using ripe yet firm pears like Bosc or Anjou. They hold their shape well during baking and provide juicy sweetness without turning mushy or too soft.

How long can I store the Christmas Spiced Pear Cake at room temperature?
You can keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This helps preserve the moist texture and vibrant spice aroma without drying it out.

Can I freeze the Christmas Spiced Pear Cake? If so, how?
Absolutely! Slice the cake into portions, then wrap each tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Place the wrapped slices in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months. To thaw, transfer slices to the fridge overnight, then warm gently before serving.

What should I do if my cake browns too quickly on top while baking?
If you notice the top is browning too fast, tent it loosely with aluminum foil about halfway through baking. This shields the surface, allowing the inside to cook through without burning the pears’ caramelized topping.

Is Christmas Spiced Pear Cake safe for pets or those with allergies?
This cake contains common allergens like eggs, butter, and wheat flour, so it’s not suitable for pets or those with allergies to these ingredients. If you’re baking for allergy-sensitive guests, consider alternative recipes or ingredient swaps like gluten-free flour or egg replacers.