Sticky Pear and Ginger Cake

Name: Sticky Pear and Ginger Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 200g (1 1/3 cups) all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 tsp ground ginger; 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/4 tsp salt; 100g (1/2 cup) light brown sugar; 100g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, melted; 150ml (2/3 cup) milk; 1 large egg; 100g (1/4 cup) dark treacle or molasses; 2 ripe pears, peeled, cored, and diced; 100g (1/2 cup) golden syrup; 50g (1/4 cup) unsalted butter; 50g (1/4 cup) light brown sugar

December 11, 2025 by Daniel Carter

Slice of Sticky Pear and Ginger Cake topped with fresh pear slices and ginger syrup

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Indulge in Warm Delights: Sticky Pear and Ginger Cake

There’s something truly magical about the way a cake can bring warmth and comfort to our lives. Enter the Sticky Pear and Ginger Cake—a delightful orchestration of flavors that’s just perfect for cozying up on chilly evenings or celebrating special occasions with loved ones. Imagine serving this luscious cake at a family gathering, where the aromatic scent of ginger wafts through your kitchen, enveloping you and your guests in a sweet embrace.

As you slice into this moist creation, you’ll reveal tender chunks of ripe pears nestling within a lightly spiced batter, topped with a glossy, sticky glaze that glistens invitingly. The rich and complex notes of ginger mingle harmoniously with the sweetness of the pears, creating a delightful symphony of flavors that even the pickiest of eaters will adore.

This rich Sticky Pear and Ginger Cake is not only a feast for the senses but also a testament to the joys of home baking. It’s the sort of cake that sparks conversations over tea, making it an ideal centerpiece at brunch or a cozy afternoon gathering. So, let’s dive into the love and labor of crafting this delightful dessert that promises to warm your heart from the inside out.

What You’ll Need

Before you embark on this sweet journey of baking, let’s gather the necessary ingredients and tools.

Ingredients

To create your Sticky Pear and Ginger Cake, you’ll need the following:

200g (1 1/3 cups) all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
100g (1/2 cup) light brown sugar
100g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, melted
150ml (2/3 cup) milk
1 large egg
100g (1/4 cup) dark treacle or molasses
2 ripe pears, peeled, cored, and diced
100g (1/2 cup) golden syrup
50g (1/4 cup) unsalted butter
50g (1/4 cup) light brown sugar

Tools

You’ll want to have the following kitchen tools on hand as you prepare this delightful cake:

Mixing bowls
A whisk
Measuring cups and spoons
A baking dish (20cm or 8-inch cake tin)
Parchment paper
A saucepan
A skewer or toothpick for testing doneness

How to Make It

Now that we have our ingredients and tools ready, let’s dive into the process of creating this delectable Sticky Pear and Ginger Cake. Experience the anticipation of the sweet aroma filling your home and the joy of sharing delicious bites with loved ones.

Preheat the Oven & Prepare the Tin

Begin by preheating your oven to 170°C (340°F). As the warmth of the oven permeates your kitchen, prepare your 20cm (8-inch) cake tin. Greasing it and lining it with parchment paper not only ensures easy removal later but also sets the stage for a perfect bake. The sound of parchment crinkling will make your heart flutter with the promise of what’s to come.

Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. As you blend these dry ingredients, the earthy scent of spices and flour creates a comforting foundation for your cake. The vibrant tones of ginger and cinnamon will dance in the air, hinting at the flavor explosions to come. Once combined, set this fragrant mixture aside, allowing it a moment to meld.

Whisk the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the melted butter, light brown sugar, milk, egg, and dark treacle until smooth and silky. This step feels like a warm embrace, as the golden-brown butter blends seamlessly with the sweet molasses, creating a luscious mixture that glistens invitingly. The heady aroma will entice you, hinting at the moist and decadent results that await.

Combine & Fold in the Pears

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet combination, mixing until just combined. The batter should feel thick and substantial, reminiscent of a cozy sweater on a brisk autumn day. Now, gently fold in the diced pears, allowing their delicate sweetness to incorporate throughout the batter as you envision delighting your family with each slice. The colorful specks of pear will bring a beautiful contrast to the golden hue of the cake.

Bake & Glaze

Pour this lovely mixture into the prepared cake tin and smooth the top. Slide it into the oven and allow it to bake for 35–40 minutes. As it bakes, your home will become filled with an intoxicating aroma—like an old friend greeting you at the door. To check for doneness, insert a skewer into the center; it should come out clean, indicating the cake is baked to perfection.

While your cake cools in the tin, create the glorious glaze by combining golden syrup, butter, and light brown sugar in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir gently until smooth, watching the rich mixture bubble softly as it transforms into a glossy delight. Once the cake is ready, poke several holes in its top and pour the warm glaze over it, letting it seep into those tender pear pieces. The sticky-sweet topping will glisten, making your mouth water in anticipation.

Let the cake cool slightly before slicing into it, revealing a moist, dense crumb loaded with luscious flavors. Serve warm or at room temperature, relishing the magic of each bite.

Creative Twists

While the Sticky Pear and Ginger Cake stands beautifully on its own, why not experiment a little? Here are some fun twists to inspire your creativity:

Autumnal Spice: Add a touch of nutmeg or allspice for a more robust flavor profile, perfect for a fall gathering.
Citrus Zing: Incorporate the zest of an orange or lemon into the batter to elevate the cake with vibrant freshness.
Nuts for Texture: Add in a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch, giving an added layer of texture to each slice.
Dried Fruits: Mix in some dried cranberries or apricots for a sweet contrast that enhances the cake’s natural sweetness.
Holiday Cheer: For festive occasions, consider adding a splash of brandy or rum to your glaze for a seasonal touch.

Final Inspiration

The Sticky Pear and Ginger Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of warmth, flavor, and the simple joys of life. Imagine gathering around the table with friends and family, sharing stories and laughter as you delight in each moist bite. Whether you choose to enjoy it with a steaming cup of tea or a chilled glass of dessert wine, this cake will undoubtedly become a cherished recipe in your collection.

So, turn on your oven, dream of the delicious moments ahead, and let this beautiful Sticky Pear and Ginger Cake fill your home with sweetness and joy. Embrace the experience of baking and savor the laughter and love that comes with sharing your culinary creations. Happy baking!

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