Discover the ultimate comfort food with this exquisite Pear Streusel Coffee Cake. Packed with sweet, juicy pears and crowned with a delightful, crunchy pecan streusel, this cake is an absolute showstopper. It’s the perfect treat to bake when pears are at their peak, ensuring every bite is bursting with fresh, seasonal flavor. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon pick-me-up, this recipe promises a moist, tender crumb and an unforgettable taste experience.

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Pear Streusel Coffee Cake: A Recipe That Wins Hearts (and Stomachs)

There are some recipes that just resonate with people, and this Pear Streusel Coffee Cake is undoubtedly one of them. It’s more than just a cake; it’s a gesture, a celebration, and a comforting embrace all rolled into one. Its undeniable charm lies in the harmonious blend of tender, sweet pears, warm spices, and a buttery, crunchy streusel topping that creates an irresistible texture contrast. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is designed for success, promising a moist, flavorful cake that will quickly become a cherished family favorite.

I recently had the pleasure of serving this very cake to a gathering of about 35 dedicated volunteers for our local Decorators’ Show House. These women are truly remarkable – hardworking individuals who consistently give back to our community with incredible passion and generosity. As they gathered at my home at the end of October, tired from their efforts but still radiating warmth, I knew I needed to offer them something truly special. This Pear Streusel Coffee Cake did not disappoint. The platter, once laden with generous slices, was quickly reduced to nothing but crumbs, and I was inundated with requests for the recipe. Each bite, brimming with the sweetness of ripe pears and the comforting embrace of cinnamon and ginger, seemed to tantalize their taste buds, leaving a lasting impression of homemade goodness and genuine appreciation.

The Perfect Gift: Share the Warmth of This Pear Streusel Coffee Cake

Beyond being a perfect centerpiece for your own table, this Pear Streusel Coffee Cake transcends its role as a mere dessert. Its inherent warmth and comforting nature make it an exceptional holiday gift or a heartfelt gesture of kindness for a friend, neighbor, or anyone who could use a little extra cheer. Imagine the delight on their face when they receive a freshly baked, homemade cake, a tangible representation of your thoughtfulness. It’s a wonderful way to express gratitude, offer sympathy, or simply brighten someone’s day. The beauty of this cake is that it travels well and keeps beautifully, making it an ideal candidate for sharing.

Giving Comfort: A Timeless Tradition Embodied in Every Slice

As the autumn leaves turn golden and Thanksgiving approaches, our family, like many others, naturally shifts its focus towards gratitude and finding meaningful ways to help those in need. I fondly recall my children’s elementary school tradition where they would attach a construction paper leaf to a large tree in the cafeteria, proudly stating what they were thankful for. These small acts of reflection instilled a sense of appreciation from a young age, often leading to amusing and heartwarming declarations.

My son Nick, in his youthful exuberance, would most likely have proudly scribbled “ham” on his leaf one year, a testament to one of his childhood culinary obsessions. Tom, ever the thoughtful one, probably opted for something more profound and politically correct, perhaps “God” or “family” scrawled carefully on his oak or maple-shaped cutout. His first-grade teacher, noticing his earnestness and gentle demeanor, even predicted he’d grow up to be a priest. And Katie, with her boundless affection, would undoubtedly have mentioned puppies and kittens, her love for all creatures great and small evident even then.

For me, my gratitude has always centered on my dear family, cherished friends, and the simple, joyous laughter that fills my days. Yet, this particular time of year also brings a heightened awareness of the need to extend comfort and support to others. It’s a time to remember those less fortunate, whether due to illness, unexpected job loss, or even the challenging side effects of aging, which can include immobility and depression. A homemade coffee cake, warm and fragrant, can be a small but powerful gesture, offering a moment of solace and connection when it’s needed most. It’s a way to say, “You are seen, you are valued, and you are not alone.” This Pear Streusel Coffee Cake, with its wholesome ingredients and comforting aroma, embodies that spirit perfectly, transforming a simple dessert into a heartfelt message of care and compassion.

Choosing the Perfect Pears for Your Coffee Cake

The success of this Pear Streusel Coffee Cake hinges significantly on the quality of your pears. While many pear varieties can be used, some are better suited for baking than others. Firm, ripe pears that hold their shape well during cooking are ideal. Varieties like Bosc, Anjou, or Bartlett are excellent choices. Look for pears that are firm to the touch but yield slightly when gently squeezed near the stem. Avoid overly soft or bruised pears, as they can become mushy in the cake. Peeling and coring the pears ensures a smooth texture throughout the cake, allowing the natural sweetness and delicate flavor of the fruit to shine without any fibrous interruptions.

Crafting the Irresistible Streusel Topping

What truly elevates a good coffee cake to a great one is a perfectly crafted streusel topping. This Pear Streusel Coffee Cake features a crumbly, pecan-studded streusel that adds a delightful crunch and rich, nutty flavor, providing a wonderful textural contrast to the soft, moist cake beneath. The combination of flour, sugars, spices, and butter (or canola oil in this case for a slightly lighter texture) creates those golden, crispy crumbles that are so satisfying. Integrating chopped pecans not only enhances the flavor profile but also adds another layer of texture, making each bite even more engaging. Don’t be shy when sprinkling it generously over the batter; it’s an essential component that makes this coffee cake truly special.

Expert Baking Tips for a Flawless Pear Streusel Coffee Cake

Achieving the perfect coffee cake isn’t difficult, but a few key tips can ensure outstanding results every time. Firstly, ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature, especially the buttermilk and egg. This allows them to combine more smoothly and create a uniform batter. When mixing, avoid overworking the dough; overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour too much, leading to a tough cake. Mix until just combined. Secondly, an accurately preheated oven is crucial for even baking. Use an oven thermometer to verify your oven’s temperature, as they can sometimes be off. Lastly, when checking for doneness, rely on the toothpick test: insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean or with moist crumbs attached, it’s ready. Overbaking can dry out your coffee cake, so pull it out as soon as it passes the test. Following these simple guidelines will help you achieve a beautifully moist and tender Pear Streusel Coffee Cake every single time.

Things you may need for this Pear Coffee Cake recipe:

Having the right tools can make your baking experience much smoother and more enjoyable. For this recipe, these items are particularly helpful:

Springform Pan: Essential for easily removing the cake once baked, ensuring its beautiful shape remains intact.
Mixing Bowl: A sturdy, large mixing bowl will be invaluable for combining all the wet and dry ingredients without spills.

More Irresistible Coffee Cake Recipes You’ll Love:

If you’ve enjoyed this Pear Streusel Coffee Cake, you’re in for a treat! Coffee cakes are wonderfully versatile and perfect for any time of day. Explore more delicious variations:

Apple Streusel Coffee Cake
Raspberry Coffee Cake
Apple Ginger Coffee Cake
Raspberry Almond Coffee Cake
Butter Streusel Coffee Cake
More Brunch Recipes

The Recipe:

Pear Streusel Coffee Cake

Prep Time
30 minutes

Cook Time
1 hour

Total Time
1 hour 30 minutes

Yield
18 servings

A streusel-topped coffee cake generously filled with succulent chopped pears, perfect for any gathering or a special treat.

Ingredients

For the Cake Batter

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 cup light brown sugar, packed
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
3/4 cup canola oil (or other neutral oil)
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 cups chopped ripe, peeled, and cored pears (about 2-3 medium pears)

For the Streusel Topping

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger (additional for topping)
1 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Lightly grease a 10-inch diameter springform pan with non-stick cooking spray or butter, then set it aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, kosher salt, cinnamon, and the initial 1/2 teaspoon of ginger. Stir well to ensure all dry ingredients are evenly distributed. Add the canola oil and mix until a crumbly mixture forms. Set aside precisely 1 cup of this mixture; this will be used later for the delicious streusel topping.
To the remaining flour mixture in the large bowl, gently fold in the chopped pears. Ensure the pears are well coated. Then, add the lightly beaten egg, vanilla extract, buttermilk, baking soda, and baking powder. Stir just until the ingredients are combined and no dry streaks of flour remain. Be careful not to overmix. Scrape the batter evenly into your prepared springform pan.
In a medium bowl, take the 1 cup of crumb mixture you set aside earlier. Add the additional 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger and the chopped pecans. Mix these ingredients thoroughly to create your streusel topping. Evenly sprinkle this pecan-ginger streusel mixture over the top of the coffee cake batter in the pan.
Bake for approximately 1 hour, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs attached. Once baked, allow the cake to cool on a wire rack for at least 20-30 minutes before carefully removing the sides of the springform pan. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

This delightful recipe is adapted from a cherished recipe by The Inn on Sea Street, known for its classic, comforting baked goods.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

Serving Size:

1 slice

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 276Total Fat: 14gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 11mgSodium: 248mgCarbohydrates: 36gFiber: 2gSugar: 21gProtein: 3g

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