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–+ servings
Baked chocolate pear cake, displayed on parchment paper. The cake and the surface is dusted with powdered sugar. Beside on the left side corner is placed white small star shaped plate and some small white flowers.

CHOCOLATE LOAF CAKE with PEARS

Chocolate Loaf Cake with Pears come together beautifully in this dense, rich cake that’s easy to whip up for a weeknight treat. Whole Bosc pears make it a stunning centerpiece, adding an elegant touch. It's perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack.
5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American, Polish
Servings 8 Slices
Calories 201 kcal

Equipment

  • 9-by-5-inch loaf pan
  • Parchment paper
  • Rubber spatula
  • Stand mixer with paddle attachment or handheld mixer

Ingredients
 
 

  • 100 g unsalted butter 
  • 2/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/3 cup whole milk 
  • 3 large eggs room temperature 
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup unbleached-all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest
  • ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 3 Bosc pears peeled
  • 1 tablespoon powder sugar for dusting

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Grease a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray, then line it with parchment paper and set aside.
  • Peel the pears, leaving the stalks intact, and slice off the base so they stand upright. Set aside.
  • Melt the butter in a small pan over low heat on the stovetop. Add the sugar, cocoa powder, and milk, stirring until the mixture is smooth and chocolatey. Set aside to cool.
  • Separate the egg whites from the egg yolks.
  • In a large bowl, beat the egg whites with a hand or stand mixer until soft peaks form, then set aside.
  • Transfer the chocolate mixture to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or use a hand mixer). Add the egg yolks one at a time, allowing each to fully incorporate before adding the next. Then, stir in the vanilla extract and orange zest until well combined.
  • Remove the bowl from the stand mixer and sift in the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Fold until the ingredients are fully combined and no dry streaks remain.
  • Gently fold the egg whites into the batter until fully combined, making sure to scrape the bottom and lift the mixture in a "J" motion while folding.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a silicone spatula. Place the pears, stem side up, down the center of the batter, pressing them in gently. The pears will remain exposed at the top, but the batter will rise around them as it bakes.
  • Bake on the center rack of the preheated oven for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool on a rack for 20 minutes before removing it from the pan. Dust with powdered sugar just before slicing and serving for a beautiful finish to this tasty cake!

Notes

Storing instructions: This cake is best when eaten right away, but you can store any leftovers at room temperature for about 2 days. 

Nutrition

Calories: 201kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 2gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.4gCholesterol: 28mgSodium: 6mgPotassium: 35mgFiber: 0.4gSugar: 13gVitamin A: 329IUCalcium: 18mgIron: 1mg
Keyword Bosc Pears, Chocolate Cake, Chocolate Fruit Cake, Loaf Cake, Pear Cake
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