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    Home » Recipes » Cakes

    Published: Oct 11, 2018 · Modified: Oct 3, 2020 by A Baking Journey · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Pear Crumble Cake

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    This Pear Crumble Cake is a deliciously light and moist Winter dessert. Made with fresh Pears and a delicious spiced streusel topping, this Pear Coffee Cake is perfect for afternoon tea, breakfast or as a dessert!

    Slice of cake on a white and pink plate.
    Jump to:
    • Why we love this recipe
    • Pear Coffee Cake
    • Ingredients
    • Recipe FAQs
    • More Pear Recipes
    • Recipe
    • Comments

    Why we love this recipe

    We are still in this weird 'in-between' season where one day is summery and it is freezing cold the next. As a consequence, I someday feel like ice cream, than crave for a nice and comforting cake like this Pear Crumble Cake.

    Pear season is slowly coming to an end and we can't say I havent taken advantage of them this year. So many bakes with delicious pears! From these classic Red Wine Poached Pears to these Spiced Pear Muffins or this deliciously fluffy Pear Almond Cake, I have tried to use pears in many different ways - and loved them all!

    I discovered Crumble Cakes - also know as Coffee Cake - the same way I often come across new recipes: on Pinterest. With the colder season starting for a lot of you and the end of Winter Down Under, it only make sense that we feel like delicious comfort food. Though Coffee Cakes are just as perfect for Summer - check out my Strawberry Crumble Cake!

    Baked cake on a wooden cutting board.

    Pear Coffee Cake

    As I kept seeing "coffee cake" recipes everywhere, I thought I had to investigate and discover more about this curious dessert. Is it made with coffee? Is it meant to be eaten with coffee? So many questions! Here are a few things that I found through my extensive research.

    There are a few different types of cakes associated with the name "Coffee Cake". Originating from Great Britain and the US, this name can either refer to:

    • a sponge cake flavoured with coffee
    • two layers of cakes separated by a coffee flavoured buttercream
    • or simply a cake to eat with a cup of coffee.

    Ok, that is pretty broad, isn't it!? For this recipe, we will focus on the latest option: a cake that is usually eaten with a coffee.

    This type of coffee cake is known for its recognisable spiced streusel / crumbles. These can be used as a topping and baked over the cake batter, or be added in the centre of the cake directly.

    Although typically only spiced with Cinnamon, this recipe uses an array of spices to really boost the flavours of the cake.

    Sliced cake on a cutting board.

    Ingredients

    Now that we have established what the hell a Crumble Cake / Coffee Cake is, let's focus on the recipe itself. There are a few things that make this Pear Crumble Cake special.

    First, it uses Greek Yogurt instead of Sour Cream. Although the classic American Coffee Cake recipe is uses sour cream to activate the baking soda, I thought the flavours of the cake would be more interesting with Greek Yogurt.

    It brings an even stronger sourness and creaminess that is perfectly balanced by the sweet fruits and the crunchy crumbles.

    Secondly, the Spiced Streusel are the real star of this dessert. That part is so simple, it would be a shame to miss it. It is very similar to the Streusel I used to top my Apple Cinnamon Streusel Muffins.

    All you need is some flour, sugar, some spices and butter. To get the crumb consistency, it is important to use cold butter. If you have a food processor, it will be even easier to make. Throw it all in there, pulse, and thats it!

    For more Pear Inspiration, read my favourite 25 Pear Dessert Recipes!

    Pear Crumble Cake in a white ceramic dish over a navy napkin.

    Recipe FAQs

    What Spices to use in a Pear Cake

    I used a few different spices along with the Cinnamon to create a deliciously intense spiced flavour. And smell. God... that smell! In addition to the Cinnamon, I used Chinese 5 Spices, Nutmeg Powder and Ginger Powder.

    I love to cook with Chinese 5 Spices but it's the first time I use it in baking. It is a spice blend made with Fennel, Cinnamon, Star Anise, White Pepper (or Peppercorn), and Cloves. Definitely a great way to add a kick to a cake!

    What dish to bake this coffee cake in?

    To finish it, I used a Ceramic Baking Dish lined with Baking Paper. I don't often use Ceramic Dishes, but I love to use them when I want to serve a cake directly in its pan.

    I find them way prettier than your typical metal pan, and they bring a nice rustic touch to the whole dessert.

    Once baked, serve it lukewarm or cold - either directly into its baking dish or cut in individual slices.

    Crumble Cake from above next to two fresh pears.

    More Pear Recipes

    • Apple and Pear Crumble
    • Double Chocolate and Pear Cake
    • Gluten-Free Pear and Raspberry Cake from It's Not Complicated Recipe
    • Fresh Pear Pie
    • Pear Tarte Tatin

    Made this recipe? Let us know if you liked it by leaving a comment and rating below! And don't forget to share your creation on Instagram with the hashtag #abakingjourney and tag @a.baking.journey

    Recipe

    Pear Crumble Cake

    Pear Crumb Cake

    The ultimate Winter Dessert, this Pear Crumble Cake is deliciously moist and crunchy. It is the perfect pear coffee cake to enjoy with your afternoon tea!
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: british
    Prep Time: 20 minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes
    Total Time: 40 minutes
    Servings: 10 people
    Calories: 372kcal
    Author: A Baking Journey
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    Ingredients

    Coffee Cake Batter

    • 130 ml (1/2 cup) Greek Yogurt
    • 3 Eggs
    • 1/4 teasp. Vanilla Extract
    • 180 gr (1 1/4 cup) Plain Flour
    • 30 gr (2 tbsp.) Brown Sugar
    • 1 1/2 teasp. Baking Powder
    • 1/2 teasp. Baking Soda
    • 1 pinch Salt
    • 120 gr (1/2 cup) Butter, melted
    • 2 Large Pears

    Spiced Crumbs

    • 150 gr (1 cup) Plain Flour
    • 50 gr (1/4 cup ) Brown Sugar
    • 1 teasp. Cinnamon Powder
    • 1/4 teasp. Chinese 5 Spices
    • 1/4 teasp. Nutmeg Powder
    • 1/4 teasp. Ginger Powder
    • 1 Orange Zest
    • 120 gr (1/2 cup) Butter

    Disclaimer

    I highly recommend using the measurements in grams & ml (instead of cups & spoons) for more accuracy and better results.

    Instructions

    Coffee Cake Batter

    • Combine the the Greek Yogurt, Eggs and Vanilla Extract.
      In a seperate bowl, mix all the dry ingredients: Flour, Brown Sugar, Baking Powder, Baking Soda and Salt.
    • Whisk in the melted butter to the dry ingredients then slowly add the Yogurt/Egg mix. Whisk until all combined and lumps free.
    • Peal and cut the Pears in small cubes.
    • Pour the Cake Batter in a rectangular baking tray lined with baking paper. Cover with the Cubed Pears.

    Spiced Crumbs

    • In the bowl of your food processor, quickly pulse all the Flour and all the Spices to mix them in. Add the Orange Zest and Butter cut in small pieces. Pulse until crumbs form (see note 1).
    • Evenly cover the Cake Batter and Pears with the Spiced Crumbs.
    • Bake at 180'C for 20 to 25 minutes or until the crumbs look golden-brown.

    Notes

    1. If you do not have a food processor, simply mix in all the ingredients in a large bowl then incorporate the orange zest and butter. To make the crumbs, rub the dry ingredients and butter between your fingers and palms.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 372kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Cholesterol: 101mg | Sodium: 205mg | Potassium: 124mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 685IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 60mg | Iron: 2mg
    Tried this Recipe? Take a photo and Tag us on Instagram!Mention @a.baking.journey or tag #abakingjourney!

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    Hi there! I'm Sylvie, a Belgian Expat living in Melbourne, Australia. I am a passionate Baker who loves to share her favourite recipes and baking tips.
    Join me on my Baking Journey!

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