(Crispy-Soft Chocolate-Pear Delight)
Servings: 8–10
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour
Ingredients
For the Cake Base:
- 3 large ripe pears, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Crispy Topping:
- 1/2 cup hazelnuts or almonds, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Optional Garnish:
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Melted chocolate for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, oil (or melted butter), milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and glossy.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Don’t overmix—this cake thrives on being tender and airy.
- Layer the Pears and Batter:
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Arrange a layer of pear slices over the batter. Pour the remaining batter on top, spreading it to cover the pears.
- Prepare the Crispy Topping:
- In a small bowl, mix the chopped nuts, oats, brown sugar, and melted butter. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the cake batter.
- Bake the Cake:
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs (not wet batter).
- If the topping starts to brown too quickly, cover loosely with aluminum foil.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then release it from the springform pan. Let it cool completely on a wire rack.
- Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate for an extra touch of indulgence.
Do’s and Don’ts
DO:
- Use ripe pears for maximum flavor and natural sweetness.
- Chill the cake slightly before slicing for cleaner cuts and a firmer texture.
DON’T:
- Skip the crispy topping—it’s the “crousti” that balances the “fondant”!
- Overbake; this cake is best when it’s moist and luscious.
Pro Tips:
- Swap pears for apples or a mix of fruits for a different twist.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for ultimate decadence.
This Crousti-Fondant Chocolate-Pear Cake delivers the perfect balance of crispy nuttiness and molten chocolate with bursts of sweet pear. It’s a show-stopping dessert that will have everyone begging for seconds! 🍫🍐✨
