Recipes

Buttermilk Spice Cake with Pear Compote and Crème Fraîche

1 Mins read
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Introduction

Welcome to our culinary journey with the delightful Buttermilk Spice Cake. This recipe combines the rich flavors of Bosc pears and spices with a buttery, moist texture that will make every bite memorable. The perfect balance between sweetness and tanginess from the lime juice harmonizes beautifully with the warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg, creating an irresistible treat for any palate.

Tips for this recipe

Ensuring your pears are at room temperature before preparation can enhance their natural sweetness. For the best buttermilk flavor, use freshly grated lime peel instead of bottled extracts. Lastly, remember to measure ingredients accurately with a digital scale for consistent results.

Why you will love this recipe

This Buttermilk Spice Cake is not just a dessert; it’s an experience. The subtle notes of pear and the richness of crème fraîche offer layers of flavor that evolve with each bite. Combined with the festive spices, this cake serves as a comforting reminder of family gatherings and holiday celebrations.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • Large pinch of salt
  • 3 Bosc pears (about 1 1/2 pounds total), peeled, quartered, cored, cut into 1/2-inch cubes

Adviced equipments

Stand Mixer
Mixing Bowls (Set of 3)
Silicone Spatula
Baking Pan (8-inch round)
Pear Corer
Strainer
Food Processor
Oven Thermometer
Hand Whisk
Sieve

History of the recipe

The Buttermilk Spice Cake, with its roots in traditional French patisserie, has evolved over centuries. Originally a dessert for grand banquets and royal feasts, it now embodies comfort food’s essence while paying homage to its historical significance. The inclusion of crème fraîche harks back to the rich dairy traditions that have influenced European baking.

fun facts about this recipe

Did you know? Bosc pears were named by botanist and pomologist Charles Sprague Sargent in 1845. He believed their rounded, flattened shape resembled a butter churn – hence the name ‘Bosc.’ Incorporating these pears into this cake not only adds texture and flavor but also connects us to agricultural history.

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Buttermilk Spice Cake with Pear Compote and Crème Fraîche

Buttermilk Spice Cake with Pear Compote and Crème Fraîche

amanda

Equipment

  • Stand Mixer

  • Mixing Bowls (Set of 3)

  • Silicone Spatula

  • Baking Pan (8-inch round)

  • Pear Corer

  • Strainer

  • Food Processor

  • Oven Thermometer

  • Hand Whisk

  • Sieve

  • Digital Scale

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons sugar

  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

  • Large pinch of salt

  • 3 Bosc pears (about 1 1/2 pounds total), peeled, quartered, cored, cut into 1/2-inch cubes

  • 1 cup plus 1 tablespoon all purpose flour

  • 1/4 cup cornstarch

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • 1/2 teaspoon (scant) baking powder

  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda

  • 1/8 teaspoon ground allspice

  • 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger

  • 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper

  • 1/8 teaspoon ground whole star anise*

  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature

  • 3/4 cup sugar

  • 2 large eggs

  • 1 3-inch piece vanilla bean, split lengthwise

  • 1/4 teaspoon finely grated lime peel

  • 3/4 cup buttermilk

  • Powdered sugar

  • 1 1/2 cups crème fraîche**

Instructions

1

Instruction 1

Mix sugar, lime juice, and salt in heavy large saucepan. Add pears and toss gently to coat. Cover and cook over medium-low heat until pears are just tender, stirring occasionally, 10 to 12 minutes. Transfer mixture to bowl. DO AHEAD: Can be made 1 day ahead. Chill until cold, then cover and keep chilled.
2

Instruction 2

Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter and flour 9-inch-diameter cake pan with 2-inch-high sides; line pan with round of parchment paper. Sift first 9 ingredients into medium bowl. Using electric mixer, beat butter in large bowl until fluffy. Gradually add sugar, beating until smooth. Beat in eggs 1 at a time, beating to blend between additions. Scrape in seeds from vanilla bean and add lime peel; beat to blend. Beat in flour mixture in 4 additions alternately with buttermilk in 3 additions, scraping down bowl occasionally. Transfer batter to prepared pan.
3

Instruction 3

Bake cake until beginning to brown on top and tester inserted into center comes out clean, about 30 minutes. Cool cake in pan on cooling rack. DO AHEAD: Cake can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and let stand at room temperature.
4

Instruction 4

Cut around pan sides to loosen cake. Turn cake out onto rack; peel off parchment and turn right side up onto platter. Sift powdered sugar over. Cut into wedges. Serve with pear compote and dollop of crème fraîche.
5

Instruction 5

A brown, star-shaped seedpod that's available in the spice section of some supermarkets and at specialty foods stores and Asian markets.
6

Instruction 6

** Available at most supermarkets and at specialty foods stores.
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