Pærekake Pear Cake

Christmas in Norway is a time full of warmth, tradition, and delightful treats. One such classic that brings comfort and joy to Norwegian homes during the festive season is the delicious Pærekake, also known as Pear Cake. This delightful dessert is a perfect blend of sweet and juicy pears, warm spices, and a soft, moist cake base, making it an ideal addition to your holiday baking repertoire.

**Pærekake Pear Cake**

**Ingredients:**
– 3 ripe pears, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
– 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– ½ teaspoon baking soda
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– ½ teaspoon ground cardamom
– ⅓ cup unsalted butter, softened
– ½ cup granulated sugar
– ½ cup brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– ⅓ cup sour cream
– Powdered sugar, for dusting

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan, ensuring it is well coated to prevent sticking.

2. **Prepare the Pears:** Peel, core, and thinly slice the ripe pears. Set them aside while you prepare the cake batter.

3. **Make the Cake Batter:** In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and cardamom until well combined. Set aside.

4. **Cream the Butter and Sugars:** In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

5. **Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla:** Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract until combined.

6. **Alternate Dry Ingredients and Sour Cream:** Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the sour cream, and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

7. **Layer the Pears:** Arrange the pear slices in a decorative pattern at the bottom of the prepared cake pan, ensuring they cover the entire surface evenly.

8. **Add the Cake Batter:** Carefully spoon the cake batter over the pears, smoothing the top with a spatula to level it out.

9. **Bake the Cake:** Place the cake pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.

10. **Cool and Serve:** Allow the Pærekake Pear Cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust the top with powdered sugar for a festive finish.

11. **Enjoy:** Slice the Pear Cake into wedges and serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful Christmas dessert that captures the cozy flavors of the holiday season.

Warm, fragrant, and bursting with the natural sweetness of pears and spices, Pærekake Pear Cake is a delightful addition to any Christmas gathering. Whether enjoyed with a cup of coffee on a snowy afternoon or served as the grand finale to a festive feast, this Norwegian treat is sure to bring joy to all who taste it. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat the oven, and get ready to create a holiday masterpiece that will become a cherished tradition in your own home. Happy baking!