PREP TIME: 30 MINUTES / READY IN: 1 HOUR • MAKES ONE 9-INCH CAKE
This warmly spiced homemade cake is topped with pears and pecans. Beautifully arranged pear slices make it a spectacular way to end a meal. Or serve it at a festive brunch.INGREDIENTS
• 2 medium pears
• 1¾ cups whole wheat pastry flour
• 1 tbsp. cornstarch
• 1½ tsp. baking soda
• 1 tsp. ground ginger
• ½ tsp. sea salt
• ½ tsp. ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp. ground cloves
• 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
• ½ cup light molasses
• ½ cup pure maple syrup
• 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
• ¼ cup chopped pecans, toasted
• Powdered sugar
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Core and cut 1 pear lengthwise into very thin slices. Peel and chop remaining pear.
2. In a large bowl stir together the next seven ingredients (through cloves). In a medium bowl stir together the next four ingredients (through vanilla) and 2 tbsp. hot water. Add applesauce mixture to flour mixture; whisk just until well combined. Stir in chopped pear. Spoon batter into a 9-inch round or square silicone baking pan, spreading evenly. Arrange pear slices over batter. Sprinkle with pecans.
3. Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool slightly in pan on a wire rack. If desired, remove cake from pan. Sprinkle cake lightly with powdered sugar. Serve warm or cooled.
