This spiced pear cake was one of her fall-time treasures. Though she was born in a small town in Michoacán, her baking carried hints of American traditions—warm spices, buttery cakes—but always with a Mexican soul. We didn’t call it “Spiced Pear Cake with Brown Sugar Glaze” back then. It was just la torta de peras que huele a canela. The cake that smelled like cinnamon.
Baking this cake today brings her spirit back to our multigenerational kitchen. My daughter stands where I once did, eyes wide as the scent of cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar fills the air. The sweetness, the spice—it all tells a story. And every bite tastes like family.
Spiced Pear Cake with Brown Sugar Glaze – A Mexican-Inspired Fall Dessert
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Description
A moist and warmly spiced pear cake inspired by Mexican flavors, topped with a rich brown sugar glaze. Perfect for cozy gatherings or fall baking.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups ripe pears, peeled and diced
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
For the glaze:
1/4 cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup milk
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
3. Cream butter and brown sugar until fluffy.
4. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
5. Mix dry ingredients into wet until just combined.
6. Fold in pears and walnuts.
7. Pour batter into pan. Bake 30–35 mins.
8. Melt butter, add brown sugar and milk for glaze. Boil 2 mins.
9. Cool cake 10 mins, remove from pan.
10. Drizzle glaze over warm cake.
Notes
Ensure pears are ripe for the best texture and flavor.
Canned pears can be used if well drained.
Add cardamom for an extra layer of warmth.
Store in airtight container for up to 3 days.
Why This Mexican-Inspired Pear Cake is Special
What sets this spiced pear cake apart is the way it balances tradition and comfort. The tender diced pears melt into the crumb, while the cinnamon and ginger blend echoes the flavors found in Mexican bizcochos. The brown sugar glaze, sticky and rich, ties it all together like a cozy blanket on a cool night.
Unlike dense fruitcakes or overly sweet pasteles, this version is moist, gently spiced, and never cloying. It’s the kind of cake that feels right at home on your abuelita’s table—or your own.
Ingredients for the Perfect Spiced Pear Cake
If you’ve ever stood in your kitchen wondering how to make something special from a bowl of ripe pears, this is the answer. This spiced pear cake comes together with familiar pantry staples and just the right amount of cozy spice.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups ripe pears, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
For the Brown Sugar Glaze:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
The spices in this cake—especially cinnamon and nutmeg—are staples in many Mexican baked goods, like pan de muerto or empanadas de camote. And if you’ve ever tried a warm slice of pan dulce with café de olla, you’ll recognize the comforting layers of sweetness and spice in every bite of this pear cake.
How This Version Adds a Mexican Flair
What makes this more than just a typical spiced pear cake is the thoughtful layering of ingredients inspired by Mexican home baking. The deep molasses notes of brown sugar mimic the richness of piloncillo, while cinnamon and ginger echo flavors used in everything from arroz con leche to traditional panes caseros.
Grandma always said ripe fruit and the right spice could turn any day around—and she was right.
Simple Steps for Baking the Best Spiced Pear Cake
This spiced pear cake comes together in under an hour and fills your kitchen with the scent of cinnamon and brown sugar—just like Grandma’s did. Follow these easy steps and you’ll have a moist, flavorful cake that’s perfect for fall gatherings or just a cozy evening at home.
Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter or line it with parchment paper.
Step 2:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
Step 3:
In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and packed brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step is key for a tender cake.
Step 4:
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 5:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined—don’t overwork the batter.
Step 6:
Gently fold in the diced ripe pears and chopped walnuts (if using). The pears will add moisture and a subtle sweetness that deepens with baking.
Step 7:
Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Brown Sugar Glaze – The Finishing Touch
While your spiced pear cake is baking, make the glaze. In a small saucepan, melt 1/4 cup butter. Add 1 cup brown sugar and 1/4 cup milk. Stir and bring to a gentle boil for 2 minutes, until smooth and slightly thickened.
Let the cake cool for 10 minutes before removing it from the pan. While still warm, drizzle generously with the brown sugar glaze.
How to Serve This Spiced Pear Cake
This spiced pear cake is pure comfort—best served warm, when the brown sugar glaze is still sticky and the pears are soft and sweet. We love pairing it with a cup of café de olla or Mexican hot chocolate, especially on cool evenings when the house smells like cinnamon and memories.
For family gatherings, slice and serve it as a rustic dessert with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. It also fits beautifully on a Día de los Muertos table, nestled between pan de muerto and candied pumpkin. Its soft crumb and subtle spice feel like a warm hug from Grandma.
Hosting a brunch? This cake doubles as a spiced breakfast treat when served alongside strong coffee and fruit. However you enjoy it, it’s always better shared.
Creative Variations & Storage Tips
Want to make this recipe your own? Try one of these easy swaps or add-ins:
- Use canned pears if fresh ones aren’t available—just drain them well and chop.
- Add cardamom for an extra layer of warmth.
- Skip the walnuts if you prefer a nut-free cake.
- Make it dairy-free by using plant-based butter and milk.
To store leftovers, let the cake cool completely. Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’re in a humid climate, refrigerate it instead and warm slices slightly before serving to bring back that soft texture.
Planning ahead? You can bake the cake a day early and glaze it just before serving for that freshly baked feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned pears in spiced pear cake?
Yes, you can use canned pears for this spiced pear cake. Just be sure to drain them well and pat them dry to avoid extra moisture. Chop them into small pieces before folding into the batter. While fresh ripe pears offer a more natural texture, canned pears are a great time-saving alternative.
How do I keep pear cake moist?
This spiced pear cake stays moist thanks to the juicy fruit and the brown sugar glaze. To keep it fresh, store it in an airtight container and avoid overbaking. You can also wrap it in foil while it’s still slightly warm to help retain moisture. Using ripe pears is key to the soft crumb.
What spices go well with pears in baking?
Pears pair beautifully with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and even cardamom. This spiced pear cake highlights all four, creating a deep and comforting flavor. For a Mexican-inspired twist, try a pinch of clove or anise to echo traditional pan dulce flavors.
Is this spiced pear cake similar to traditional Mexican desserts?
While spiced pear cake isn’t traditionally Mexican, this version draws from Mexican baking traditions—like using cinnamon-heavy spice blends, ripe fruit, and a rich brown sugar glaze. It’s a delicious fusion of American baking with Mexican warmth, perfect for family tables and fall celebrations.
Conclusion
This spiced pear cake with brown sugar glaze brings together everything I love about baking: simple ingredients, warm spices, and a whole lot of heart. It’s the kind of dessert that fills your kitchen with comfort and reminds you of stories passed down through generations. Whether you’re baking for your family or just for yourself, this cake promises a slice of something sweet, nostalgic, and truly special.