Apple and Pear Cake

If you’ve ever smelled one of those candles in the store that’s labeled “autumn spice,” you have a pretty good idea of the aromas that will fill your kitchen as you bake this apple and pear cake. Incredibly tender, packed with spiced sweet-tart fruit and chopped pecans, and finished with a luscious cream cheese frosting, it’s like a warm hug straight from the oven.

The combination of tart apples and sweet pears not only delivers a delicious flavor balance, but the high moisture content from the juicy fruit also keeps the cake wonderfully moist. So next time you need a dessert for a gathering, or just want to have a slice ready to enjoy with your morning coffee, this old-fashioned apple pear cake won’t disappoint.

Apple and Pear Cake Ingredients

• Apples
• Pears
• Sugar
• Canola oil
• Raisins
• Chopped pecans
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Ground cinnamon and nutmeg
• Salt

Cream cheese frosting:

• Cream cheese
• Confectioners’ sugar
• Butter
• 2% milk
• Vanilla extract

Directions

Step 1: Start the batter

Preheat the oven to 325°F. In a large bowl, combine the apples, pears, sugar, canola oil, raisins, chopped pecans, beaten room-temperature eggs and vanilla extract.

Step 2: Add the dry ingredients and spices

In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt. Stir the dry ingredients into the fruit mixture until a thick batter forms.

Editor’s Tip: Apples and pears can be shredded using a box grater or food processor. To use a box grater, wash and peel the fruit. For apples, hold each side of the apple firmly and grate the flesh, turning in a circular pattern until you reach the core. For pears, it’s best to slice them in half, remove the core with a spoon, and grate each half.

Step 3: Bake the cake

Pour the batter into a greased 13×9-inch baking pan, and place it on the center oven rack. Bake the cake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about one hour. Let it cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 4: Make the frosting

In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, confectioners’ sugar and butter until smooth. Add in the milk and vanilla, and beat until smooth and creamy. Frost the cake using an offset spatula or knife.

How to Store Apple Pear Cake

Cover the leftover cake with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to four days. Apple pear cake can also be frozen for up to three months in a freezer-safe container or bag.

Apple and Pear Cake Tips

What are the best apples to use in apple pear cake?

As with most baked apple recipes, this cake is best when using tart, baking apples like Granny Smith. We’ve also put together a list of the best apples for baking so you don’t have to reach for the same variety every time.

Can I use canned pears in apple and pear cake?

Canned pears can definitely be used in this apple pear cake, but be mindful of the texture and extra moisture. If substituting canned pears for fresh, start checking the cake for doneness a few minutes before the suggested baking time. Because of their softer texture, we recommend finely dicing canned pears in place of shredding.

Is there an alternative to using cream cheese frosting on apple pear cake?

There certainly is—and you have several options. Traditional buttercream frosting works well on this cake. In fact, there are five main types of buttercream frosting, each with a different texture and sweetness level. German or Italian buttercream would be especially delicious on this cake. With so many types of frosting to choose from, finding a cream cheese replacement that suits your taste will be a cinch.