WALNUT PEAR COFFEE CAKE

Walnut Pear Coffee Cake is a delicious and comforting treat that brings together the warmth of a spiced coffee cake with the natural sweetness of ripe pears and the crunch of toasted walnuts. This moist and tender cake is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as an afternoon snack with a cup of coffee or tea. The combination of juicy pears and crunchy walnuts creates a delightful texture, while the cinnamon-sugar topping adds an extra layer of flavor. This coffee cake is easy to make and sure to impress family and friends with its homey, satisfying taste.

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 2 ripe pears, peeled, cored, and diced
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, toasted

For the Topping:

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts, toasted

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round or square baking pan.
2. Prepare the Cake Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the sour cream or Greek yogurt, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Fold in the diced pears and toasted walnuts.
3. Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the chopped walnuts.
4. Assemble the Cake: Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar topping over the batter.
5. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown and slightly crispy.
6. Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Walnut Pear Coffee Cake is a perfect blend of sweet and nutty flavors, making it an ideal accompaniment to your morning coffee or afternoon tea. The combination of soft, juicy pears and crunchy walnuts in a spiced cake batter creates a delightful texture, while the crumbly topping adds just the right amount of sweetness and crunch. Enjoy a slice warm from the oven or at room temperature for a comforting and satisfying treat.