Description
A moist, spiced vegan dessert featuring juicy pear slices baked into a sticky caramel-like topping with a soft, fluffy ginger-spiced cake base. Perfect for fall or any cozy occasion.
Ingredients
2 ripe pears, peeled, cored, and sliced
1/4 cup maple syrup or golden syrup
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/2 cup brown sugar (or coconut sugar)
1/2 cup plant-based milk (such as almond or oat)
1/3 cup neutral oil (like sunflower or grapeseed)
1 tbsp ground ginger
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (can sub gluten-free blend)
1 tsp baking soda
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8-inch round or square cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
- Arrange the pear slices in a fan or single layer across the bottom of the pan. Drizzle the maple syrup or golden syrup evenly over the pears.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the applesauce, brown sugar, plant-based milk, oil, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, salt, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Sift in the flour and baking soda. Gently fold the mixture until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Stir in the apple cider vinegar just before pouring the batter into the prepared pan.
- Pour the batter over the pear slices and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then carefully invert it onto a plate so the sticky pear layer is on top.
- Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally with vegan whipped cream.
Notes
Use ripe but firm pears like Bartlett or Anjou for best texture.
Fresh grated ginger can be used for a spicier flavor.
Substitute apples or bananas if pears are unavailable.
Chopped walnuts can be added for a nutty variation.
For deeper flavor, try using molasses instead of syrup.
Add nutmeg or orange zest for a festive twist.
Store at room temperature for 2 days, refrigerate up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat slices in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or in the oven at 300°F (150°C).
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 265
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
