Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Chocolate and Pear Cake



Way back in January, I saw this scrumptious looking chocolate and pear cake on Smitten Kitten, and I printed off the recipe. With the best intentions in the world, it is only now that I have gotten around to making it, by virtue of having some lovely ripe pears left over from lunches in my fridge.

I never read the comments at the end of a recipe before trying it myself, for fear it will put me off. Once again, I am glad that I didn't read those comments until after I had made my cake, because a number of people had problems with making it.

I found this cake very easy to make. The only possible issue I had is that most of my chocolate chunks and pear cubes sank to the bottom of the cake during baking, even though they are sprinkled on top just before baking and not mixed in - hardly a problem, really!



This cake is just delightful - the browned butter, fruit and chocolate combine to create a taste sensation. The cake is also lovely and high, so it is attractive without further adornment. I would make it again in a heartbeat, and thank Smitten Kitten (Deb) for persisting for a year and a half to obtain this recipe from Anna, a pastry chef at Al Di La Trattoria, where she first tasted the cake. Yum!

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13 comments:

  1. FinlaMarch 25, 2009 at 11:51 PM

    Wow that is a perfectly bake cake.

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  2. adeleMarch 26, 2009 at 2:34 AM

    Mmm. I'm reminded that I have a recipe for a pear, chocolate, and burnt butter tart somewhere. I should dig it up and see about trying it. :)

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  3. Gloria BakerMarch 26, 2009 at 2:44 AM

    This look wonderful Cake and Law, really wonderful!! xxGloria

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  4. CathyMarch 26, 2009 at 3:44 AM

    This sounds really delicious. That chocolate and pear combo has to be irresistible. And if Deb persisted for a year and a half to get the recipe, it must be outstanding! It's on the list!

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  5. The Blonde DuckMarch 26, 2009 at 5:18 AM

    It looks tasty! A year and a half? She was persistant!

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  6. SaraMarch 26, 2009 at 6:13 AM

    What a beautiful looking cake! I don't think I've ever had chocolate with pear, but I can see how it would be a great flavor combination.

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  7. Mermaid SewsMarch 26, 2009 at 6:19 AM

    Thank looks great - I love smitten kitchen too - have devoured the blog, but missed this one - not anymore!

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  8. AnonymousMarch 26, 2009 at 10:38 AM

    Yum! I love pear and chocolate together but have never seen them in a cake, only a tart-great idea!

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  9. A_and_NMarch 26, 2009 at 12:19 PM

    Never thought of pear and chocolate!

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  10. breadchickMarch 26, 2009 at 2:48 PM

    I love this type of cake. This one is going on the "marked to be made" list.

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  11. ElyseMarch 26, 2009 at 5:10 PM

    Oh, this cake looks totally fabulous. I love the idea of a moist and tender cake with pear and chocolate. A perfect combination of flavors and textures! I'm so glad I found your blog. Everything looks so yummy!! Can't wait to read more posts!

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  12. CakelawMarch 26, 2009 at 10:45 PM

    Thanks Happy Cook - this one is easy to make.

    Adele, that sounds scrumptious - do!


    Thanks Gloria.

    Hi Cathy, that's what I figured - if it wasn't really good, it wouldn't be worth the effort.

    Duckie, she was!

    Thanks Sara. They are perfect together - think pears and chocolate sauce.

    Hi Lorelei, SK does come up with some fantastic recipes.

    Hi Lorraine, this is a delicious cake - chocolatey, yes, but not overly sweet.

    Hi A&N, I wouldn't have either - but it sure is good.

    Hi Mary, you won't regret it, and the list of ingredients is relatively short too.

    Hi Elyse, thanks for dropping by :). I was very happy with this cake.

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  13. MariaMarch 27, 2009 at 5:47 AM

    What a lovely cake!

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Thanks for dropping by!