Jewish Apple Pear Cake
My buddy Geoff loves to bake, and Geoff is asked to bake something special whenever there is a get-together at someone’s house to celebrate a birthday, holiday, or Michigan football game. I have mentioned him before for his absolutely incredible Chocolate Chip Cookies.
This past weekend, we celebrated Thanksgiving in February at Barbecue Bob’s home. Geoff brought the cookies and this Apple Pear Cake. It was delicious, so I wanted to share his adapted recipe and tips.
Here’s what Geoff said,
The recipe below came from a cookbook put together by Price Waterhouse Coopers of favorite employee recipes. It never fails to draw rave reviews…but as usual, I have altered the recipe a bit to make it more interesting. The original recipe was for a Jewish-style Apple Cake.
A Great Dessert
Jewish apple pear cake is a delightful dessert that combines the sweetness of apples and pears with a moist, flavorful cake batter. This cake is a testament to the rich culinary heritage of Jewish cuisine, blending traditional ingredients with modern twists. The combination of fruit provides a unique texture and flavor profile that sets this cake apart from other desserts.
The cake typically features layers of thinly sliced apples and pears nestled within a cinnamon-spiced cake batter. The fruit slices not only add sweetness and moisture but also contribute a lovely visual appeal, creating a mosaic-like pattern when the cake is sliced. The cinnamon adds warmth and depth, complementing the natural sweetness of the fruit.
One of the hallmarks of Jewish apple pear cake is its versatility. While it can be enjoyed as a dessert, it is also often served as a sweet accompaniment to afternoon tea or coffee. Its comforting flavors and textures make it a popular choice for gatherings, holidays, and celebrations.
History
The origins of this cake can be traced back to Eastern European Jewish communities, where apples and pears were abundant and often used in baking. Over time, the recipe has evolved, with variations incorporating different spices, nuts, or even a splash of rum for added complexity.
Preparing
Preparing Jewish apple pear cake is relatively straightforward, making it accessible to both novice and experienced bakers alike. The key is to use ripe, flavorful apples and pears and to bake the cake until it is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Jewish apple pear cake is a beloved dessert that embodies the essence of comfort and tradition. Its harmonious blend of fruit and spices makes it a crowd-pleaser, perfect for any occasion. Whether served warm with a dollop of whipped cream or enjoyed on its own, this cake is sure to delight your taste buds and warm your heart.
Bartlett Pears
Bartlett or Williams pears are a popular pear variety prized for their sweet, juicy flesh and distinctive bell shape. Originating in England, Bartlett pears have become widely cultivated worldwide, particularly in the United States, where they are a staple in orchards and grocery stores.
One of the defining characteristics of Bartlett pears is their buttery texture and succulent flavor. When ripe, their skin transitions from green to yellow, signaling their readiness for enjoyment. The flesh is smooth, aromatic, and exceptionally juicy, offering a delightful burst of sweetness with every bite.
Bartlett pears are a beloved pear variety known for their sweet, juicy flesh and versatile culinary uses. Whether enjoyed fresh or incorporated into your favorite recipes, Bartlett pears never fail to delight with their delightful flavor and texture.
Granny Smith Apples
Granny Smith apples are a popular and versatile apple variety known for their bright green skin, tart flavor, and crisp texture. Originating in Australia in the 19th century, these apples were named after Maria Ann Smith, who first cultivated them in her garden. Today, Granny Smith apples are grown in various parts of the world and have become a staple in kitchens everywhere.
One of Granny Smith apples’ defining characteristics is their tartness, which adds a refreshing and tangy contrast to sweet dishes. They are excellent for baking, as their firm flesh holds up well during cooking, maintaining its shape and texture. Whether used in pies, crisps, or tarts, Granny Smith apples add a lively burst of flavor that elevates any dessert.
Macintosh apples
McIntosh apples, often called “Macintosh,” are a classic apple variety cherished for their sweet-tart flavor and tender flesh. Originating in Canada in the early 19th century, McIntosh apples have become one of the most popular apple varieties in North America and beyond.
These apples are easily recognizable by their bright red skin, sometimes adorned with green patches, and their white, juicy flesh. The texture of McIntosh apples is somewhat softer compared to other apple varieties, making them particularly well-suited for applesauce, pies, and baked goods. When cooked, McIntosh apples break down easily, creating a smooth and velvety texture that enhances the richness of desserts.
In addition to their culinary uses, McIntosh apples are also enjoyed fresh, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. Their refreshing flavor profile and juiciness make them popular for snacking and adding to salads.
Apple Pear Cake
Ingredients
- 2 Bartlett pears
- 2 Granny Smith apples
- 1 Macintosh Apple
- 5 tablespoons sugar
- 3 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 2½ cups sugar
- 4 eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 3 cups unbleached flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 teaspoon baking powder
- ⅓ cup orange juice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350° F. Grease tube pan.
- In a large bowl, beat well the oil sugar, eggs and vanilla.
- Stir in the flour, salt and baking powder.
- Add orange juice.
- Peel and slice the fruit and mix with 5 tablespoons of sugar and cinnamon.
- Make layers of batter and fruit.
- Bake 1½ hours.
- Let cool in pan before inverting.
5 Responses
Thanks..im going to try this recipe this weekend..
Hi there,
Loved the Reluctant Gourmet story. I live in Philadelphia as well. I am a pure vegetarian and not too crazy about working with eggs. Can you suggest an alternative to eggs in desserts?
This cake is easily one of my new favorites! The recipe was great and I had no problem with sticking. Thanks for sharing it!
Thank you for posting this great recipe!
I’ve been making this for years now and just pulled it out again to make while on a family trip at an air bnb. It’s easy (no mixer or fancy Ingredients required), and is delicious for dessert or brunch. Good quality fruit makes all the difference (as with all fruit desserts).
Thanks agein
Thanks, Lee for letting me know.