The first day of Christmas brings us something sweet — not a bird in a tree, but a dessert just as poetic. French Pear Cake is one of those quietly elegant sweets that feels perfectly at home during the holidays: tender, gently scented, and studded with soft, juicy fruit. It’s the kind of dessert your charming European neighbor might slip across the fence with a knowing smile, insisting it’s best enjoyed warm with a glass of something crisp.
Softly golden, fragrant with butter, and delicately sweet, this cake captures everything we adore about winter baking. It’s simple, refined, and deeply comforting — an easy centerpiece for a holiday brunch or a graceful finish to a fireside dinner. And on the first day of Christmas, it’s the perfect way to begin the season: a little luxurious, a little familiar, and entirely delightful.
The Story Behind the Dish
French home baking often relies on humble ingredients elevated through care: good butter, fresh eggs, and fruit at its peak. This cake follows that tradition. Beneath its golden crust lies a soft, almost custardy crumb, thanks to melted butter and crème fraîche. Diced pears fold delicately into the batter, lending moisture and a subtle perfume that feels unmistakably festive.
It’s a cake that celebrates quiet pleasures — the gentle sweetness of ripe pears, the warmth of a winter kitchen, and the joy of sharing something made with love. It also happens to pair beautifully with a range of wines, making it a natural addition to a holiday entertaining lineup.
Ingredients
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1¼ cups all-purpose flour
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1½ tsp baking powder
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¼ tsp salt
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2 pears, peeled, cored, and diced
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2 eggs
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½ cup sugar
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½ cup unsalted butter, melted
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¼ cup crème fraîche
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2 tbsp sugar (for topping)
Directions
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Prepare the pan.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8-inch (20 cm) springform pan with parchment paper. -
Mix the dry ingredients.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside. -
Prep the pears.
Peel, core, and dice the pears into small pieces — roughly ½–⅔ inch. Set aside. -
Create the batter.
In a large bowl, whisk the eggs with the ½ cup sugar until slightly glossy. Slowly stream in the melted butter while whisking, then whisk in the crème fraîche. -
Combine.
Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Fold in the diced pears carefully. -
Bake.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top. Sprinkle evenly with the 2 tablespoons of sugar. Bake 40–50 minutes, or until golden and a skewer comes out clean. -
Serve.
Cool at least 10 minutes before releasing the cake. Serve warm or at room temperature — plain, with cream, or with a festive dusting of powdered sugar.
Notes from Our Kitchen
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Use firm pears. Bartlett or D’Anjou hold their shape and won’t dissolve into the batter.
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Crème fraîche adds perfection. But sour cream works nicely in a pinch.
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Don’t overmix. A light hand keeps the cake wonderfully tender.
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Beautiful for brunch. This cake pairs just as well with morning coffee as it does with an elegant after-dinner glass.
Perfect Pairings
A dessert this delicate calls for wines that bring freshness, lift, and a whisper of orchard fruit — a perfect echo of its pear-studded crumb.
Cadei Frati Lugana “I Frati”
Crisp, elegant, and lightly floral, Lugana brings notes of white peach and almond that glide beautifully alongside the cake’s buttery texture. A refreshing, gently luxurious pairing.
Balestri Valda Soave Classico
With citrus, pear, and a touch of minerality, this Soave mirrors the cake’s fruit while brightening each bite. Its clean acidity makes it an ideal companion for richer desserts.
Peacocks Heritage Sauvignon Blanc
Vibrant and aromatic, this Sauvignon Blanc offers ripe pear, grapefruit, and herbal lift — a delightful contrast to the cake’s soft sweetness and creamy crumb.
A Toast to the First Day of Christmas
As we begin the 12 days of festive flavors, French Pear Cake brings elegance, ease, and a little sparkle to the holiday table. Serve it warm, pair it thoughtfully, and let the season unfold with sweetness.
Find these bottles and more at your local Vinodivino.
