Name: Pear Bundt Cake with Caramel Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 20 min
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 medium pears (peeled and diced); ½ cup granulated sugar (for pears); 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 3 ¼ cup all-purpose flour; 1 ½ cup granulated sugar (for batter); 4 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 4 whole eggs (at room temperature); 1 cup vegetable oil; 1 cup whole milk (at room temperature); 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 1 cup light brown sugar; 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (at room temperature); ½ cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 38 reviews

Nothing spells cozy comfort better than a freshly baked cake that combines the tender sweetness of ripe pears with a luscious drizzle of caramel. This Pear Bundt Cake with Caramel Sauce Recipe brings a delightful and fragrant twist to your dessert table. The moist crumb, studded with cinnamon-kissed pears, perfectly complements the rich caramel sauce, making it a standout treat that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or craving a sweet indulgence, this cake is an absolute showstopper.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white marbled surface with various baking ingredients neatly arranged. In the top left is a white wire basket holding five green pears. To the right, there is a stick of butter wrapped in paper and a small glass bowl with a dark brown liquid, likely vanilla extract. Below these are a small bowl of white powder, a tiny bowl of cinnamon powder, and a speckled white jug filled with cream. On the bottom left is a white bowl filled with granulated sugar, next to a small bowl of light brown sugar. In the center bottom is a white bowl heaped with flour, while to the right is a small white plate with four white eggs. A clear measuring cup with yellow oil is between the eggs and cream. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward baking this tender, flavorful Pear Bundt Cake with Caramel Sauce Recipe. Each component plays a key role, from the juicy pears that keep the cake moist to the warm spices and creamy caramel that elevate every bite.

4 medium pears (peeled and diced): These add natural sweetness and moisture, giving the cake a juicy texture.
½ cup granulated sugar: Used to coat the pears and help release their flavor.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Warm spice that infuses the pears with a cozy aroma.
3 ¼ cup all-purpose flour: The cake’s sturdy base, ensuring the perfect crumb.
1 ½ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake batter for that classic dessert taste.
4 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the cake rise beautifully, creating a fluffy texture.
1 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the cake’s flavors.
4 whole eggs (at room temperature): Provide structure and richness.
1 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cake incredibly moist and tender.
1 cup whole milk (at room temperature): Adds creaminess to the batter.
1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Infuses the cake with sweet, fragrant notes.
1 cup light brown sugar: The star sweetener for the luscious caramel sauce.
6 tablespoons unsalted butter (at room temperature): Gives richness and depth to the caramel.
½ cup heavy cream: Creates a smooth, velvety caramel sauce.
1 teaspoon vanilla: Adds a final touch of sweetness and complexity to the sauce.

How to Make Pear Bundt Cake with Caramel Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F to ensure it’s hot and ready once your batter is mixed. Generously grease your bundt pan with baking spray to prevent sticking and set it aside. A well-greased pan means your beautiful cake will release perfectly after baking.

Step 2: Prepare the Pear Mixture

Peel, core, and dice the pears, then toss them in a bowl with the granulated sugar and cinnamon. This simple coating lets the pears soften slightly and absorb warm spice, adding juicy bursts of flavor throughout your cake. Set the mixture aside for the pears to macerate while you prepare the batter.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. This combination forms the backbone of your cake batter, ensuring a balanced rise and just the right sweetness.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients and Build Batter

Beat together the eggs, vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and combined. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into your wet ingredients, stirring until you get a smooth, cohesive batter with no lumps. This gentle mixing keeps the cake tender.

Step 5: Layer Batter and Pears in the Bundt Pan

Begin by pouring about one-third of your cake batter into the greased bundt pan. Spread half of your pear and sugar mixture over the batter, then repeat layering with the remaining batter and pears, finishing with a final layer of batter on top. These layers create delightful pockets of juicy pear inside each slice.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Place the bundt pan in the oven and bake for approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes. Your cake is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. The extended baking time ensures the cake is cooked evenly and the pears soften beautifully inside.

Step 7: Cool and Remove from Pan

Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 20 minutes. Then, carefully invert the bundt pan onto a plate and lift it off gently. This step requires patience, but it guarantees an impressive, smooth release that showcases your cake’s lovely shape.

Step 8: Make the Caramel Sauce

While the cake cools, prepare the caramel sauce by melting the brown sugar over low heat in a skillet. Stir in the softened butter until fully melted and combined. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, continuing to stir for a couple of minutes until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Allow it to cool for about 15 minutes to thicken further before serving.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Drizzle the warm caramel sauce generously over the cooled Pear Bundt Cake. Slice and serve to your lucky guests. This finishing touch takes the cake from delightful to unforgettable, creating a perfect harmony of flavors and textures.

How to Serve Pear Bundt Cake with Caramel Sauce Recipe

A round bundt cake with ten curved ridges and a hollow center rests on a white plate, showing a warm golden brown color with small darker spots from baking. The cake has a smooth and slightly textured surface. Around the plate, on white marbled texture, there are three cinnamon sticks at the bottom left, a small white bowl with orange sauce in the top right, with two silver forks near it. In the top left, a white basket holds two green pears with natural texture. An orange cloth with white fringes lies below the plate on the right side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of toasted chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the caramel sauce adds fantastic crunch and nuttiness. For extra elegance, dust the cake with powdered sugar or garnish with fresh pear slices to echo the cake’s star ingredient.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the rich caramel and spice. A simple cup of hot tea or coffee also complements the flavors wonderfully, making for a cozy, inviting treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving individual slices with caramel drizzle in clear glass dessert plates to highlight the cake’s layers and pear pieces. You can also create mini Bundt cakes for a charming party presentation or serve alongside lightly spiced poached pears for a sophisticated dessert experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Pear Bundt Cake moist and fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If your kitchen is warm, storing in the fridge is a good idea, just bring slices to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Freezing

You can freeze the cake, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm gently before serving. It’s best to freeze the cake before drizzling the caramel sauce to maintain its freshness and texture.

Reheating

Warm slices briefly in a microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds or in a low oven to revive the cake’s soft crumb and enhance the caramel’s gooey goodness. Adding a little extra drizzle of warmed caramel sauce on reheated slices keeps every bite decadent.

FAQs

Can I use canned pears instead of fresh pears?

Fresh pears are highly recommended for this recipe as they hold their shape and add fresh flavor and texture. Canned pears tend to be softer and wetter, which might make the cake too dense or soggy.

What kind of pears are best for this cake?

Bosc or Anjou pears work wonderfully because they are firm and maintain their texture well during baking. Ripe but slightly firm pears create the best balance in this Pear Bundt Cake with Caramel Sauce Recipe.

Can I make the caramel sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! The caramel sauce can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before drizzling over the cake to bring back its smooth, pourable texture.

Is it possible to substitute the oil with butter in the cake batter?

You can substitute melted butter for the vegetable oil for a richer flavor, but keep in mind it might slightly change the cake’s texture. Oil gives a lighter, moister crumb, which is ideal for this recipe.

How should I store the cake if I don’t plan to eat it right away?

Leave it at room temperature in an airtight container for up to three days, or refrigerate to extend freshness up to a week. Just be sure to cover the cake well to prevent it from drying out.

Final Thoughts

This Pear Bundt Cake with Caramel Sauce Recipe is one of those rare desserts that feels truly special yet is simple enough to bake any day of the week. From the tender, cinnamon-spiced pears to the silky caramel sauce, every element is designed to delight your taste buds and warm your heart. I can’t wait for you to try it and enjoy this irresistible combination with your loved ones.