This Nigella Lawson-inspired chocolate pear cake combines rich dark chocolate with sweet, juicy pears for a moist and elegant dessert. The pears add natural sweetness and tenderness while the chocolate creates a deep, indulgent flavor. Perfect for afternoon tea, family gatherings, holidays, or whenever a comforting homemade cake is desired.
Total Time:1hr 5minutes
Yield:10 slices
Ingredients
200g dark chocolate, chopped
200g unsalted butter
200g caster sugar
3 large eggs
150g all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
3 ripe but firm pears, peeled, cored, and sliced
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
Grease and line a 9-inch springform cake pan.
Melt the chocolate and butter together in a heatproof bowl.
Allow the mixture to cool slightly.
In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar and eggs until combined.
Stir in the vanilla extract.
Add the melted chocolate mixture and mix until smooth.
Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
Fold gently until just combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan.
Arrange the sliced pears decoratively on top.
Bake for 40–50 minutes or until a skewer inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Slice and serve.
Notes
Use good-quality dark chocolate for the best flavor.
Choose pears that are ripe but still firm.
Avoid overmixing the batter to maintain a tender crumb.
The cake tastes even better the next day.
Serve with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or crème fraîche.
