Chocolate Pear Cake

By Kathleen Culver · theflouredtable.com

1 hr 40 min9 slices (single layer 8 inch square pan)

A tender chocolate cake studded with diced pears, spiced with ginger and cinnamon, baked in a square pan.

prepLine 8×8 inch / 20 cm square baking pan with parchment paper, extending over sides
prepPreheat oven to 350°F / 175°C, rack in center
160 g all purpose flour	Whisk flour, cocoa, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon & espresso		Fold dry ingredients into wet until just combined	Stir in pears until evenly distributed	Pour into pan, smooth top, rap on counter to remove air bubbles	Bake 350°F / 175°C, 60–65 min until tester comes out clean	Cool in pan 15 min, then lift onto wire rack
35 g cocoa powder (natural)
1½ teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon ground ginger
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon espresso powder
84 ml vegetable oil	Stir oil & both sugars until combined	Stir in eggs, vanilla & salt until smooth
125 g brown sugar (light)
150 g granulated sugar
2 large eggs (room temperature)
7.5 ml vanilla extract
1 teaspoon kosher salt (Diamond Crystal)
450 g pears (ripe; peeled, cored, diced)	Toss pears with 1 tbsp reserved dry mix

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