Name: Sticky Pear and Ginger Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 175g butter, plus extra for greasing; 200g black treacle; 175g dark brown sugar; 2 balls stem ginger, finely chopped; 2 tbsp syrup from the stem ginger jar; 2 ripe pears, peeled, cored and chopped; 2 large eggs; 225g self-raising flour; 1 tsp ground ginger; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; ½ tsp ground nutmeg; 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda; 100ml milk

Why You’ll Love Sticky Pear and Ginger Cake Recipe

The combination of pears + ginger + cinnamon gives a lovely balance of fruity sweetness and warm spice.
The sticky glaze makes the cake moist and indulgent, with a rich, slightly caramelized finish.
It’s versatile — great served warm with tea, ice cream or whipped cream, or enjoyed the next day for a comforting treat.
It uses simple ingredients often already in the pantry or fridge, yet yields a dessert that feels special and homey.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

200g all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
100g light brown sugar
100g unsalted butter, melted
150 ml milk
1 large egg
100g dark treacle or molasses
2 ripe pears, peeled, cored, and diced
100g golden syrup
50g unsalted butter
50g light brown sugar

Directions

Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F). Grease and line a 20 cm (8‑inch) cake tin with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, sift together the flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In another bowl, whisk the melted butter, light brown sugar, milk, egg, and dark treacle (or molasses) until smooth.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined — avoid overmixing.
Gently fold in the diced pears. Pour the batter into the prepared tin and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
Meanwhile, prepare the glaze: in a saucepan over medium‑low heat, combine the golden syrup, butter, and light brown sugar. Stir until melted and smooth.
Once the cake is baked, poke holes all over the top with a skewer or fork, and pour the warm syrup glaze over the cake. Let the glaze soak in while the cake cools slightly.
Slice and serve warm or at room temperature — delicious on its own, or with ice cream, whipped cream, custard, or fresh fruit.

Servings and timing

Makes about 8 servings.
Prep time: ~20 minutes
Cook time: ~40 minutes
Total time: ~1 hour

Variations

For more depth — add chopped nuts (like walnuts or hazelnuts) into the batter for a crunchy element.
For a richer twist — add a pinch of grated nutmeg or some orange zest to add complexity in flavor.
For a chocolatey version — add cocoa powder to the batter to create a chocolate‑pear‑ginger variation.
For a gluten‑free version — replace the all-purpose flour with ground almonds or a gluten-free flour blend (texture will change).
For a vegan version — substitute the egg with flaxseed meal (or applesauce), use plant‑based butter and milk, and consider maple syrup instead of golden syrup.

Storage/Reheating

Once cooled completely, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil, or place in an airtight container. Store at room temperature for 1–2 days, or refrigerate if your environment is warm/humid.

To freeze: slice the cake first, wrap each slice well, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then gently warm in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.

FAQs

What if my cake doesn’t rise properly?

If the cake doesn’t rise, your baking soda may be old or expired — make sure to use fresh leavening agents. Also, avoid overmixing the batter once wet and dry ingredients are combined; overmixing can make the cake dense.

Can I prepare this cake ahead of time?

Yes — you can bake it a day before serving. Store it wrapped or in an airtight container. For the freshest glaze texture, you could add the syrup glaze shortly before serving.

Can I substitute the butter or milk for non‑dairy alternatives?

Yes — for a dairy‑free version, use plant-based butter and non‑dairy milk (like almond or oat). If also avoiding eggs, you can replace the egg with flaxseed meal or applesauce to make the recipe vegan-friendly.

Can I use a different sweetener instead of brown sugar or golden syrup?

You can substitute brown sugar with alternatives like coconut sugar or other sweeteners, but note that the flavor and moisture will change slightly. Maple syrup or agave could be used instead of golden syrup — expect a subtle difference in taste and texture.

What type of pears work best?

Use ripe, juicy pears for the best flavor and moisture. Overly firm or unripe pears may not soften well during baking and could result in a less tender texture.

My cake feels heavy or dense — what went wrong?

Possible causes: overmixing batter (which develops gluten and weighs it down), using unripe pears, or having inactive/old leavening agents. Next time, mix just until combined and double‑check expiry dates.

Can I add nuts or other fruits?

Yes — chopped nuts like walnuts or hazelnuts add a nice crunch. You can also mix in dried fruits (raisin, cranberries, chopped dates) for extra texture and flavor, but adjust sweetness accordingly.

Can I make this cake in a different shape pan (loaf, loaf tin)?

Yes — you could use a loaf tin, but baking time may vary. Keep an eye on the cake and check with a skewer: when it comes out clean, the cake is done.

How should I reheat a slice before serving?

If refrigerated or frozen, thaw (if frozen) and warm a slice gently in the microwave for a few seconds, or in a low oven until just heated through. This brings back softness and helps the glaze soften and shine.

Is this cake good served warm or cold?

It’s best served warm or at room temperature, when the glaze is slightly sticky and the texture is moist. That said, even when cooled, it remains delicious — especially if reheated gently before serving.

Conclusion

Sticky Pear and Ginger Cake is a simple but deeply satisfying dessert. Its warm spices, tender pears, and sticky glaze combine to create a comforting cake that feels both homey and special. Whether you bake it for family, friends, or just yourself, it’s sure to bring cozy, sweet delight.