Indulge in the Perfect Morning Treat: Pear and Cinnamon Chip Coffee Cake

Yesterday marked a special occasion – my wonderful husband’s birthday! While a traditional birthday cake is often my go-to, our evening plans included attending a beautiful wedding. This inspired a delightful deviation from the norm: a breakfast cake! Specifically, a luscious Pear and Cinnamon Chip Coffee Cake. Have you ever had the pleasure of baking with cinnamon chips? If not, you’re in for a treat. They infuse a wonderfully warm, spicy sweetness that is simply perfect, especially for fall baking. For the best quality, I highly recommend ordering them through King Arthur Flour, though a last-minute dash to the grocery store can also yield good results. These little morsels truly elevate any baked good, transforming a simple coffee cake into an unforgettable culinary experience.

Revolutionize Your Baking: Discovering Demarle at Home Flexipan Molds

This past weekend, my excitement for baking was twofold. Not only was I crafting a special birthday treat, but I also had the joy of experimenting with some fantastic new kitchen tools! The incredibly talented Kelly from Cooking to Dance had previously raved about Demarle at Home products and generously offered me the opportunity to try some out. Naturally, I jumped at the chance, and I’m so glad I did. I was utterly impressed with the items Kelly sent my way. While I wasn’t familiar with Demarle products before, I am now completely smitten with their Flexipan molds. These aren’t just any baking pans; they are game-changers.

My coffee cake baked beautifully and evenly, developing a perfect golden-brown crust. The most astonishing part? It effortlessly popped right out of the mold without a single bit of sticking! What truly sets Demarle Flexipan molds apart is that they don’t even require cooking spray or any form of greasing. This saves time, reduces mess, and ensures your baked goods maintain their pristine shape. I’ve used various silicone baking molds in the past, but none have ever performed with such remarkable precision and ease. From now on, these Flexipan molds will be my go-to for all my baking and cooking needs – whether it’s cakes, muffins, casseroles, gratins, or even mac and cheese. The versatility is astounding, and the consistent results are unmatched. I highly recommend taking a moment to explore the vast array of gorgeous shapes and sizes these exceptional baking molds come in. They truly elevate the entire baking experience.

Baking Smart: Lightening Up Your Favorite Coffee Cake

In addition to using innovative baking tools, I also focused on making this coffee cake a little lighter without sacrificing any flavor or moisture. I achieved this by replacing most of the fat with pear sauce. This is a fantastic technique that can be applied to many muffins, breads, and cakes. Substituting a significant portion of the oil or butter with fruit purees like applesauce or pear sauce allows you to enjoy a delicious treat with fewer calories and less fat. The natural sweetness of the fruit also often means you can slightly reduce the added sugar in the recipe.

A key tip for successful fat replacement is to retain just a small amount of oil or butter – typically around 1 tablespoon. This minimal amount is crucial for ensuring the cake remains wonderfully moist and tender, contributing to a desirable texture that isn’t gummy or dense. The unique combination of fresh pears and those delightful cinnamon chips provided just the right amount of novelty and flavor to make this coffee cake stand out from more traditional versions. The sweetness of the pears complements the spicy warmth of the cinnamon perfectly, creating a harmonious and comforting flavor profile. For an extra layer of texture and nutty goodness, next time I plan to add some finely chopped pecans to the streusel topping. After all, doesn’t a perfectly crafted streusel just make everything infinitely better?

Baking for a Cause: Supporting the Gwendolyn Strong Foundation (GSF)

Now, for some truly wonderful and important news! Many of you who followed my previous post about my upcoming half-marathon with Team GSF know about the incredible work of the Gwendolyn Strong Foundation. Like me, Kelly was deeply moved by the inspiring Strong family and their unwavering commitment to finding a cure for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), the leading genetic killer of young children. In an effort to contribute to this vital cause, Kelly is hosting a special week-long fundraiser for GSF. During this period, she will generously donate 20% of her Demarle at Home sales generated through the Yummy Mummy community.

Participating in this fundraiser is incredibly simple and impactful. All you need to do is place your order through Kelly’s dedicated sales page at Demarle, which you can find here. After completing your purchase, send her an email with “Yummy Fundraiser” clearly stated in the subject line. Your purchase will not only bring high-quality Demarle products into your kitchen but also contribute directly to critical research and support for families affected by SMA. Every single purchase makes a difference in the fight against this devastating disease.

While you’re exploring Demarle’s offerings, I must also highly recommend the Silpat baking mat. This essential kitchen tool is an absolute dream for baking cookies, pastries, or anything else you’d typically place on a cookie sheet. It provides a consistently non-stick surface, ensuring perfect browning and easy release every time. It’s durable, reusable, and will quickly become one of your most valued baking accessories. So, what are you waiting for? Head over to Kelly’s page and get shopping – it’s for an incredibly good cause! And once your Demarle products arrive, make sure to celebrate with a batch of this delicious Pear and Cinnamon Chip Coffee Cake for a truly special breakfast.

Cherishing Special Moments: A Weekend of Celebrations

We truly had a fantastic weekend filled with celebration and joy, and I sincerely hope you did too! It was wonderful to celebrate my husband’s birthday and then transition into the joyous atmosphere of a beautiful wedding. Weddings are always a magical experience, a testament to love and new beginnings. Here are just a few quick snapshots I managed to capture at the stunning ranch-style wedding we attended. The setting was picturesque, and the atmosphere was brimming with happiness. A huge congratulations once again to the happy bride and groom on their special day, and of course, a very Happy Birthday to my amazing husband! These moments of gathering, celebrating, and creating lasting memories are what make life truly rich.

The Ultimate Pear and Cinnamon Chip Coffee Cake Recipe

Ready to bake this exquisite breakfast cake yourself? Here’s the detailed recipe for my delicious Pear and Cinnamon Chip Coffee Cake, perfect for any morning celebration or simply a delightful treat to share.

Pear and Cinnamon Chip Coffee Cake
printer-friendly recipe

Cake Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 large egg
1/2 cup milk (any kind works well)
1/4 cup pear sauce or unsweetened applesauce
1 Tablespoon vegetable oil (or melted butter)
1/2 cup cinnamon baking chips
2 small pears, cored, halved, and thinly sliced

Streusel Topping Ingredients:

1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened and cubed
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
*Optional: 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch

Instructions:

Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon until well combined. This ensures all leavening and spices are evenly distributed.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, beat the egg thoroughly. Then, add the milk, pear sauce (or applesauce), and 1 tablespoon vegetable oil. Whisk these wet ingredients together until smooth.
Mix Batter: Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the dry ingredients. Add the cinnamon chips to the bowl. Stir gently with a spoon or spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine and help keep the cake tender.
Prepare Baking Pan: Pour the batter into a well-greased 8-inch square baking pan. If you’re using a Demarle Flexipan, simply pour the batter in – no greasing necessary! Evenly spread the batter to the edges of the pan.
Arrange Pears: Artfully arrange the thinly sliced pear halves or slices over the top of the batter. You can create a pattern or simply scatter them for a rustic look.
Make Streusel Topping: In a small bowl, combine the 1/2 cup sugar, 1/4 cup flour, 2 tablespoons softened butter, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Use your fingertips or a fork to mix the ingredients until coarse crumbs form. If desired, stir in the chopped pecans or walnuts now.
Add Topping: Generously sprinkle the streusel mixture evenly over the pears and batter in the pan.
Bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the coffee cake for approximately 25 to 30 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown and the streusel lightly crispy.
Cool and Serve: Let the coffee cake cool in the pan for a few minutes before slicing and serving. It’s delicious warm, perhaps with a dollop of whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Enjoy this delightful and healthier version of a classic coffee cake, perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying on a quiet morning!

(Original Post Link for Reference)