Tired of ordinary desserts that lack that special something? This Best Pear & Walnut Cake Recipe with Dreamy Honey Buttercream is about to transform your baking game forever. The combination of tender pears and crunchy walnuts creates a perfect harmony of textures, while the honey buttercream adds a luxurious finish that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Hi, I’m Lucas Bennett, the heart behind FoodyDish! When autumn brings its bounty of perfect pears, this cake becomes my signature creation. I developed this recipe during a family gathering where I wanted something uniquely special that would make everyone feel warm and welcomed. The delicate pear flavor paired with toasty walnuts became an instant tradition, and I’m thrilled to share it with you today.

In this recipe guide, you’ll discover my secret techniques for incorporating fresh pears without making the cake soggy, tips for toasting walnuts to perfection, and the step-by-step process for creating the dreamiest honey buttercream frosting you’ve ever tasted. Let’s transform simple ingredients into something extraordinary!

Why This Pear & Walnut Cake Recipe Works

The Best Pear & Walnut Cake Recipe works beautifully for several reasons:

Uses seasonal pears when they’re at their peak flavor
Balances natural sweetness with earthy walnuts for complexity
Requires simple ingredients most bakers already have in their pantry
Perfect for both casual gatherings and special occasions
The honey buttercream elevates it from homestyle to gourmet

Choosing the Right Pears for Your Walnut Cake

Best Pear Varieties for This Recipe

Selecting the right pears is crucial for the Best Pear & Walnut Cake Recipe. Bosc and Anjou pears work exceptionally well as they hold their shape during baking without becoming mushy. Bartlett pears offer more juice and sweetness but may need a shorter cooking time. Comice pears bring an intense sweetness that complements the walnuts beautifully.

Ripeness Check for Perfect Pear & Walnut Cake

Look for pears that yield slightly to gentle pressure near the stem. They should be fragrant but still firm—overripe pears will make your cake too wet. If your pears are underripe, place them in a paper bag with a banana for 1-2 days to speed up ripening.

Seasonal Availability

For the best flavor in your Pear & Walnut Cake, aim to bake during peak pear season (late summer through winter). Off-season pears may need extra help from spices like cinnamon or cardamom to enhance their flavor profile.

Ingredients & Prep for Pear & Walnut Cake

Pear & Walnut Cake Essentials

Before diving into the Best Pear & Walnut Cake Recipe, prepare your pears by peeling, coring, and dicing them into 1/4-inch cubes. Toss with a tablespoon of lemon juice to prevent browning. Toast your walnuts at 350°F for 8-10 minutes until fragrant to enhance their flavor before chopping.

Ingredients for the Best Pear & Walnut Cake

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
3 large eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup buttermilk
2 cups diced pears (about 2-3 medium pears)
1 cup toasted walnuts, chopped

Honey Buttercream Components

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup high-quality honey
2 tablespoons heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Best Pear & Walnut Cake Recipe with Dreamy Honey Buttercream

Step-by-Step Pear & Walnut Cake Instructions

Pre-Cooking Prep for Pear & Walnut Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans or line with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Pat the diced pears with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

Mixing the Pear & Walnut Cake Batter

In a large bowl, cream together butter and both sugars until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Stir in vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with buttermilk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients.
Gently fold in the diced pears and chopped walnuts until evenly distributed.

Baking Your Pear Walnut Cake

Divide batter evenly between prepared pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow cakes to cool in pans for 15 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Creating the Dreamy Honey Buttercream

Beat the softened butter until creamy (about 2 minutes).
Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
Pour in honey, heavy cream, vanilla, and salt, then beat on medium-high speed until light and fluffy (3-5 minutes).
If too thick, add a splash more cream; if too thin, add more powdered sugar.

Pro Tips for Perfect Pear & Walnut Cake

Preventing a Soggy Pear & Walnut Cake

Blot diced pears thoroughly with paper towels before folding into batter
Toss pear pieces in 1 tablespoon of flour before adding to prevent them from sinking
Don’t overmix the batter after adding pears to maintain proper texture
Allow cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent condensation issues

Equipment Recommendations for Baking Pear & Walnut Cake

A stand mixer makes preparing this cake much easier, but a hand mixer works well too. Use light-colored cake pans for even baking, and invest in an offset spatula for perfectly smooth frosting application. A serrated knife helps level cake layers without crushing them.

Storage & Serving Tips for Pear & Walnut Cake

Store this cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. For the best flavor, bring refrigerated cake to room temperature before serving. You can also freeze unfrosted cake layers for up to 3 months – wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil.

Looking for more delicious dessert inspiration? Find a collection of my favorite seasonal recipes on Pinterest where I share exclusive baking tips and variations!

Flavor Variations for Pear & Walnut Cake

Spiced Pear & Walnut Cake

Enhance the warmth of your Best Pear & Walnut Cake Recipe by adding 1 teaspoon of ginger and 1/4 teaspoon of cloves to the batter. For an extra-special touch, fold in 2 tablespoons of crystallized ginger pieces along with the pears and walnuts.

Maple Glazed Pear & Walnut Cake

Replace the honey buttercream with a simple maple glaze by combining 1 cup powdered sugar with 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup and 1 tablespoon milk. Pour over the cooled cake for a rustic, elegant finish.

Pear, Walnut & Chocolate Cake

For chocolate lovers, add 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips to the batter or drizzle the finished cake with dark chocolate ganache for a decadent twist on the classic Pear & Walnut Cake.

Variation	Key Ingredients	Perfect For
Spiced Pear	Ginger, cloves, crystallized ginger	Fall gatherings
Maple Glazed	Maple syrup, powdered sugar	Casual brunches
Chocolate Fusion	Mini chocolate chips, ganache	Dessert lovers
Cardamom Twist	Ground cardamom, orange zest	Special occasions

Serving Suggestions for Pear & Walnut Cake

This Best Pear & Walnut Cake with Dreamy Honey Buttercream stands beautifully on its own, but can be elevated with thoughtful pairings:

Serve with a dollop of lightly whipped cream or vanilla bean ice cream for a delightful contrast
Pair with a cup of spiced chai tea or a medium-bodied coffee with caramel notes
For an elegant dessert course, add a small scoop of cinnamon ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce
Garnish with fresh pear slices and a sprinkle of chopped walnuts for visual appeal

FAQs About Pear & Walnut Cake

Can I use canned pears for this Pear & Walnut Cake recipe?

While fresh pears deliver the best flavor and texture, you can use canned pears in a pinch. Make sure to drain them thoroughly and pat completely dry to prevent excess moisture in your cake.

How do I know when my Pear & Walnut Cake is done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake – it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. The cake should also spring back when lightly touched in the center.

Can I make this Pear & Walnut Cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers up to 2 days in advance. Store them wrapped in plastic at room temperature. The honey buttercream can be made 1 day ahead and refrigerated – just bring to room temperature and re-whip before frosting.

What can I substitute for buttermilk in the Pear & Walnut Cake?

Make your own buttermilk substitute by adding 2 teaspoons of lemon juice or white vinegar to 3/4 cup regular milk. Let it stand for 5 minutes before using in the recipe.

Conclusion

This Best Pear & Walnut Cake with Dreamy Honey Buttercream is more than just a dessert—it’s an experience that celebrates the perfect harmony between juicy pears and crunchy walnuts, all wrapped in a cloud of honey-infused buttercream. The beauty of this cake lies in its versatility, whether you’re serving it at a casual family gathering or as the crowning glory of a special celebration.

I encourage you to make this recipe your own experiment with the spice blends, try different pear varieties as they come into season, or play with the frosting flavors. Baking is about bringing joy and warmth to those we care about, and this cake does exactly that.

Join the thousands of home bakers who have already made this a staple in their recipe collections! Share your creations with me on social media I’d love to see how you personalize this beloved cake. Happy baking!

Best Pear & Walnut Cake Recipe with Dreamy Honey Buttercream

Author: Lucas Bennett
Total Time: 55 mins
Yield: 10 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A soft and tender pear and walnut cake layered with luscious honey buttercream. This elegant dessert combines warm nuttiness, juicy pears, and silky sweet frosting for a truly dreamy finish.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

3/4 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 cup sour cream

2 ripe pears, peeled and finely chopped

3/4 cup chopped walnuts

1 cup unsalted butter, softened (for buttercream)

3 cups powdered sugar

1/4 cup honey

2 tbsp heavy cream

1 tsp vanilla extract (for buttercream)

Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 8-inch round cake pans.

2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.

3. In a separate large bowl, cream butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

5. Mix in vanilla extract and sour cream until smooth.

6. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until just combined.

7. Fold in chopped pears and walnuts.

8. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans.

9. Bake for 28–32 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

10. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

11. For the honey buttercream, beat butter until creamy.

12. Add powdered sugar gradually, then mix in honey, heavy cream, vanilla, and salt until smooth and fluffy.

13. Spread buttercream between layers and over the top and sides of the cake. Garnish with extra walnuts or a drizzle of honey if desired.

Notes

Use ripe but firm pears to prevent excess moisture in the cake.

Toast the walnuts beforehand for deeper flavor.

Store refrigerated for up to 4 days; bring to room temperature before serving for best texture.

Prep Time: 25 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: European

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 510
Sugar: 38g
Sodium: 260mg
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 56g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 105mg

Keywords: Pear Walnut Cake, honey buttercream cake, pear dessert, walnut layer cake