Ingredients:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 3/4 cup buttermilk, room temperature
  • 3 medium ripe pears, peeled and diced
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 cup crème fraîche, chilled
  • 2 tbsp powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla bean paste

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Beat the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium-high until pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
  5. On low speed, alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture.
  6. Fold in the diced pears and ground cinnamon until evenly distributed.
  7. Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  8. While cake cools, whip the chilled crème fraîche with powdered sugar and vanilla bean paste until light and fluffy.