From the Cook
From the Cook
From the Cook
From the Cook
From the Cook
1/6
Chocolate Hazelnut Pear Cake + Maple Cream
Warning0 allergens identified
Chocolate Hazelnut Pear Cake + Maple Cream
Chocolate Hazelnut Pear Cake
Maple Cream
Chocolate Hazelnut Pear Cake
1
Grease and line a 9-10 in. (23-25 cm) springform cake pan with parchment paper. (If you don’t have a springform pan, you can use a regular cake pan, but it will be more difficult to remove the cake). Preheat the oven to 325° F (163° C).
2
Place the hazelnuts in a food processor (or high-powered blender) and pulse until the hazelnuts are finely ground. Scrape the sides a couple times to ensure the flour is evenly ground. Make sure not to pulse it too much, or it will turn into hazelnut butter! Set aside.
3
Break the chocolate into pieces, and place it in a medium-sized, heat-proof bowl with the unsalted butter. Set the bowl over a pot of simmering water, and stir constantly with a wood spoon until the chocolate-butter mixture is completely melted and smooth. Don’t overheat, or the chocolate may seize.
4
Remove the bowl from the heat, add the sugar and hazelnut flour to the chocolate-butter mixture, and stir until completely mixed. Ensure the mixture is mixed very well or the butter may separate in the oven! Set aside to cool to room-temperature.
5
Separate the egg yolks from the whites. In a small bowl, whip the egg whites until stiff and shiny (but not dry). Add the egg yolks to the chocolate hazelnut batter, one at a time, until completely mixed. Stir in the vanilla and salt. Then, gently fold the egg whites into the chocolate hazelnut batter until no longer streaky.
6
Pour the chocolate hazelnut batter into the prepared pan, and smooth the top. Place the pear halves on top (or chop the pears and sprinkle them over the top). Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the top is dry and a cake tester inserted in the center comes out with just a few crumbs. The pears may make the cake appear under-baked, but be careful not to cook it for too long, or it will get dry. 35 minutes was perfect for my oven.
7
Let the cake cool completely in the pan. Remove the cake from the pan, and sprinkle with powdered sugar. Serve with maple cream and cinnamon.
Maple Cream
1
Add the whipping cream, powdered sugar, and maple syrup to a clean bowl. Beat until lightly whipped. Dollop over cake slices!
My Calorie Intake
Review & Earn
Be the first to review this recipe and earn a 20% Bonus
Level up & unlock free Premium by reviewing recipes!
My Notes
Your kitchen notebook is waiting.
Whether it's a recipe tweak or an inspiration burst — jot it down here.
Tips & Tricks (5)
- Toast Hazelnuts for Depth 🌰Lightly toast whole hazelnuts at 350°F for 10-12 minutes before grinding to intensify their natural oils and create a richer, more complex flavor that elevates the entire cake.
- Choose Firm Pears Strategically 🍐Select slightly underripe pears that hold their shape when grated; overripe fruit will release excess moisture and compromise the flourless cake's delicate crumb structure.
- Temper Chocolate Properly 🍫Melt dark chocolate over a double boiler at low heat (never exceeding 120°F) and cool slightly before folding into your batter to prevent the cocoa butter from seizing and ensure silky texture.
- Whip Maple Cream to Soft Peaks ☁️Fold maple syrup into whipping cream just as it reaches soft peaks rather than stiff peaks; this maintains a luxurious, spoonable consistency that complements the dense cake without becoming heavy.
- Bake Low and Slow for Moisture 🕐Bake at 325°F instead of standard 350°F for about 5-7 minutes longer; this gentler heat allows the pears to fully integrate into the batter while keeping the interior fudgy and preventing the top from drying out.
Recipe Facts
Diet at a Glance
Vegetarian
Gluten Free
My Calorie Intake
Smart Nutrition 
Nutrition Per Serving
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Glycemic Analysis
Glycemic Index
Glycemic Load
More Recipes by Sunday Table
Check out more Sunday Table content!Browse Sunday Table recipes!
No Recipes Available
EXPLORE
Looking for more?
Use our smart searchtool, explore by category, or browse your customized food feed.