I’ve gotten some wonderful recipes from my market customers and friends and this pear pancake is one of my favorites. I always use Bartlett pears because they are so plentiful here, but I’m sure most varities would work equally well. The delicate flavors of the pears are perfect with the light, airy texture of the pancake. This is delicious for dinner and any leftovers reheat well for breakfast the next day.
Pear Pancake
1 teaspoon anise seed
2 tablespoons butter
4 large, ripe pears, peeled, cored and halved
5 eggs, separated
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 cup flour
Melt butter and add anise seeds. Saute over medium-low heat for a minute. I used a cast iron pan, 10 – 12 inches (12 is best if you have it). Add pears and cook on both sides, turning occasionally, until pears are lightly browned, about 12 minutes. Turn pears cut side down, with small ends toward the center of the pan, and keep warm.
In a large bowl, whip egg whites, then slowly add sugar until stiff peaks form. Without washing the beaters whip egg yolks in a separate bowl until the volume doubles. Add vanilla and flour and beat until well mixed. Stir about 1/4 of the egg whites into the beaten yolks, mix, then fold egg yolks into whites, stirring gently.
Pour egg mixture over warm pears, gently pushing batter down between pears with a spatula. Cook over medium-low heat until of pancake is firm to the touch, about 4 minutes. Don’t overheat or the pears will burn. Place pan in a preheated 300 degree oven for about 15 minutes.
Pour egg mixture over warm pears, gently pushing batter down between pears with a spatula. Cook over medium-low heat until of pancake is firm to the touch, about 4 minutes. Don’t overheat or the pears will burn. Place pan in a preheated 300 degree oven for about 15 minutes.
Let the pancake rest for 5 minutes, then run a knife around the outside edge. Place a large plate over the pan and flip it over. Tap pan to loosen any pears, then remove it. I like to serve this with maple syrup and a sprinkle of powdered sugar. So delicious.
Cathy this is so beautiful! I love pears! I haven't had my breakfast yet and boy could I go for a slice of this!
Cathy, this looks wonderful! (Great photographs!) I got pears in my produce box this week. I have been searching for a recipe for pears and plums. Your post has me half way there! Thank you!
This is a gorgeous dessert. I especially love the addition of anise to the batter. I'll wager this is delicious.
It's beautiful!! I can't wait to try! the anise must be heavenly!
Looks wonderful! Thanks so much for the recipe!
'I bought figs to try your recipe..I'll let you know how I did!
This looks wonderful!!
How I would love a bite right now! It looks beautiful and sounds fantastic, Cathy, thank you!
This looks fabulous! I'm afraid one would not be enough at my house!
Looks lovely — I am hoping to make it for breakfast soon!
This looks fantastic! Wish I had some for a bedtime snack!
Hi Cathy…..this looks too good…I love pears made into anything and this sounds pretty easy even for me….I don't have a cast iron round pan…it's square…do you think it would turn out okay in a Scanpan? non-stick oven proof? Because you can't make a pancake square!!
Oh Cathy! Do you know how good that looks?
Hi Marie – I know how good it tastes. And with warm maple syrup…over the top! I love Fall.
Gorgeous pie. I think it sounds perfect for breakfast when you have house guests.
Sam
This looks fabulous Cathy!
Oh my how the mouth waters!
I might can find a few pears left on our trees. The deer have been wiping out our fruit. Your pear pancake looks great. I want to try it.
Ramona
Oh my – I am sure it's really delicious! It's absolutely beautiful too.
this looks so good, i have never baked anything with pears before, so i need to try this!
This is gorgeous! I fear that I would NOT share this. In fact, I'd hide it to keep it all to myself! *sigh*
I love this, I'm so glad it's pear season!
Pear pancake, how scrumptious is this idea. I love it!
kathy you know i love your stuff, i get so busy borrowing your pics i forget to comment, just know if i snitched it i am thinking yippee i love your blog! i am always rushing to get offline so i forget to be cordial while i lap up all the pretty!
Pears are going on the list, cause this is too good to pass up.
Another fabulous recipe! I have grown so fond of pears and this seems like a simple way to feature them. Great comfort food. Wouldn't this be a terrific entree on one of THOSE days?