Cranberry & Pear Cake (Made with Olive Oil & Kefir)

Cakes
·
November 16, 2021
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My Cranberry & Pear Cake is tender, fluffy, made with olive oil and kefir for a healthy twist, and paired with an Swiss Meringue Buttercream for an irresistible Thanksgiving dessert!

What is Lifeway Kefir?

Lifeway Kefir is a tart and tangy cultured milk that is high in protein, calcium and vitamin D. Thanks to our exclusive blend of kefir cultures, each cup of kefir contains 12 live and active cultures.
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What does Kefir do in baking?

Kefir is a delicious substitute for buttermilk, milk, and sometimes water in baking recipes. It produces a healthy twist, while keeping those irresistible flavors. And because it is fermented and cultures, the kefir adds great texture and taste to just about any baked good!

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Is Lifeway Kefir healthy?

Kefir is one of the healthier fermented foods that tastes similar to drinkable yogurt as it's traditionally made from dairy milk, but there's also non-dairy options available!

Studies suggest that kefir may boost your immune system, aid in digestive problems, improve bone health, and may even combat cancer.

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Where can I buy Lifeway Kefir?

Lifeway Kefir is available in most retail grocers like Whole Foods Market, Sprouts, Food Lion, Harris Teeter, Public, Fresh Market, etc.

Which is awesome for on-the-fly baking excursions 😂

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Healthy Baking Tips with Kefir

  • TIP: Use a 1:1 ratio for any buttermilk or milk substitutions.

My family has been baking / cooking with kefir for generations now. And some of my favorite recipes are below:

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What are the health benefits of kefir?

  • Fantastic Source of Many Nutrients
  • More Powerful Probiotic than Yogurt
  • Potent Antibacterial Properties
  • Improve Bone Health / Reduce Risk of Osteoporosis
  • May be Protective Against Cancer
  • May help with Digestive Problems
  • And more!

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Now, it’s time to grab our aprons and begin baking deliciousness! ’till next time! xxL

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If you loved this delicious recipe I would truly appreciate it so much if you would give a star review! Also, be sure to snap a picture of your finished dish and share it with me on Instagram@brightmomentco. It always makes my day seeing y’alls creations!

For more tasty A Bright Moment recipes, be sure to follow us on Pinterest, Facebook, YouTube and Instagram.

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“"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” ~ Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

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Cranberry & Pear Cake (Made with Olive Oil & Kefir)

My Cranberry & Pear Cake is tender, fluffy, made with olive oil and kefir for a healthy twist, and paired with an Swiss Meringue Buttercream for an irresistible Thanksgiving dessert!

PREP:
20
MINS
HOURS
COOK:
30
MINS
HOURS
TOTAL:
50
MINS
HOURS
Author:
Lauren Taylor

Ingredients

Servings: 8-10

For the cake:

  • 2 small Bartlett Pears, about 1 1/2 cups, shredded or finely chopped
  • 3/4 cup Fresh Cranberries, pulsed to fine pieces
  • 3 large Eggs
  • 1/3 cup Olive Oil
  • 1/2 cup Granulated Cane Sugar
  • 3/4 cup Brown Sugar
  • 3/4 cup Lifeway Plain Kefir
  • 2 tsp. Vanilla Extract
  • 2 1/2 cups All Purpose Flour
  • 4 tsp. Baking Powder
  • 1/2 tsp. Salt

For the frosting:

  • 6 large Egg Whites, room temperature
  • 1 1/2 cups Granulated Cane Sugar
  • 1 1/2 cups Unsalted Butter, softened but still cold, cut into tbsp. pieces
  • 1/2 tbsp. Vanilla Extract
  • 1/8 tsp. Salt

Instructions

For the cake:

  • Preheat oven to 350F. Lightly grease and line the bottoms with parchment paper of three 6" cake pans.
  • Pulse the cranberries in a high speed blender until very finely chopped. Using a large cheese grater, shred the pears.
  • Beat the eggs, brown sugar, granulated cane sugar, and olive oil until creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Whisk in kefir and vanilla extract.
  • In a separate large bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  • Gradually sift the flour into the egg mixture until well-combined. Fold in the pears and cranberries.
  • Evenly distribute the cake batter among the prepared cake pans.
  • Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the frosting:

  • Add two inches of water to a saucepan over medium high heat. Bring to a simmering water point.
  • In the meantime, add the egg whites and granulated cane sugar into a large mixing bowl.
  • Place the bowl over the saucepan, then begin whisking immediately until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is frothy and thinned out, about 4-5 minutes.
  • Carefully transfer the mixing bowl to a stand mixer and use the whisk attachment to beat for 10-15 minutes, or until stuff peaks are formed. Place uncovered in the fridge for 10 minutes.
  • Using the paddle attachment, gradually add the butter into the frosting one tablespoon at a time. The frosting should be thick, silk smooth, and fluffy.
  • Frost the cake and enjoy!

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Hey, I’m Lauren!

Welcome! The recipes you’ll find here are inspired by seasonal ingredients, generations-old family recipes, and places I’ve grown to love most. My hope is to inspire you inside the kitchen with a love for home-cooked foods, as well as outside the kitchen since everyday is another chance to make a bright moment in someone's life ;)

Let's be friends!
Purecane
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