1/2cup1 stick unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 1/4cupsgranulated sugar
1large egg
1teaspoonvanilla extract
1/2cupmedium ground coconut flakes
2medium pears (or 1 large pear), peeled and medium-diced
1/3cupconfectioner's sugar
Equipment
a 9-inch round springform pan
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350 (F) and prepare a 9-inch springform pan by greasing liberally with butter or spraying generously with cooking spray.
In a medium, heavy-bottomed sauce pan, combine 1 cup water and 1 heaping cup pitted dates. Bring water and dates to a boil over medium heat, whisking the mixture occasionally. Once the mixture is at a gentle boil, whisk in 1 teaspoon baking soda and immediately remove from heat. Continue to gently whisk the mixture for 1 minute, before setting on a wire rack to cool completely.
In a small bowl, whisk together 1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 3/4 teaspoon baking soda, and 1 teaspoon salt. Set aside.
Once the mixture is light and fluffy, turn the mixer speed to its lowest setting and add 1 egg. Continue mixing until the egg is completely incorporated, before adding 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Continue mixing on low speed and slowly add the cooled date mixture (from the 2nd step), before slowly adding the flour mixture (from the 3rd step). Mix on low speed until just combined — DO NOT OVERMIX or your cake will be tough and I will cry for you. It's okay to have one or two small flour streaks left.
Once the dry ingredients have just been incorporated, sprinkle 1/2 cup coconut flakes evenly over the top of the batter and use a rubber spatula to gently fold the coconut into the mixture. Add diced pears, and continue to gently fold into the mixture.
Transfer the batter into the prepared springform pan and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Once the cake has baked for 45 minutes, rotate the pan in the oven and continue to bake for another 10 minutes. Insert a clean skewer into the middle of the cake, and if it comes out clean, the cake is done. If not, rotate the pan and continue to bake in 5 minute increments. Once the cake is ready, allow to cool on a wire rack for 15 minutes before serving. This cake is amazing when served fresh out the oven! Sprinkle 1/3 cup confectioner's sugar over the cake when ready to serve.