Sticky Ginger Cake with Caramelized Pears Recipe | James Beard Foundation

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons water
• 1 cup chopped dried dates
• 1/4 cup peeled and sliced ginger root
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) unsalted butter at room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 cup plus 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon dark rum
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 ripe pears, peeled, cored, and cut into eights
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• Whipped cream for serving