Walnut-Pear Sour Cream Cake

A brunch-worthy bake with warm spice

Soft, spiced, and perfect for morning coffee—or any time of day

Some recipes feel like comfort. Others feel like tradition. This one does both. In this article, I’m sharing a coffee cake that’s deeply cozy yet quietly elegant, the kind of bake that doesn’t shout for attention but steals it anyway. It’s layered with tender sliced pears, crunchy walnuts, and a cinnamon-streusel topping that crackles as it cools. What gives it that signature twist? A splash of Kōloa Kauaʻi Spice Rum, which infuses the batter with warm notes of cinnamon, vanilla, and toasted sugar.

The sour cream keeps it incredibly moist, the pears melt into each bite, and the walnuts add just the right contrast. It’s a cake that feels indulgent but never too sweet, perfect with a strong cup of coffee, a chilly morning, or as the centerpiece of your next weekend brunch.