Pear Almond Cake Recipe
Ingredients
For the Cake:
1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
1 cup (100g) almond flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup (180ml) whole milk
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2-3 ripe pears, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
Zest of 1 lemon
For the Topping:
½ cup (50g) sliced almonds
Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
1. Prepare the Oven and Pan:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and line a 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract and lemon zest.
4. Combine Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
5. Add Pears:
Gently fold in the sliced pears, reserving a few for the top.
6. Pour and Arrange:
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Arrange the reserved pear slices and sprinkle sliced almonds on top.
7. Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for about 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool and Serve:
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Tips for Creativity:
Flavor Variations: Add a teaspoon of almond extract for a more intense almond flavor. You can also incorporate spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for added warmth.
Serving Suggestions: Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or crème fraîche for a decadent touch. Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.
Presentation: Drizzle a bit of honey or a light glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice over the top for an elegant finish.
Storage:
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.
Enjoy making and sharing this refined Pear Almond Cake! It’s a perfect blend of flavors and textures, sure to impress your guests