Introduction: 

Pear and almond cake is a delightful dessert that combines the sweetness of ripe pears with the nutty flavor of almonds. This moist and flavorful cake is perfect for any occasion, whether you're serving it as a dessert after dinner or enjoying a slice with your afternoon tea. With its tender crumb and subtle almond undertones, this pear and almond cake recipe is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.


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Ingredients:

3 ripe pears, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
1 cup (120g) almond flour
1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup (120ml) plain yogurt or sour cream
1/4 cup (60ml) milk
1/4 cup (25g) sliced almonds, for topping
Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)


Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.


In a medium bowl, whisk together the almond flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.


In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy using an electric mixer.


Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.


Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the yogurt (or sour cream) and milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.


Spread the batter evenly into the prepared cake pan.


Arrange the sliced pears on top of the batter in a decorative pattern, gently pressing them into the batter.


Sprinkle the sliced almonds evenly over the top of the cake batter and pear slices.


Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.


Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.


Once cooled, dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar, if desired.


Slice and serve the pear and almond cake, savoring the wonderful combination of flavors and textures.


Tips:

Use ripe but firm pears for the best texture and flavor in the cake.

Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar according to your preference and the sweetness of the pears.

If you don't have almond flour, you can make your own by finely grinding blanched almonds in a food processor.

Serve slices of the cake slightly warm or at room temperature, with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, if desired.


Conclusion: 

Enjoy the harmonious blend of sweet pears and nutty almonds in this delicious pear and almond cake. With its moist crumb and delightful flavor, this cake is a true crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Whether you're baking it for a special occasion or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, this recipe is sure to delight your taste buds and warm your heart.