Ingredients
For the Cake
- Eggs - 2
- Sugar - 130 grams (about 0.5 cup)
- Vanilla Sugar - 20 grams (about 1.5 tablespoons)
- Pinch of Salt
- Butter (82.5% fat) - 75 grams (about 2.5 ounces)
- Flour - 150 grams (about 1 cup)
- Ripe Pears - 3 to 4
- Baking Powder - 1 heaping teaspoon
- Almond Flakes - to taste
For Serving
- Ice Cream - to taste
- Powdered Sugar - to taste
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
A large bowl will help you mix the ingredients without making a mess. Glass or stainless steel is great for maintaining the right temperature.
- Electric Mixer
A hand or stand mixer can speed up the process and ensure your batter is well-aerated for a fluffy cake.
- Sifter
A sifter will ensure your flour and baking powder are lump-free and well-incorporated, which is crucial for a smooth batter.
- Baking Pan
An 8-9 inch (20-22 cm) round pan works best for this cake. Make sure to grease and flour it properly to prevent sticking.
- Foil
Have some foil ready to cover the cake during baking if it starts to brown too quickly on top.
Instructions
Step 1
Preparing the Cake
Step 2
Baking and Serving
Servings
Top with a Scoop of Ice Cream: The warm cake with a cold scoop of vanilla ice cream is a match made in heaven. 🚀 The ice cream melts slightly, creating a luscious sauce that pairs perfectly with the tender pear slices and crunchy almond flakes.
Dust with Powdered Sugar: For a simple yet elegant touch, sift some powdered sugar over the cake just before serving. This adds a delicate sweetness and makes the cake look like it came straight from a fancy bakery. 🏆
Pair with a Cup of Tea: This cake is also fantastic with a cozy cup of tea or coffee. ☕ The flavors of the cake harmonize beautifully with herbal infusions or a strong espresso.
Jazz it Up with Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream flavored with a hint of vanilla or almond extract to take this cake over the top. 🍨 It adds an extra layer of creamy richness that complements the cake's flavors.
Variations
Gluten-Free Option: Swap the regular flour for a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. ✅ Ensure the baking powder you are using is also gluten-free. Follow all the other instructions as is, and enjoy a gluten-free delight!
Vegan Option: Replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg) and use a vegan butter substitute. 🌱 Check that your sugar and any other ingredients are vegan-friendly. You can also use almond milk or another plant-based milk if needed.
By making these adjustments, everyone at your table can share in the joy of this delicious Pear Almond Cake!
Faq
- What if I don’t have ripe pears?
You can use slightly firm pears; they will soften during baking. Just make sure to slice them thinly so they cook through properly.
- How long should I mix the batter?
Mix each step just until the ingredients are combined. Over-mixing can cause the cake to be dense rather than fluffy.
- Can I add other fruits?
Absolutely! Apples or peaches would be a wonderful addition or substitution in this recipe. Just ensure they are ripe for the best flavor.
- Does the cake need to be refrigerated?
If you're planning to store it for more than a day, it’s best to keep it in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. Otherwise, it can stay at room temperature for up to a day.
- How can I enhance the almond flavor?
You can add a teaspoon of almond extract to the batter for an extra boost of almond goodness.
- Why did my cake sink in the middle?
Overmixing the batter or opening the oven door too early during baking can cause the cake to sink. Be sure to mix just until combined and avoid opening the oven door until it’s nearly done.
