Italian Pear Almond Cake

Indulge in the irresistible flavors of Italian Pear Almond Cake, a delectable dessert that celebrates the lusciousness of pears. This moist and subtly sweet cake, which showcases an abundance of pears with just the right amount of cake, is a perfect treat for any time of day. For optimal enjoyment, savor it on the day it is freshly baked.

To create this mouthwatering delicacy, gather the following ingredients:

• 9 tablespoons (125 g) of butter, salted or unsalted, at room temperature (add a small pinch of salt if using unsalted butter)
• 9 tablespoons (125 g) of white granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs
• 6 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon (50 g) of all-purpose flour
• 1 1/4 cups (100 g) of ground almonds (not almond flour)
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 g) of baking powder
• 3 medium-sized pears, ripe yet firm, peeled, cored, and halved lengthwise
• 1/3 cup (50 g) of flaked almonds
• Icing sugar for garnish

Let’s proceed with the instructions:

• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Grease an 8-inch springform pan and line the bottom with a round parchment paper. Set it aside.
• In a large bowl, using an electric mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter and white sugar at medium speed until they become pale and fluffy.
• Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to incorporate any unincorporated butter.
• Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add the all-purpose flour, ground almonds, and baking powder. Mix until well combined.

• Spoon the thick batter into the prepared springform pan and use a spatula to evenly distribute it. The batter will fill the pan to a thickness of approximately an inch.
• Prepare the pears by peeling them and halving them lengthwise. Remove the cores and any thick spines near the stem end using a small spoon. Set the pear halves aside.
• Arrange the pear halves in a circular pattern on top of the batter, with the cut side facing down and the thinner ends pointing towards the center of the cake.
• Sprinkle the flaked almonds over the pears.
• Bake the cake in the preheated oven for about 35 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Once baked, let the cake cool completely in the springform pan. Then, run a knife around the edges to loosen it, and carefully remove the ring and base.
• Before serving, dust the cake with icing sugar for an elegant finishing touch.

Delight in the marvelous flavors and textures of Italian Pear Almond Cake—a tantalizing dessert that will surely please your taste buds.