Pear Almond Cake

This Pear Almond Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the sweetness of ripe pears with the nutty flavor of almonds. The moist, fluffy cake is complemented by the richness of Greek yogurt, and the almond extract adds a lovely aromatic flavor. With a golden-brown top and a delicate crumb, this cake is perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a casual afternoon snack, a weekend treat, or a dessert to serve at a dinner party.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Pear Almond Cake is both elegant and easy to make. The soft and tender cake batter pairs beautifully with the sweet pears and crunchy almonds on top. The combination of vanilla and almond extract adds depth to the flavor profile, making each bite irresistible. Plus, the cake is naturally moist thanks to the Greek yogurt, making it the perfect balance of richness without being too heavy. It’s a versatile cake that can be served with tea, coffee, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Ingredients

• For the Cake:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free baking flour, sifted or aerated)

  • 2 teaspoons baking powder

  • 1 cup white granulated sugar

  • 4 oz salted butter, melted

  • 2 eggs

  • 1 cup plain low-fat Greek yogurt

  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

  • 1 teaspoon almond extract

  • 3 medium pears, firm texture, cored and peeled

  • 1/2 cup sliced almonds

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the Oven:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. If you have a convection oven, use the convection bake setting.

2. Line the bottom of a 9×3-inch springform pan with parchment paper and grease the sides and bottom with butter or cooking spray.

Prepare Dry Ingredients:

1. In a medium bowl, mix the flour and baking powder. Set aside.

Mix Wet Ingredients:

1. In a large bowl, combine the sugar, melted butter, and eggs. Whisk for 1-2 minutes until smooth, light in color, and fluffy.

2. Stir in the Greek yogurt, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Whisk just until combined.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:

1. Gradually add the flour mixture, 1 cup at a time, to the wet ingredients, whisking just until combined. Be careful not to over-mix.

Prepare the Pears:

1. Chop one pear into small chunks and fold it into the batter.

2. Slice the remaining two pears into thin slices.

Assemble the Cake:

1. Pour the batter into the prepared springform pan.

2. Arrange the pear slices tightly on top of the batter in a circular pattern.

3. Sprinkle sliced almonds evenly over the top of the cake.

Bake:

1. Place the pan on the middle rack and bake for 50 minutes to 1 hour. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake (away from the pears)—it should come out clean when done.

Cool and Serve:

1. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 30 minutes. Then, release the springform and transfer the cake to a cake plate.

2. Dust with powdered sugar, if desired, before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 10 slices

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 1 hour

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

• Calories per Serving: 339 kcal

• Course: Dessert

• Cuisine: American

Variations

• Gluten-Free Version: You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this cake gluten-free. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum or add it separately for the right texture.

• Spiced Version: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm, spiced version of this cake, which pairs beautifully with the pears.

• Nuts: For extra crunch, you can add chopped walnuts or pecans along with the sliced almonds on top of the cake.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you live in a humid climate, refrigerate to keep it fresh for longer.

• Freezing: This cake freezes well! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing for up to 3 months. Let it thaw at room temperature before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of fruit in this recipe?

Yes! You can substitute the pears with apples or peaches for a different fruity flavor. Make sure the fruit you choose is firm enough to hold its shape while baking.

2. Can I make this cake without a springform pan?

Yes, you can use a regular 9-inch round cake pan. Just be sure to grease it well, and you may need to adjust the baking time by a few minutes.

3. Can I use flavored yogurt instead of plain Greek yogurt?

Flavored yogurt will add extra sweetness and flavor, but it may also alter the texture of the cake slightly. If you want to stick to the original flavor profile, it’s best to use plain yogurt.

4. How can I make the cake more moist?

To make the cake even more moist, you can add a bit of sour cream or a tablespoon of milk to the batter. You can also try substituting some of the butter with applesauce for a lighter version.

5. Can I double the recipe to make a larger cake?

Yes, you can double the ingredients and bake the cake in a 10-inch or 12-inch round cake pan, but you may need to adjust the baking time. Start checking for doneness around 1 hour and 10 minutes.

6. Can I add a glaze to this cake?

Yes! A simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a little lemon juice or milk would complement the flavors of the cake nicely.

7. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, this cake can be made a day or two ahead of time. Just keep it covered at room temperature or refrigerate it for longer storage.

8. Can I use non-dairy yogurt for this recipe?

Yes, you can use non-dairy yogurt like almond or coconut yogurt. Be sure to check the consistency, as some non-dairy yogurts may be thinner.

9. How do I know when the cake is done?

Insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center of the cake—if it comes out clean (or with a few moist crumbs), the cake is done.

10. Can I serve this cake with a topping?

Yes, a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce would make great toppings for this cake.

Conclusion

This Pear Almond Cake is a delicious, moist dessert with the perfect balance of sweetness and flavor. The rich combination of pears, almond extract, and creamy ricotta and yogurt makes this cake stand out. Whether served as a simple dessert or as a treat for a special occasion, this cake is sure to be a hit!

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