The Spiced Pear Almond Cake is a delightful fusion of autumn's favorite spices and the delicate, nutty flavors of almonds. Inspired by the rich desserts of European patisseries, this cake is both tender and aromatic, featuring fresh pears to infuse a note of sweetness and moisture. Perfect as a centerpiece for a special occasion or to elevate a simple afternoon tea, this cake will captivate all with its alluring aroma and delectable taste.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper and lightly grease the sides.
In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Set aside.
In a separate bowl, cream the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Mix in half of the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, then add the milk. Stir until combined. Add the remaining dry ingredients and the almond flour, mixing just until incorporated.
Gently fold in the thinly sliced pears.
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Notes
Lori’s Tips:
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free all-purpose flour.
Enhance the flavor by adding a touch of cardamom to the spice mix.