Sweet & Nutty Pear and Almond Cake Recipe Everyone Will Love

Sweet memories of autumn dance through my pear and almond cake, a delightful dessert that whispers comfort.

Soft almond notes blend perfectly with juicy fruit bursting from each tender slice.

Baking this treat fills kitchens with warm, inviting aromas that draw people closer.

Delicate crumbs promise a subtle sweetness balanced by nutty undertones.

Simple ingredients come together in a symphony of flavor that feels both rustic and elegant.

Homemade magic happens when you combine ripe pears and ground almonds into something truly special.

Prepare to experience a dessert that celebrates seasonal ingredients with pure, unassuming charm.

Why Nigella Pear and Almond Cake Stands Out

• Savor Seasonal Simplicity: Celebrate autumn's bounty with this delightful cake that transforms fresh pears into a stunning dessert without complex techniques.
• Craft Elegant Comfort: Impress guests with a sophisticated yet approachable cake that looks like it came from a fancy bakery but requires minimal baking skills.
• Transform Everyday Ingredients: Turn basic pantry staples like butter, eggs, and pears into a luxurious treat that feels special and indulgent without breaking the bank.
• Customize with Ease: Experiment by swapping amaretto with other liqueurs or adjusting almond quantities to suit personal taste preferences and create a unique version every time.

Ingredients in Nigella Pear and Almond Cake

• Butter: A rich, creamy ingredient that provides moisture and helps create a tender cake texture.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the cake's golden-brown color and caramelization.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cake's structure and richness.
• Vanilla: Enhances the overall flavor with its warm, sweet aroma.
• Amaretto: Adds a delightful almond-flavored liqueur note to the cake.

• Almond Meal: Provides a nutty flavor and dense, moist texture to the cake.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and creates a light, fluffy consistency.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors in the cake.

• Pears, Flaked Almonds, Powdered Sugar: Create a beautiful presentation and add extra texture and sweetness to the finished cake.

Instructions for Nigella Pear and Almond Cake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 180C (350F) and generously coat a 9-inch cake pan with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Whip Butter and Sugar

Grab your mixer and blend butter and sugar until they transform into a cloud-like, creamy mixture that looks super fluffy and pale.

Step 3: Introduce Eggs and Flavor Boosters

Gently add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Pour in vanilla extract and a splash of amaretto for an extra flavor punch.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

• Almond meal
• Baking powder
• Salt

Stir until everything is just combined, being careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Prepare the Cake Base

Scoop the batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

Step 6: Decorate with Pears and Almonds

Nestle pear halves into the batter, gently pressing them down. Sprinkle flaked almonds across the top for a beautiful, crunchy finish.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool and Finish

Let the cake rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Before serving, dust with a delicate layer of powdered sugar for a stunning presentation.

Pro Tips for Nigella Pear and Almond Cake

• Soften Pears Perfectly: Poach pears in light syrup before adding to cake for enhanced moisture and deeper flavor.
• Prevent Sinking Almonds: Toast flaked almonds briefly before sprinkling to ensure they stay crisp and don't sink into batter.
• Check Cake Doneness: Insert a toothpick in center – it should come out with minimal moist crumbs to guarantee perfect baking.
• Boost Almond Intensity: Replace some vanilla extract with almond extract for a more pronounced nutty flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute almond meal with gluten-free flour blend and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Fresh Takes on Pear and Almond Cake

• Gluten-Free Almond Pear Cake: Replace wheat flour with gluten-free almond flour or a certified gluten-free flour blend for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities.
• Vegan Pear Delight: Swap eggs with flax eggs, use coconut oil instead of butter, and choose plant-based milk to create a dairy-free and egg-free version.
• Low-Sugar Wellness Cake: Substitute sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reduce overall sweetness, and use ripe pears for natural fruit sugars.
• Apple Alternative Cake: Replace pears with sliced apples for a different seasonal fruit variation, maintaining the same almond and spice profile.

What Tastes Great With Pear Almond Cake

• Sip Sweet Amaretto Liqueur: Complement the cake's almond flavor with a chilled glass of amaretto, echoing the liqueur already in the recipe and enhancing the nutty undertones.
• Pair with Creamy Mascarpone: Serve a dollop of smooth mascarpone alongside the cake, its rich creaminess balancing the delicate pear and almond textures.
• Match with Vanilla Chai Tea: Brew a warm, spiced chai tea that mirrors the cake's vanilla notes and provides a comforting, aromatic companion to each bite.
• Drizzle with Honey Cream: Create a light honey cream sauce to pour over the cake, adding a subtle sweetness that highlights the pear's natural delicacy.

Store Nigella Pear Almond Cake the Right Way

• Place cooled cake in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
• Wrap cake tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Place in a freezer-safe container to protect from freezer burn.
• Keep cake in a sealed container at room temperature for 1-2 days if your kitchen is cool and dry. Avoid direct sunlight or heat sources.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. For a crisp texture, reheat in a preheated oven at 150C (300F) for 5-7 minutes, covering with foil to prevent over-browning.

Common Pear Almond Cake Questions

• Can I use canned pears instead of fresh pears?

Yes, you can use canned pears. Just make sure to drain them well and pat dry before placing them on the cake batter to prevent excess moisture.

• Is amaretto essential for this recipe?

No, if you don’t have amaretto, you can substitute with almond extract or simply skip it. The cake will still have a delicious almond flavor from the almond meal and flaked almonds.

• How do I know when the cake is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick or skewer into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is done. The top should also be golden brown and slightly firm to the touch.

Pear And Almond Cake Recipe

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4.9 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 65-75 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Indulgent Pear and Almond Cake brings French pastry charm to your dessert table, blending delicate fruit with nutty richness. Mediterranean flavors dance through each slice, promising a delightful experience you won’t soon forget.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 34 pears
• 200 grams (7 ounces) almond meal
• 200 grams (7 ounces) unsalted butter
• 4 large eggs
• 200 grams (7 ounces) caster sugar

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 pinch salt
• 1 tablespoon amaretto liqueur (optional)
• 25 grams (0.9 ounces) flaked almonds

Garnish:

• Powdered sugar (for dusting)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 180°C (350°F) and generously coat a 9-inch cake tin with butter or non-stick spray.
2. Whip butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes pale and airy, creating a smooth, creamy texture.
3. Gently incorporate eggs into the mixture, one at a time, ensuring complete integration after each addition.
4. Pour in vanilla extract and amaretto, mixing thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly.
5. Carefully fold almond meal, baking powder, and salt into the batter, maintaining a light, consistent texture.
6. Transfer the batter into the prepared cake tin, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
7. Arrange pear halves gently into the batter, pressing them slightly to ensure they are partially embedded.
8. Sprinkle flaked almonds across the surface, creating a decorative and crunchy topping.
9. Place the tin in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Remove from oven and allow the cake to rest in the tin for 10 minutes to stabilize its structure.
11. Carefully transfer the cake to a wire rack and let it cool completely for optimal texture and flavor development.
12. Before serving, dust the cake with a delicate layer of powdered sugar for an elegant finishing touch.

Notes

• Select ripe but firm pears for the best texture and sweetness in the cake.
• Toast flaked almonds briefly before scattering to enhance their nutty flavor and add a delightful crunch.
• Swap amaretto with almond extract for a non-alcoholic version or use orange liqueur for a different flavor profile.
• Check cake doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean with just a few moist crumbs.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 285 kcal
• Sugar: 24 g
• Sodium: 55 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg