Sparkling Vanilla Almond Cake with Winter Pears

Ingredients

• all-purpose flour2 cups
• almond flour1/2 cup
• baking powder2 tsp
• salt1/2 tsp
• unsalted butter, softened1/2 cup
• sugar3/4 cup
• eggs3
• whole milk3/4 cup
• vanilla extract2 tsp
• ripe pears, thinly sliced2
• sliced almonds1/2 cup
• powdered sugar2 tbsp

Method

1. 1Heat the oven to 350°F and line a 9-inch round cake pan with parchment; lightly grease the sides.
2. 2Whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. 3In a separate bowl, beat the butter and sugar until pale and fluffy, then beat in the eggs one at a time.
4. 4Mix in the vanilla extract, then alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk until just combined.
5. 5Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
6. 6Arrange the pear slices in a circular pattern over the batter and sprinkle the sliced almonds around and between the fruit.
7. 7Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until the cake is golden and a tester inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. 8Cool for 15 minutes, then dust with powdered sugar before serving warm or at room temperature.

Tips

• Use pears that are ripe but still firm so they keep their shape while baking.
• For extra shine, brush the pear slices with a little warm honey right after baking.
• Do not overmix the batter; a light touch keeps the crumb tender.

Nutrition