Almond and Chocolate Pear Cake Recipe

For Topping:

• Powdered sugar (optional, for decoration)

Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the Pears

1. Peel the pears but keep the stems intact. This creates a dramatic visual presentation.
2. Optional: Soften pears slightly by placing them in hot water for 5 minutes, then set aside to cool and drain.

2️⃣ Make the Cake Batter

1. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar using a hand mixer until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes).
2. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet batter, alternating with milk. Mix gently until you get a thick, smooth chocolate batter.

3️⃣ Assemble the Cake

1. Grease a 22 cm (8.5-inch) springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
2. Pour the chocolate batter into the pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
3. Place the whole pears upright into the batter, spaced evenly. The stems should be sticking out the top.

4️⃣ Bake

• Preheat oven to 170°C (340°F). Bake the cake for 50–60 minutes.
• Test doneness with a toothpick inserted into the cake (not the pear). It should come out clean.

5️⃣ Cool and Serve