Desserts > Cake > Fruit Cakes

Birch-Leaved Pear and Almond Cake Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 ripe birch-leaved pears, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds

Special equipment needed:
- 9-inch round cake pan
- Parchment paper

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line with parchment paper.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, almond flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

3. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

4. Gradually add flour mixture to butter mixture, alternating with buttermilk and vanilla extract, until batter is smooth.

5. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

6. Arrange sliced pears on top of the batter in a circular pattern. Sprinkle sliced almonds over the pears.

7. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

8. Let cake cool in pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.


Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 40-45 minutes
Temperature:
350°F
Serving size:
8-10 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories: 360
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 75mg
Sodium: 270mg
Carbohydrates: 48g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 29g
Protein: 6g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Almond flour can be substituted with hazelnut flour or coconut flour.
- Buttermilk can be substituted with plain yogurt or sour cream.
- Birch-leaved pears can be substituted with Bartlett or Anjou pears.

Variations:
- Add 1 tsp of cinnamon to the batter for a spiced flavor.
- Replace sliced almonds with chopped walnuts or pecans.
- Top with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Tips and tricks:
- Use ripe but firm pears for the best texture.
- Toast sliced almonds in a dry skillet for a few minutes before adding to the cake for extra flavor.
- Dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar before serving for a pretty presentation.

Storage instructions:
Store cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
To reheat, place a slice of cake in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or until warm.

Presentation ideas:
Serve slices of cake on a pretty plate with a cup of tea or coffee.

Garnishes:
Dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar or sprinkle with additional sliced almonds.

Pairings:
Pair with a cup of tea or coffee for a delicious afternoon treat.

Suggested side dishes:
Serve with a side of fresh fruit or a green salad for a light and refreshing meal.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cake is browning too quickly, cover with foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
- If the cake is not cooked through, bake for an additional 5-10 minutes.

Food safety advice:
Make sure to wash and peel the pears before slicing.

Food history:
Birch-leaved pears are a variety of pear that originated in Europe. They are known for their delicate flavor and texture.

Flavor profiles:
This cake has a sweet and nutty flavor, with a hint of almond and pear.

Serving suggestions:
Serve slices of cake with a cup of tea or coffee for a delicious afternoon treat.

Related Categories

Cooking Method: N/A

Course Type: N/A

Dietary: N/A

Ingredient: N/A

Meal type: N/A

Occassion: N/A

Region: N/A

Taste: Sweet, Nutty, Fruity, Buttery, Almondy