This delicious, one-layer Pear Almond Cake is just the perfect recipe to ease into fall baking!
Yes, I said it… FALL! I know it’s still August and I do love summer… but there is something extra special about baking in the fall, and I’m ready to enjoy it!
Even if you’re not quite ready to pull out all the pumpkin-spice recipes… this simple cake is a perfect way to enjoy fresh fall pears and some early fall baking.
This post was created in partnership with Sprouts Farmer’s Market.
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My baking projects always start with a trip to Sprouts Farmers Market.
I know I can find all my favorite baking staples like flour, baking powder, sugar and eggs… as well as fresh seasonal fruit like these pretty pears.
And Sprouts bulk bins are the perfect spot to stock up on snacks for back-to-school, as well as baking essentials like nuts.
Sliced almonds are such a beautiful way to add flavor and texture to so many desserts!
After you bake up this Pear Almond Cake, feel free to try my recipe for rich and buttery Almond Bars too!
This Pear Almond Cake starts with a perfect vanilla-almond cake and then is baked with fresh pears and sliced almonds.
The pears add moisture and just a subtle flavor to the cake, and then the almonds add richness and texture.
This simple and delicious cake is perfect with a cup of coffee or tea.
How to Make Pear Almond Cake
Pear Almond Cake
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups flour
- 1 ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter at room temperature
- ¾ cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 tablespoon sour cream full fat preferred
- ½ cup whole milk or 2%, but avoid lower fat
- 1-2 fresh pears see instructions, from Sprouts
- ½ cup sliced almonds from Sprouts
- 1 tablespoon coarse sugar optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Prepare one 9” cake pan by lightly greasing the sides of the pan and then dusting with flour, then line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt. Whisk, and then set aside.
- In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat butter until smooth. While mixing, slowly add sugar and continue to beat until the butter and sugar are well combined and the mixture is light and fluffy. Don't skimp on the mixing at this stage.
- While mixing, add the eggs one at a time, blending at least 10-20 seconds between each additional egg. Mixing well to incorporate some air is important in this step.
- Add vanilla and almond extract, and blend well to combine.
- Add sour cream and blend.
- While slowly mixing, add the flour mixture, blend a bit and then add milk. Blend just until all ingredients are combined.
- Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed; stir by hand (just a couple times) to make sure all ingredients are well blended.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread to level.
- Peel 1 large or 2 small pears. Remove the core and slice into thin (about ¼” thick) slices. Lay slices on top of the cake batter, covering the entire surface with a single layer of pears.
- On top of the sliced pears, sprinkle sliced almonds and then sprinkle about 1 tablespoon course sugar on top.
- Bake in prepared oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool cake in the pan for 5-10 minutes, then gently loosen from the edges of the pan and remove from the pan.
- Enjoy immediately, or after cooled.
Notes
Nutrition
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Happy fall baking!
Disclosure – I created this recipe in partnership with Sprouts Farmers Market. Partnering with brands I love allows me to provide you with high quality content at no cost to you. I only work with brands I use and love. All images, text and opinions are my own.
Janie says
This cake is too much for a 9 inch pan. What a mess
Glory says
I’m sorry to hear you had trouble. I baked the cake in a 9″ round pan that is 2″ high on the sides… which would be a standard cake pan height. I’m not quite sure what the issue could have been? How tall was your pan?
Allan says
The cake turned out awesome and was delicious, even the kids loved it. Thanks Glory!
Antoinette says
What type of pears are best to use in this recipe? Bartlett?
Glory says
Sorry, I should have probably mentioned that in the recipe (I’ll go update it!). Yes, I used Bartlett and that’s what I would recommend, but I actually think most any pear would work nicely. Firmer pears should just be sliced nice and thin and will likely keep a bit more texture than the bartlett.
Scarlet says
Hey, I’m in UK. Do you have a version in grams? Thanks.
Glory says
Sorry, I only bake using U.S. measurements, but please feel free to use a conversion chart to convert the recipe if needed.
Natalie says
This almond and pear cake looks so delicious and moist! Can’t wait to try this recipe!
Sherrill says
I know I’ve said it before . . . but, I sure wish you were my neighbor! ! ! How I would love to be your taste-tester and/or take care of any “extra” treats you may have around! ! ! This looks perfect! ! !