Description
This Almond Pear Upside-Down Cake features caramelized pears and a moist almond-flavored cake.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 medium ripe pears, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, divided
- 1 cup (200 g) brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (50 g) almond flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk
- 1/2 cup (70 g) sliced almonds (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch (23 cm) round cake pan with 2 tablespoons of butter and set aside.
- In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter. Add the brown sugar and stir until it dissolves and begins to bubble. Add the sliced pears and cook for about 5-7 minutes, until they are slightly softened and coated in the caramel. Remove from heat and arrange the pears in a circular pattern at the bottom of the prepared cake pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the remaining 6 tablespoons of butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla and almond extracts until fully combined.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the flour mixture, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Carefully pour the batter over the arranged pears in the cake pan, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle the sliced almonds on top of the batter for added texture and flavor.
- Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully run a knife around the edges to loosen it. Place a serving plate on top of the cake pan and invert it to release the cake, allowing the caramelized pears to be on top.
- Slice the cake and serve warm or at room temperature. It pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, you can add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter.
- Ensure the pears are ripe but firm to hold their shape during baking.
- This cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
Keywords: Almond Pear Upside-Down Cake, dessert, baking, pears, almonds