Description
This Pear Almond Cake is a moist, dairy-free dessert featuring tender pears and a crunchy almond topping, perfect for a cozy treat or special occasion. Made with almond milk and dairy-free butter, this cake is flavorful and suitable for those avoiding dairy. The soft pear cubes inside the cake combined with the crisp pear slices and toasted almonds on top offer a delightful texture contrast.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Batter
- 2 cups Self-Rising Flour
- 3/4 cup Unrefined Cane Sugar
- 1 1/4 cups Almond Milk
- 1/3 cup Dairy-Free Butter (unsalted, melted)
- 1 teaspoon Almond Extract
- 3 medium Pears (firm, cored, peeled; 2 sliced thinly, 1 cubed)
Almond Topping
- 1/2 cup Almond Flour
- 1/4 cup Unrefined Cane Sugar
- 1/4 cup Dairy-Free Butter (melted)
- 1/2 teaspoon Almond Extract
- 1/2 cup Sliced Almonds
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 9-inch cake pan with parchment paper and lightly spray the paper and pan sides with cooking oil spray. Set aside for later use.
- Prepare Pears: Peel and core the pears. Slice two pears into thin slices approximately 0.1 inches (2mm) thick. Cut the third pear into cubes about 0.4 inches (1cm) in size. Place both pear portions into two separate bowls and set aside.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the self-rising flour and 3/4 cup unrefined cane sugar to evenly distribute the ingredients.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the almond milk, melted dairy-free butter, and 1 teaspoon of almond extract into the flour-sugar mixture. Use a rubber spatula to gently combine until the batter is uniform.
- Incorporate Pear Cubes: Fold the cubed pears into the batter carefully, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout without breaking them down.
- Pour Batter into Pan: Transfer the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it into an even layer with the spatula.
- Prepare Almond Topping: In a separate bowl, mix the almond flour, 1/4 cup unrefined cane sugar, melted dairy-free butter, and 1/2 teaspoon almond extract until well combined to make the topping.
- Apply Almond Topping: Evenly sprinkle and gently press the almond topping mixture over the batter in the pan to help it adhere.
- Top with Pear Slices and Almonds: Arrange the thin pear slices evenly and tightly over the almond topping, allowing for some overlapping. Press the pear slices lightly with your fingers to secure them. Sprinkle sliced almonds over the pears and press gently.
- Bake the Cake: Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 55 to 65 minutes. After 45 minutes of baking, place a piece of foil loosely over the top of the cake to prevent the surface from browning too quickly. The cake is done when a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, remove the cake from the pan and transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely for 1 to 2 hours before slicing.
- Serve: Optionally dust the top with powdered sugar before serving for an elegant finish and added sweetness.
Notes
- Self-rising flour contains baking powder and salt; if unavailable, you can make your own by combining all-purpose flour with baking powder and salt.
- Using firm pears ensures they hold their shape during both baking and slicing.
- Using unrefined cane sugar provides a subtle molasses flavor but you can substitute with regular sugar if preferred.
- This cake is dairy-free as it uses dairy-free butter and almond milk, making it suitable for people with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies.
- To prevent over-browning, cover the cake with foil after 45 minutes of baking.
- Allow the cake to cool completely for best slicing results.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Western
Keywords: pear almond cake, dairy-free cake, vegan cake, almond milk cake, fruit cake, dairy-free dessert
