Almond Pear Cake with Vanilla + Cardamom

Vegan almond pear cake with vanilla and cardamom. A moist and delicate cake perfect for cozy winter afternoons and naturally sweetened with maple syrup.

Hi there. It’s been a little while. I know but I’m here today and I brought you cake!

I got a friendly email from my Dad the other day letting me know that this space has been more than quiet as of late. What was going to follow the hippie fudge? His curiosity made me smile and I couldn’t believe how quickly this month has gone by. I’ve been giving up screen time lately for walks with our new dog. I won’t gush about it too much for those not interested in canine events but needless to say it’s been a more than pleasant way to spent my time. For a long time it has only been Matt + I and we’ve been happy with that but now it feels like we a building a family and that feels really good too. With that comes more routine, more outdoor time, more love. If you have a pet maybe you know what I ‘m talking about but this new to me love has grabbed a hold of a my heart.

My parents are coming out at the beginning of December and we’ve been trying to get our new place together. Not because I feel the need to impress my parents but because it helps to give yourself a deadline for these kind of things. Matt has built some shelves and we picked up a coffee table today so it feels like a few steps in the right direction. It would be easy to spend a lot of money right now to fully equip our new home but it also feels ridiculous to buy new things when there is so much furniture begin thrown out or donated. I made a promise to myself to bring as many second hand items as possible and it’s impressive what you can find when you take the time to look. It may seem like a small gesture but with the state of our planet right now I figured anything helps.

So I’ve been taking things slow to give myself time to seek out the things we need. As I write that I realize it seems silly because we don’t actually need anything, but I am a homebody and creating a comfortable living space is a luxury I am grateful to afford. A loving husband, a friendly dog and my parents crossing the country to come see us. There really isn’t much to ask for this year.

So thank you for the reminder, Dad. Maybe when you’re out here we can have some tea and a piece of cake after a walk by the river. The pup is really looking forward to meeting you. x

Vegan almond pear cake with vanilla and cardamom. A moist and delicate cake perfect for cozy winter afternoons and naturally sweetened with maple syrup.Vegan almond pear cake with vanilla and cardamom. A moist and delicate cake perfect for cozy winter afternoons and naturally sweetened with maple syrup.


ALMOND PEAR CAKE WITH VANILLA + CARDAMOM

What this cake lacks in simple presentation it makes up for in flavour. I thought about doing a drizzle or a glaze on top but all too often those steps seem over the top. This is the perfect humble slice for an afternoon cup of tea. I haven’t tested it wet but I imagine you could easily make this cake gluten free by replacing the white flour with a gluten free 1 to 1 flour. I’ve had success with Bob’s Red Mill before. If you try it let me know.

Ingredients

1 cup almond flour
1 cup brown rice flour
1 + 1/4 cup unbleached white flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cardamom
1 cup almond milk
2 large ripe pears, cored, peeled and diced (about 3 cups)
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup maple syrup
1 tablespoon natural vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon fine grain sea salt
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 F / 175 C and grease a bundt or cake pan with olive oil.

In a large bowl whisk together almond flour, brown rice flour, white flour, baking powder, baking soda and ground cardamom. Set aside.

Place almond milk, pears, olive oil, maple syrup, vanilla and sea salt in a food processor or blender and blend until smooth (a few chunks of pears is just fine).

Gently fold wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Add the apple cider vinegar and fold again to evenly distribute. Pour batter into cake pan and bake in the oven until the top is light and golden brown and the cake is firm to the touch, about 35-40 minutes in a bundt pan. To test with a toothpick insert the toothpick into the center of the cake, hold for three seconds and then remove. If the toothpick comes out clean the cake is done. Baking times will vary depending on cake pan.


Let me in on your kitchen creations – tag your photos #happyheartedkitchen and share the love!

17 Comments

  • Reply
    Karlie @ Karlcooks.com
    November 28, 2016 at 4:30 am

    This is beautifully simple, I can’t wait to try.

  • Reply
    Shelley Ludman
    November 28, 2016 at 5:23 am

    Ditto what Bob said – I’ve been patiently waiting for this cake to grace the pages of this site! Sounds totally perfect for the raining week up ahead (note to self: buy pears). I can’t wait to come out for another visit to meet Baltik and see the new place. Nesting this time of year just feels right. Much love girl, xx

    • Reply
      Jodi Kay
      November 30, 2016 at 7:55 am

      Thanks Shelley! Would love to have you back here too! Here’s hoping it’s not raining too much this week and that there are pears! x

  • Reply
    Maya | Spice + Sprout
    November 28, 2016 at 10:41 am

    Jodi, this is gorgeous. I would definitely be in favour of long walks with a super cute pup over screen time :) I only wish that I had that kind of nature within reach! Sooooon hopefully <3

    • Reply
      Jodi Kay
      November 30, 2016 at 7:56 am

      Thanks Maya! Hopefully all is going well with school for you :) It’s pretty beautiful where you are too x

  • Reply
    Sophie | The Green Life
    November 28, 2016 at 12:13 pm

    Oh, this cake is gorgeous, Jodi! It looks so light and fluffy! I love the minimalist styling here, it truly lets the beauty of the cake shine. I’m totally bookmarking this one for later this season. And I’m really happy for you, the new place, and the new puppy. So much love. <3

    • Reply
      Jodi Kay
      November 30, 2016 at 7:57 am

      Thank you Sophie! Trying to keep things simple here these days. And I’m really happy for you too – Bali here you COME! xx

  • Reply
    Veggie Inspired
    November 30, 2016 at 1:40 pm

    Saw this on FoodGawker – gorgeous!! Love the flavors. Definitely have to try!

    • Reply
      Jodi Kay
      December 1, 2016 at 8:22 am

      Thank you so much! Hope you are having a great week xx

  • Reply
    Ashlae W.
    December 1, 2016 at 2:57 pm

    Jodi. This is seriously one of the most beautiful bundt cakes I have ever seen. High fives, lady!

    As for the new place.. ease into it. When we first bought our place I jumped the gun on a few things and later regretted it. Two and a half years later, our place is still a work in progress.. but it just makes finding that *perfect* piece so much more worth it.

    Hugs, babe! <3 Still cannot get over that stunner of a cake.

    • Reply
      Jodi Kay
      December 9, 2016 at 8:47 am

      Ah, thank you Ashlae! Sending high fives right back at you! Thank you for the wise words on the new place. I do love thrifting, and we have found some really great pieces that just need a little a love. Now my next dream is own a home with a little shop where I can re-finish them (not that I have any clue how to do that but its sounds cool.) Life is always a work in progress I guess. I love love love your photos of your home, it’s so simple and unique and so YOU! Have a cozy weekend x

  • Reply
    Jessie Snyder | Faring Well
    December 3, 2016 at 7:44 am

    This is so sweet Jodi, every sentence made me smile bigger! I’m so happy for you two to have found your own space, and to have your parents coming to visit this month too! So exciting (plus that bit about your dad’s note was way too cute). Cheers to building your place slowly. Our home is still half empty and I’ve never felt happier. there is something in the absence of superfluous things that brings a sense of completeness. Enjoy your sweet pup, your man, and all the snowy walks this month girl. Adore you. xx

  • Reply
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    December 11, 2016 at 9:30 pm

    […] Almond Pear Cake with Vanilla + Cardamom from Happy Hearted Kitchen […]

  • Reply
    mrsdalloway
    January 24, 2017 at 11:13 am

    Made this cake yesterday (except I switched pears with 1,5 apples) and it’s delicious! Love the texture and the taste =) Thank you for the recipe !

    • Reply
      Jodi Kay
      January 25, 2017 at 8:34 am

      Oh I’m so glad you liked it! And I’m also so happy to know it works with apples as well! Have a wonderful week! x

  • Reply
    Elaine Vaughan
    February 24, 2017 at 1:59 pm

    I made it with Cup4Cup gluten-free flour, and it came out great! Thanks for such a healthy recipe ~

    https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/2606a7aea7ce7f90fc35a08dbe1e6a0b08db7d8329a869457eaaf62981fdde36.jpg

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