Using a food processor, grind your almonds to a fine powder, reserving 2 Tablesoons for the topping later. Don’t take it too far or you will make almond butter! You just want fine and even pieces. You will need 1 1/4 cup ground almonds.
Prepare a springform pan by greasing it with butter. Line the bottom with a round of parchment paper, and then butter that as well. Place the pan on a rimmed baking sheet.
In the bowl of a stand mixer with the beater attached, beat the butter and sugar together until pale and fluffy, about 4 minutes.
Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing between each addition.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, ground almonds, baking powder and salt.
Spoon the batter evenly into the pan.
Slice the pears, core them, and dice them into 1.5” pieces.
Sprinkle the diced pear evenly over the batter and gently press the into the batter.
Sprinkle the remaining sliced almonds over the top of the cake.
Bake for 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is not jiggly when the pan is wiggled. (check the cake halfway through baking and see if you need to tent it with foil).
Place the springform pan on a wire rack and allow the cake to cool completely.
Release the springform pan, generously sprinkle the top of the cake with powdered sugar, and enjoy!
Notes
How do I store this cake?
This cake will last beset when stored in the fridge! Cover with foil and enjoy within a few days. You can leave it on the counter overnight, but the pears will get really juicy and make the cake really soft quickly.