Gluten Free Tranquility

  • Easter
  • Recipes
  • Contact
  • About
  • Subscribe
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Easter
  • Recipes
  • Contact
  • About
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Easter
    • Recipes
    • Contact
    • About
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
  • ×
    Home » Cakes » Pear and Chocolate Cake

    Pear and Chocolate Cake

    Published: May 28, 2024 by Amanda · This post may contain affiliate links · 4 Comments

    Jump to Recipe

    This easy Pear and Chocolate cake with almond flour is a simple but stunning dessert. The juiciness of the pears and the richness of the chocolate make the perfect flavor combination that is complimented by the fudgy texture.

    Almond pear chocolate cake slice on a white plate with a fork.

    This recipe was inspired by the German cake Schoko Birnenkuchen and made gluten free by using almond flour. I love cakes using fresh seasonal fruit such as gluten free apple cake, gluten free strawberry cake, and gluten free rhubarb cake.

    This chocolate pear cake is delicious served with this homemade chocolate ice cream, or Chantilly cream.

    Reader review quote.
    Jump to:
    • ⭐ Why we love this recipe
    • Recipe Development
    • 📋 Ingredients Notes
    • ⚡ Substitutions & Variations
    • 🥣 Step by Step Instructions
    • 💡 Pro Recipe Tips
    • ❔ Recipe FAQs
    • More gluten free Cake recipes
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    ⭐ Why we love this recipe

    • Easy to make - This recipe is so simple and beginner-friendly which results in a simple but impressive cake.
    • Flavor combination - Pears and chocolate are just the perfect match! The juiciness of the pears and the richness of the chocolate are just the perfect match for a decadent dessert.
    • Flourless Chocolate cake - Using ground almonds makes this naturally gluten free without the need for wheat flour or complex flour blends.
    • Dairy Free Option - Easily made dairy-free if required, see substitutions below.

    Recipe Development

    I have been testing lots of flourless cakes recently and I was inspired by the German cake Schoko Birnenkuchen to make a pear and chocolate cake (I am in no way claiming this to be a traditional Schoko Birnenkuchen, I simply took inspiration from it) as I love the combination of the pears and chocolate. When developing this recipe I wanted to incorporate them but also make it naturally gluten free but using ground almonds.

    I also tested using ground hazelnuts which also was delicious but I saved that version for my flourless Nutella cake which is packed full of hazelnut flavor.

    📋 Ingredients Notes

    Labeled ingredients for chocolate cake with pears recipe.
    • Butter - Use unsalted good quality butter.
    • Chocolate - Use semi-sweet chocolate as it adds a rich flavor and don't forget to add the chocolate chips additional chocolate on top. Always check that the chocolate is gluten free as some brands may contain gluten.
    • Salt - A little salt makes all the difference. It enhances and balances out the flavors in the cake.
    • Almond Flour - This will work well with almond flour or ground almonds. I love the flavor that it adds and makes this cake naturally gluten-free.
    • Eggs - Separating the egg yolk and whites into separate bowls ensuring that no egg yolk gets into the egg white as even the smallest amount of yolk can prevent the egg whites from whipping up to soft peaks. Always use room-temperature eggs.
    • Sugar - I used superfine sugar (Caster or baker's sugar) for the cake and dusted the cooled cake with powdered sugar.
    • Ripe Pears - The pears and chocolate are just a beautiful flavor pairing. Core and peel the pears as the skin can become stiff during baking. Always use ripe juicy pears.

    See the recipe card below for all ingredients & measurements.

    ⚡ Substitutions & Variations

    • Dairy Free - It is easily made dairy-free by using dairy free butter block, and dairy free chocolate.
    • Almond Extract - If you want to increase the almond flavor substitute the vanilla extract for ¼ teaspoon of almond extract.
    • Ground Hazelnuts - This recipe also works well and tastes delicious by substituting the ground almonds for finely ground hazelnuts.

    🥣 Step by Step Instructions

    Below is a brief step-by-step process with photos of how to make Pear Chocolate Cake

    See the recipe card below for more detailed recipe instructions.

    Two images side by side, one with melted chocolate in a silver pan and one of egg yolk and sugar in a bowl with a whisk.

    Step 1: Line the bottom and sides of a 9-inch cake pan with parchment paper. Preheat the oven to 180℃/350℉/Gas mark 4.

    In a non-stick pan on low-medium heat melt the butter and chocolate, or in the microwave in 30-second bursts, or in a bain-marie until fully melted. Set aside to cool slightly.

    Step 2: Using two bowls separate the egg yolk from the egg whites ensuring that no egg yolk goes into the egg whites.

    Whisk the egg yolks with the sugar until thick.

    Tip: Be sure not to get any egg yolk into the egg whites as this can result in the egg whites not whipping up to soft peaks.

    Egg whites whipped to soft peaks in a glass bowl.

    Step 3: Remove the melted chocolate and butter mixture from the heat and in a large bowl whisk in the cocoa powder, salt, and ground almonds until fully combined.

    Fold in the egg yolk and sugar mixture into the chocolate mixture.

    Step 4: In a large bowl beat the egg whites until soft peaks form (See image 4).

    Pears being sliced on a wooden chopping board.

    Step 5: Fold the egg white mixture into the chocolate batter. Pour the cake batter into the cake pan and spread it out evenly.

    Step 6: Peel, core, and cut in half the pears. Carefully thinly slice the pears (See image 6). Place them on top of the cake batter, cut side down, gently slightly pressing them into the cake batter.

    Tip: Gently fold in the egg whites to maintain the airiness of the cake batter. I like to fold in a few scoops of egg whites to begin with then add the remaining egg whites as I find this makes it easier.

    Two images side by side, one of chocolate cake with pears before baking and the other of the baked cake dusted with powdered sugar.

    Step 7: Sprinkle the chocolate chips over the top of the cake in between the pears (See image 7).

    Bake in the oven for 40-45 minutes or until the cake is fully set. Check by inserting a skewer/toothpick in the middle of the cake and when it comes out slightly moist with some crumbs on it is ready (It should not be wet).

    Step 8: Allow the cake to cool in the cake pan for 15 minutes and then transfer it onto a wire rack. Once fully cooled cover and place in the refrigerator for up to 3 hours to fully set.

    Dust with powdered sugar just before serving

    Tip: Setting the cooled cake in the refrigerator will help the cake set well which results in a beautiful dense fudgy texture.

    💡 Pro Recipe Tips

    • Tip #1: Use good quality ingredients as this will really impact the taste of the finished cake.
    • Tip #2: Line the bottom and sides of the cake pan and preferably using a spring form pan will make the cake easier to remove from the cake pan.
    • Tip #3: Be sure not to get any egg yolk into the egg whites as this can result in the egg whites not whipping up to soft peaks.
    • Tip #4: Gently fold in the egg whites to maintain the airiness of the cake batter. I like to fold in a few scoops of egg whites to begin with then add the remaining egg whites as I find this makes it easier.
    • Tip #5: Setting the cooled cake in the refrigerator will help the cake set well which results in a beautiful dense fudgy texture.
    Almond pear chocolate cake dusted with powdered sugar on a white plate.

    ❔ Recipe FAQs

    How to store the chocolate pear cake

    The chocolate pear cake can be stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

    Can I make this recipe in advance?

    Yes, This pear and chocolate cake is best made the day before and can be made a few days in advance.

    Can I make it dairy free?

    Yes to make a dairy free flourless chocolate cake substitute the butter and chocolate for your preferred dairy free brand.

    Can I use canned pears?

    I haven't tested this recipe using canned pears but if you want to try I recommend draining the pears well and pat them dry to remove any excess moisture.

    This chocolate and pear cake will be delicious paired with fresh Chantilly cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or drizzled with chocolate sauce or homemade chocolate ganache.

    More gluten free Cake recipes

    • Gluten free apple cake on a wooden cake stand on a white background.
      Gluten Free Apple Cake
    • A slice of chocolate crumb cake on a white plate with a fork.
      Chocolate Crumb Cake
    • Close-up of rhubarb cake on a wooden cake stand.
      Gluten Free Rhubarb Cake
    • Gluten free dark chocolate cake on a wooden cake stand with a white background.
      Gluten Free Dark Chocolate Cake

    If you tried this Pear and Chocolate Cake recipe. Please leave a star 🌟rating in the recipe card below & a review in the comments section further down the page. Subscribe and get free recipes straight to your inbox.

    📖 Recipe

    Almond pear chocolate cake slice on a white plate with a fork.

    Pear and Chocolate Cake

    This easy Pear and Chocolate cake with almond flour is a simple but stunning dessert. The juiciness of the pears and the richness of the chocolate make the perfect flavor combination that is complimented by the fudgy texture.
    5 from 3 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Baking, Dessert
    Cuisine: international
    Diet: Gluten Free
    Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 40 minutes minutes
    Servings: 10 Servings
    Calories: 313kcal

    Nutritional information is meant as a guideline and all information is approximate.

    Author: Amanda
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Equipment

    • 9-inch springform cake pan
    • Parchment paper
    • Stand mixer or electric whisk

    Ingredients

    Ingredients for Chocolate Pear Cake

    • 110 grams Unsalted Butter
    • 110 grams Semi-sweet Chocolate Be sure to use gluten free chocolate
    • 2 tablespoons Cocoa Powder
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
    • 110 grams Almond flour/Ground Almonds
    • 4 large Eggs (Separated) Room temperature
    • 110 grams Sugar
    • 2-3 Ripe Pears (cored and peeled)
    • 50 grams Chocolate chips
    • 1 tablespoon Powdered sugar

    Instructions

    How to make Chocolate Pear Cake

    • Line the bottom and sides of a 9-inch cake pan with parchment paper. Preheat the oven to 180℃/350℉/Gas mark 4.
    • In a non-stick pan on low-medium heat melt the butter and chocolate, or in the microwave in 30-second bursts, or in a bain-marie until fully melted.
    • Remove from the heat and allow to cool slightly. In a large bowl whisk in the cocoa powder, salt, and ground almonds until fully combined.
    • Using two bowls separate the egg yolk from the egg whites ensuring that no egg yolk goes into the egg whites.
    • Whisk the egg yolks with the sugar until thick. Fold in the egg yolk and sugar mixture into the chocolate mixture.
    • In a large bowl beat the egg whites until soft peaks form (See image 4).
    • Fold the egg white mixture into the chocolate batter.
    • Transfer the cake batter to the cake pan and spread it out evenly.
    • Peel, core, and cut in half the pears. Carefully thinly slice the pears (See image 6). Place them on top of the cake batter, cut side down, gently slightly pressing them into the cake batter.
    • Sprinkle the chocolate chips over the top of the cake in between the pears (See image 7).
    • Bake in the oven for 40-45 minutes or until the cake is fully set. Check by inserting a skewer/toothpick in the middle of the cake and when it comes out slightly moist with some crumbs on it is ready (It should not be wet).
    • Allow the cake to cool in the cake pan for 15 minutes and then transfer it onto a wire rack. Once fully cooled cover and place in the refrigerator for up to 3 hours to fully set.
    • Dust with powdered sugar just before serving.

    Notes

    Pro Tips
    • Tip #1: Use good quality ingredients as this will really impact the taste of the finished cake.
    • Tip #2: Line the bottom and sides of the cake pan and preferably using a spring form pan will make the cake easier to remove from the cake pan.
    • Tip #3: Be sure not to get any egg yolk into the egg whites as this can result in the egg whites not whipping up to soft peaks.
    • Tip #4: Gently fold in the egg whites to maintain the airiness of the cake batter. I like to fold in a few scoops of egg whites to begin with then add the remaining egg whites as I find this makes it easier.
    • Tip #5: Setting the cooled cake in the refrigerator will help the cake set well which results in a beautiful dense fudgy texture.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1Serving | Calories: 313kcal | Carbohydrates: 22.1g | Protein: 14.2g | Fat: 18.8g | Saturated Fat: 8.3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3.7g | Cholesterol: 24.4mg | Sodium: 339.8mg | Potassium: 239.6mg | Fiber: 2.1g | Sugar: 18.1g

    Disclaimer

    Nutritional information is meant as a guideline and is always an approximate calculation. Recipes may include information of various products used. It is your responsibility to check that ingredients you use when making a recipe are gluten free.

    Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @glutenfree.tranquility or tag #glutenfreetranquility!

    More Gluten free Cake Recipes

    • Gluten-free lemon drizzle cake sliced on a white background.
      Gluten-Free Lemon Drizzle Cake
    • Gluten free carrot loaf cake on a wooden chopping board.
      Gluten Free Carrot Loaf Cake
    • Nutella torte on a white plate with hazelnuts on top.
      Nutella Torte (Chocolate Hazelnut Cake)
    • Lemon meringue cake on a white surface with sliced lemons on the side.
      Lemon Meringue Cake

    Comments

    1. Sally says

      November 17, 2024 at 9:47 am

      Gorgeous cake, a really nice texture and flavour! I used sweetener (xylitol) instead of sugar and reduced the amount to 70g for personal preference, and I also subbed 10g of the almond flour with lupin flour (also gluten free) because it improves the texture when baking with almond flour but barely impacts on taste. Everybody wolfed it down! Off to look at your other recipes now 😉5 stars

      Reply
      • Amanda says

        November 17, 2024 at 10:09 am

        Thank you Sally for the review. I will have to give it a try with your tip using 10g of lupin flour. I am so happy everyone enjoyed the cake 😊

        Reply
    2. Gus says

      October 24, 2024 at 12:50 pm

      This was beautiful loved it and so did the family5 stars

      Reply
      • Amanda says

        October 24, 2024 at 12:51 pm

        Thank you Gus. I am so happy everyone enjoyed it!

        Reply
    5 from 3 votes (1 rating without comment)

    Did you make this recipe? I would love to hear from you! Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Hi, I'm Amanda! I am passionate about creating gluten free versions of all the foods that I enjoy. I love sharing them with others looking for easy but delicious gluten free recipes.

    More about me →

    Easter Recipes

    • Stacked mini egg cookies on a white background with loose mini eggs sprinkles around.
      Mini Egg Cookies
    • Lemon meringue cake on a white surface with sliced lemons on the side.
      Lemon Meringue Cake
    • Carrot cake cheesecake on a wooden cake stand with a slice being removed.
      Carrot Cake Cheesecake
    • photo collage of gluten free easter desserts text overlay
      Gluten free Easter Desserts
    • gluten free mini easter cheesecakes on a wooden chopping board
      Mini Egg Easter Cheesecake Bites
    • Gluten free carrot layer cake on a wooden cake stand with a white background.
      Gluten Free Carrot Cake

    Popular Posts

    • gluten free vanilla cheesecake being sliced
      Gluten Free Vanilla Cheesecake - No Bake
    • Basque cheesecake on brown parchment paper with a slice being lifted out.
      San Sebastian Cheesecake (Gluten Free Basque cheesecake)
    • Complete gluten free charcuterie board on a white surface.
      Gluten Free Charcuterie Board
    • 3 yorkshire puddings on a white place with a grey napkin in the background
      Gluten Free Yorkshire Puddings
    • gluten free chocolates for what chocolates are gluten free
      What Chocolates are Gluten free?
    • Gluten free apple cake on a wooden cake stand on a white background.
      Gluten Free Apple Cake

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • About
    • Privacy Policy
    • Accessibility Policy

    Contact

    • Sign Up! - For emails and updates
    • Contact

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2025 Gluten free Tranquility

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.