Cakes, Tarts

Poached Pear and Almond Souffle Cakes

1_Pear_Almond_Souffle

Adapted from Tartelette.

2_Pear_Almond_Souffle

Ingredients for the poached pears:

  • 6 small pears like Forelles or Seckel
  • 1/2 cup (100gr) sugar
  • 2-3 cloves
  • 2-3 cardamom pods
  • 1 stick cinnamon
  • 5-6 allspice berries
  • 1-2 star anise
  • 1/2 lemon
  • 4 cups (1 liter) water

3_Pear_Almond_Souffle

Ingredients for the souffle cakes:

  •  3 tablespoons (40gr) unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 1/2 cup (100gr) sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 3/4 cup (190ml) heavy cream
  • 1 cup ground almonds (blanched or skin on – your preference)
  • 1/4 cup 1/4 cup all purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

4_Pear_Almond_Souffle

Directions for the poached pears:
Place the pears, spices, lemon and water in tall saucepan and bring to a boil over medium high heat. Lower the heat and let them simmerfor 15-20 minutes or until the pears are just soft (poke with a toothpick to check).
Remove from the water using a slotted spoon and allow to cool on paper towel or baking rack.

5_Pear_Almond_Souffle

Directions for the souffle cakes:
Preheat the oven to 350F and position a rack in the middle.
Slightly butter or spray 6 ramekins and place them on a baking sheet. Set aside.

9_Pear_Almond_Souffle

In the bowl if an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffly (about 3 minutes). Add the eggs, one a time and beat well in between each addition. Reduce the speed to low and add the vanilla, heavy cream, almonds, flour and baking powder and beat until incorporated. Fill each ramekins about 1/3 full with the batter and place a poached pear in the center.
Bake for 25-30 minutes.

10_Pear_Almond_Souffle

Serve at room temperature with some powdered sugar dusted on top if desired.
Serves 6.

6_Pear_Almond_Souffle

You Might Also Like

12 Comments

  • Reply
    Megan
    August 30, 2011 at 1:31 am

    delicious…. beautiful post… I love the little pear nestled in the box –

  • Reply
    Yelena
    August 30, 2011 at 2:03 am

    Thank you so much, it is delicious, very soft and the pears are just gorgeous!

  • Reply
    Dzoli
    August 30, 2011 at 5:34 am

    I love poached pear.I often make them in wine with star anise and vanila and few more spices..Your idea is definitely worth trying.Pear looks so happy in her nest:)

  • Reply
    Tina (PinayInTexas)
    August 30, 2011 at 3:42 pm

    Wow! What a wonderful recipe and amazing pix you have there!

  • Reply
    The Mom Chef
    August 31, 2011 at 12:17 am

    I don't know that I've ever seen a more gorgeous souffle. I love the idea of the pears cushioned in the souffle like that. It's beautiful and elegant.

  • Reply
    Christine's Pantry
    August 31, 2011 at 3:21 am

    Love pears! Great recipe.

  • Reply
    Parsley Sage
    August 31, 2011 at 2:03 pm

    Fabulous photos! That souffle is absolutely stunning! Buzzed 🙂

  • Reply
    Chocolate Shavings
    September 1, 2011 at 1:46 am

    These photos are gorgeous and the cake looks delicious!

  • Reply
    mathea
    September 2, 2011 at 9:09 am

    i love your blog. i love to cook for my 2 kids and i love food photos too. great i've found this site of yours.

  • Reply
    Magic of Spice
    September 2, 2011 at 11:22 pm

    What a stunningly beautiful souffle…wow!

  • Reply
    Amy
    September 3, 2011 at 1:10 am

    These are so beautiful! Poaches pears and souffles are delicious alone, but to combine them sounds amazing!

  • Reply
    Lynn @ I'll Have What She's Having
    September 6, 2011 at 2:33 am

    Gorgeous! The souffle sounds wonderful, and your photos are beautiful.

  • Leave a Reply

    Cooking Melangery