-
1
For the pears: Lightly butter a 9-inch round cake pan, line the bottom with parchment paper, and butter the paper.
-
2
Put the butter, brown sugar, and lemon zest and juice in a large skillet.
-
3
Cook over medium heat, stirring, until melted.
-
4
Add the pears, cover, and simmer, turning once, until the pears are soft and juicy, about 4 minutes.
-
5
Pour the pears and their syrup into a strainer set over a saucepan.
-
6
Set the syrup and 1 pear quarter aside.
-
7
Arrange remaining pears in the prepared pan, stem ends toward center, rounded sides down, and 1/4-inch from the side.
-
8
Chop reserved pear and use just enough to fill center.
-
9
For the cake: Set a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees F.
-
10
Scald milk in a small saucepan; keep warm.
-
11
Whisk flour with almonds, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and cloves.
-
12
Beat butter with an electric mixer at medium speed until smooth, about 2 minutes.
-
13
Increase speed to medium-high and gradually add granulated sugar; continue beating until mixture is light and fluffy, about 4 minutes, scraping down sides of bowl.
-
14
Add cocoa powder and vanilla and beat 1 minute.
-
15
While mixing at medium-low speed, add eggs 1 at a time, beating well after each addition.
-
16
While mixing slowly, add the flour mixture in 4 additions; turn off the mixer and fold in the hot milk with a rubber spatula.
-
17
Spread the batter over the pears, taking care not to disturb them.
-
18
Tap the pan lightly on the counter to settle the batter.
-
19
Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 50 minutes.
-
20
Cool cake in the pan on a rack for 20 minutes, then invert the cake onto a serving plate.
-
21
Cool briefly, carefully peel the parchment paper from the top, and then cool completely.
-
22
To finish the cake: Boil the reserved pear syrup until slightly thick and lightly brush the top of the cake with syrup.
-
23
Whisk a few tablespoons of cocoa powder with an equal amount of confectioners' sugar, and sift over the cake; serve.
