Sweet, spicy, juicy and crumbly. A mouth-watering combo? Sure is! Try this garam masala spiced pear cake warm with cream or ice cream for big smiles from around the table.
Melt the butter in the microwave, then let it cool slightly.
In a large bowl, cream the two types of sugar with the egg yolks and vanilla before stirring in the melted butter.
In a separate bowl, mix the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, garam masala, almond meal, salt).
Add the dry mix to the egg mixture bit by bit, alternating with the milk, until just combined. Do not overmix, lumps can remain.
Fold the walnuts into the dough.
Grease and line a 20x20cm square bake tin with baking paper. Spread the mixture evenly into the tin.
Cut the pears into quarters, core, then slice lengthwise into four slices. Arrange pear slices on the base in rows, lightly pressing them into the dough.
Chop dates into small pieces and spread out evenly on top of the pears.
Crumble
Cut cold butter into small pieces.
Mix with sugar and flour and massage together by hand until large lumps form.
Sprinkle the crumble over the pears.
Bake for 45-50 minutes until the crumbs are golden.
Slice into rectangles and serve with whipped cream (optional).