Step 1

Grease and line the base and sides of a 22cm spring-form tin.Pre-heat the oven to 180C/350F.

Step 2

Add butter and sugar to the bowl of a stand mixer.

Step 3

Beat the butter and sugar until it is thick and pale.

Step 4

Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the vanilla with the last egg. The mixture may appear to separate but it will come together with the addition of the flour and almond meal.

Step 5

Sift the flour and baking powder together.

Step 6

With the mixer on the lowest speed, gently add the flour, baking powder and almond meal.

Step 7

Remove the bowl and, using a rubber spatula or large metal spoon, gently fold in the pear and most of the berries.

Step 8

Spread the mixture into the prepared cake tin.

Step 9

Place the remaining berries randomly on the top of the cake batter and sprinkle with the flaked almonds.

Step 10

Bake for 40-50 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the centre of the cake comes out clean.Cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.

Step 11

Remove the sides of the cake tin and finish cooling on a wire rack.When the cake is completely cool, carefully remove the base of the tin and the baking paper and transfer to a serving platter.

Step 12

Dust with icing sugar.Serve with lightly whipped cream and berries – optional.