Gluten-free Poached Chai Pear Cake

This beautiful Gluten-free Poached Chai Pear Cake makes for a delightful afternoon tea treat. Pears are a great source of soluble fibre, with one pear providing around a ¼ of your daily recommended fibre intake. Soluble fibres are fermented in the bowel and used to feed and promote the growth of beneficial bowel bacteria. Pears also contain vitamin C which is vital for boosting immune function and for supporting adrenal gland and skin health. The spices in chai are beneficial for digestive health and for improving circulation. 

Gluten-free, dairy-free

Gluten-free Poached Chai Pear Cake

Poached pears:
3 medium pears, peeled and remove core from bottom
2 Tbsp loose leaf chai (Bodhi Organic Masala Chai)
1/4 cup raw honey or pure maple syrup
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Cake:
1 cup almond flour
1/3 cup coconut flour
¼ cup cocoa powder
1 tsp baking soda
Pinch sea salt
3 tsp ground cinnamon
1 1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp ground cardamom
2 Tbsp chia seeds
¼ cup cold pressed coconut oil, melted
¼ cup milk of choice (coconut, almond)
1/4 cup raw honey or pure maple syrup
2 organic eggs
1 tsp pure vanilla extract or paste
2 ripe medium bananas

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Method:

1. Preheat oven to 180*C. Grease a 6 inch cake tin and line it with baking paper.
2. In a medium saucepan add 2 cups of water, chai, cinnamon and honey and bring to the boil. Add pears and add more water until the pears are just covered. Simmer with the lid on for 30 minutes or until tender. Remove pears with a slotted spoon.
3. To make the cake use your food processor and add all cake ingredients and blend until well combined.
4. Pour mixture into your cake tin and put in the oven for around 45-50 minutes until a skewer comes out cleanly from the centre.
5. Top your cake with poached pears, drizzle in a little honey and decorate with flowers or almond flakes. Then enjoy!

TEA PAIRING: This tea goes beautifully with a cup of Bodhi Organic Masala Chai or Black BeauTEA.

Recipe by naturopath Lisa Guy.