Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, ground almonds, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Gently fold in the diced pears.

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly.

Sprinkle the sliced almonds over the top of the batter. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Once the cake has cooled, you can dust the top with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.

Garnish with additional sliced pears if desired.

Slice the cake and serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you like.