Preheat oven to 350F. Butter a 9" cake pan, then line the bottoms with parchment paper. Set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, beat the sugar, eggs, and almond extract for 1 minutes, until fluffy.

Add the milk, olive oil, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground cardamom. Mix very well.

Stir in the flour until mostly incorporated.

Peel two of the Anjou pears, then finely chop. Add to the batter and mix just until incorporated.

Transfer the batter to the prepared cake pan.

Top with the remaining two pears that've been thinly sliced. Evenly distribute the sliced almonds on top, as well.

Bake for 30-35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Let cool at least 15 minutes before dusting with powdered sugar to enjoy!