Spiced Pear Upside Down Cake

$- Pears: - 3 ripe pears, peeled and sliced - Butter, Sugars, and Spices: - ¼ cup unsalted butter - ½ cup brown sugar - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg - ¼ teaspoon ground ginger - Dry Ingredients: - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - ½ teaspoon baking soda - ¼ teaspoon salt - Wet Ingredients: - ½ cup granulated sugar - 2 large eggs - ½ cup milk - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract This cake has simple ingredients that come together to create a rich flavor. The pears add natural sweetness and moisture. The mix of spices makes it warm and cozy. You want to use ripe pears for the best taste. They should be soft but not mushy. The butter and sugars create a lovely caramel base. This is what makes the top of your cake so special. The dry ingredients help the cake rise and keep it fluffy. Mixing all these elements gives you a cake that is both tasty and fun to make. Whether you are a beginner or a pro, these ingredients work well for everyone. Enjoy the process of baking this delightful treat! 1. Preheating the oven and greasing the pan Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is vital for even baking. Next, take a 9-inch round cake pan and grease it well with butter. This helps the cake release easily after baking. 2. Making the spiced butter mixture On medium heat, melt ¼ cup of unsalted butter in a skillet. Once it melts, add ½ cup of brown sugar and stir until it dissolves. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon of ground ginger. Stir this mixture well to blend all the flavors. 3. Arranging the pears in the pan Peel and slice 3 ripe pears. Arrange the pear slices in the bottom of your greased cake pan. Pour the spiced butter mixture evenly over the pears. Set this aside while you prepare the batter. 1. Instructions for whisking dry ingredients In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Make sure to mix these dry ingredients well to ensure an even rise. 2. Beating the eggs and combining wet ingredients In a large bowl, beat together ½ cup of granulated sugar and 2 large eggs. Whisk until the mixture is light and fluffy. Then, gradually mix in ½ cup of milk and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. This adds moisture and flavor to your cake. 3. Mixing dry and wet ingredients Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can lead to a tough cake. You want a smooth batter with some lumps still visible. 1. Pouring batter over pears Gently pour the cake batter over the arranged pears in the pan. Spread it evenly with a spatula. This ensures every pear gets covered, making for a beautiful presentation. 2. Baking time and temperature Place the pan in your preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, your cake is ready. 3. Cooling and inverting the cake Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, carefully invert it onto a serving plate. Lift the pan gently to reveal the pears on top. Enjoy the sight of your delicious creation! For the best spiced pear upside down cake, choose ripe Anjou or Bartlett pears. These varieties have a sweet flavor that shines through. Look for pears that are slightly soft when you press them gently. A ripe pear will yield to light pressure at the stem end, showing it's ready to use. Avoid pears that are hard or have dark spots, as these may be overripe. Mixing the cake batter well is key. Start by whisking the dry ingredients together in one bowl. In another bowl, beat the sugar and eggs until they become light and fluffy. This step adds air to the cake, helping it rise well. When combining the wet and dry ingredients, stir gently. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake. If you want your cake to rise perfectly, ensure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh. Old leavening agents may not work effectively. Presentation can make your cake even more appealing. After inverting the cake, dust it lightly with powdered sugar for a beautiful finish. Serve it warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creaminess pairs well with the spiced pears, adding a rich flavor. Enjoy making this cake a centerpiece at any gathering! {{image_2}} You can make a gluten-free spiced pear upside down cake with a few simple swaps. Use almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend instead of regular flour. This ensures a similar texture and flavor. When using gluten-free flour, add one tablespoon of cornstarch to help with the cake's structure. Always check that your baking powder is gluten-free, as some brands may contain traces of gluten. To make this cake vegan, replace the eggs with flaxseed meal. Mix one tablespoon of flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes until it forms a gel. For the milk, use almond milk or coconut milk. Substitute the butter with coconut oil or dairy-free margarine. These changes keep the cake moist and delicious. Feel free to get creative with spices! You can try cardamom or allspice for a new twist. Add walnuts or pecans for a nice crunch and extra flavor. You can even mix in dried cranberries or raisins for added sweetness. Each variation brings a unique taste to your spiced pear upside down cake, making it fun to explore different flavors! To keep your spiced pear upside down cake fresh, wrap it well. Use plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also store it in an airtight container. This keeps moisture and flavors intact. In the fridge, the cake lasts about 3 to 4 days. If you need to store it longer, freeze it. The cake will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just remember to wrap it tightly to avoid freezer burn. When reheating, keep the cake moist. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place a slice on a baking dish. Cover it with foil to trap steam. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. You can also use a microwave. Heat a slice for 20-30 seconds. Check it often to avoid drying out. For serving, enjoy it warm with whipped cream or ice cream. A dusting of powdered sugar adds a sweet touch. This makes each bite even more delightful. You can tell the cake is done when it turns golden brown. The edges pull away from the pan slightly. The center should feel firm to the touch. The toothpick test is a quick way to check. Just stick a toothpick into the middle of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, your cake is ready. Yes, you can use other fruits if you want. Try apples, peaches, or even pineapples. Each fruit will bring a new flavor to the cake. When using other fruits, you may need to adjust the cooking time. Softer fruits like peaches may need less time. Check the cake often to avoid overbaking. If you lack some spices, don’t worry! Ground allspice or cardamom can be good substitutes. These spices will change the flavor a bit but still taste great. Experiment with what you have on hand. You now have a clear path to making an amazing upside-down pear cake. We discussed key ingredients, detailed instructions, and helpful tips. I shared tricks for picking the best pears and how to adapt the recipe for gluten-free or vegan diets. Don't forget about storage tips to keep your cake fresh! Experiment with flavors and toppings to make each cake unique. Enjoy the process and the delicious results. Happy baking!$

Spiced Pear Upside Down Cake

A deliciously moist upside-down cake featuring spiced pears.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 35

Total Time 50

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 8 servings

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

3 pieces ripe pears, peeled and sliced
¼ cup unsalted butter
½ cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground ginger
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
½ cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the brown sugar and stir until dissolved.
Sprinkle the ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger into the butter-sugar mixture and stir well.
Arrange the sliced pears in the bottom of the greased cake pan and pour the spiced butter mixture evenly over them. Set aside.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In another large bowl, beat together the granulated sugar and eggs until light and fluffy.
Gradually mix in the milk and vanilla extract to the egg mixture.
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
Pour the cake batter gently over the pears in the pan, making sure to distribute it evenly.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a serving plate. Carefully lift the pan off to reveal the pears on top.

Notes

Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.

Keyword cake, dessert, pears, upside-down