Spiced Pear Upside-Down Cake Recipe

Fall is the perfect time to bake up something warm and cozy, and this Spiced Pear Upside-Down Cake fits the bill! Sweet, tender pears meet fragrant spices and a buttery cake base to create a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Let’s dive into this irresistible recipe.

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Ingredients

For the Topping:

• 3 medium ripe pears, peeled, cored, and sliced
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

For the Cake:

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup buttermilk

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Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Make the Topping

1. Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg, stirring until smooth and bubbly.
3. Pour this mixture into the prepared pan, spreading evenly.
4. Arrange the pear slices decoratively on top.

Pro Tip: For a stunning presentation, overlap the pear slices slightly in a circular pattern.

3. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together:

• Flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Cinnamon
• Ginger
• Cloves

4. Cream the Butter and Sugars

1. In a large bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to beat the softened butter until creamy.
2. Gradually add the granulated and brown sugars, beating until fluffy.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
4. Stir in the vanilla extract.

5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

1. Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three additions, alternating with the buttermilk.
2. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined.

Pro Tip: Do not overmix the batter, as this can make the cake dense.

6. Assemble and Bake

1. Carefully spoon the batter over the pear topping, smoothing it into an even layer.
2. Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

7. Cool and Flip

1. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
2. Run a knife around the edges, place a serving plate over the pan, and carefully flip the cake onto the plate.

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Serving Suggestions

This Spiced Pear Upside-Down Cake is best served slightly warm, perhaps with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Pro Tip: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days—or in the fridge for longer freshness.

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Final Thoughts

This Spiced Pear Upside-Down Cake is a showstopper that’s deceptively simple to make. With its moist, flavorful cake and caramelized pear topping, it’s sure to become a favorite for fall gatherings and cozy nights at home.