Description
This Spiced Pear Upside Down Cake recipe is a cozy, spiced dessert layered with caramelized pears and a moist cinnamon-scented crumb. Perfect for fall gatherings or comforting weeknight treats, this easy upside-down cake pairs beautifully with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. A rustic yet elegant pear cake that’s simple to bake and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
2 to 3 firm ripe pears
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter (for topping)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
2 large eggs
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted, for batter)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup milk
Instructions
1. Melt 1/4 cup butter in a skillet or 9-inch cake pan over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar until combined, then remove from heat.
2. Arrange the sliced pears over the sugar mixture in a decorative pattern.
3. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
4. In another bowl, beat eggs with granulated sugar and melted butter until smooth. Stir in vanilla and milk.
5. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
6. Pour the batter gently over the pears and smooth the top.
7. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35 to 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Let cool for 10 minutes, then invert onto a serving plate. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
Let the cake rest at least 10 minutes before flipping to avoid breaking the top.
Bosc or Anjou pears work best for texture and shape retention.
Try adding a dash of cardamom for a more complex spice profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg