Spiced Pear Upside Down Cake

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Ever crave a dessert that feels like a warm hug in every bite? The Spiced Pear Upside Down Cake delivers just that—a golden, caramel-kissed crown of tender pears over a buttery, spiced crumb that melts in your mouth. This isn’t just any cake; it’s the cozy comfort of autumn wrapped in an elegant dessert, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself.

The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and fresh, juicy pears creates a stunning visual and flavor harmony. Its upside-down presentation is effortlessly eye-catching, with fanned pear slices glazed in brown sugar and butter turning into a jewel-toned topping. Once you flip it and serve a slice, you’ll understand why this cake wins hearts at first glance and keeps them with every bite.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To bring your Spiced Pear Upside Down Cake to life, start by gathering your essential tools. You’ll need:

• 10-inch Cake Pan or Cast Iron Skillet: This is crucial for creating the signature caramelized pear layer. Cast iron holds heat exceptionally well, ensuring an evenly baked top and bottom.
• Mixing Bowls: For prepping both the topping and the cake batter. Choose bowls with enough space for thorough mixing.
• Whisk and Rubber Spatula: The whisk helps blend dry and wet ingredients smoothly, while the spatula is great for folding and scraping.
• Peeler and Paring Knife: To peel and slice the pears into thin, even wedges for that stunning spiral design.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precision is key when it comes to baking—don’t guess it!
• Cooling Rack: Ensures your cake cools evenly and maintains its structure before flipping.

Using the right tools doesn’t just make the process smoother—it also helps achieve that picture-perfect result you’re going for.

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Ingredients for the Spiced Pear Upside Down Cake

Each ingredient in this cake plays a role in balancing flavor, texture, and visual appeal. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Pears: Ripe but firm Bartlett or Anjou pears are ideal. They hold their shape while baking and bring a natural sweetness.
• Brown Sugar: Deep and rich, brown sugar caramelizes under the pears, forming a sticky-sweet top layer.
• Butter: Used in both the topping and batter, it adds creaminess and richness that binds flavors.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structural base for the cake while keeping it light.
• Baking Powder & Baking Soda: These leavening agents ensure a good rise and tender crumb.
• Ground Cinnamon & Nutmeg: These warming spices infuse the cake with cozy, fall-inspired flavor.
• Granulated Sugar: Balances the sweetness across the batter.
• Eggs: Crucial for binding and adding structure.
• Buttermilk: Its acidity tenderizes the batter and contributes a subtle tang.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the other flavors with its warm, fragrant notes.

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How To Make the Spiced Pear Upside Down Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Pear Topping

Peel and core the pears, slicing them thinly. In your cake pan or skillet, melt butter and brown sugar together until bubbling. Arrange the pear slices in a decorative spiral or fan pattern over the caramel mixture.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This step ensures the spices are evenly dispersed throughout the batter.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a larger bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This incorporates air into the mixture, helping the cake rise.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract. This ensures a smooth and well-emulsified batter.

Step 5: Combine and Fold

Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk into the creamed mixture, starting and ending with dry. Fold gently to maintain the batter’s light texture.

Step 6: Bake

Pour the batter over the arranged pears. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool and Invert

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. Run a knife around the edge and carefully invert onto a serving plate. Let cool completely before slicing.

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How to Serve and Store the Spiced Pear Upside Down Cake

This cake is best served slightly warm or at room temperature, when the caramelized pear topping is still glossy and the spices are most aromatic. Pair each slice with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce for extra indulgence.

If you’re serving at a dinner party, you can bake it earlier in the day and invert it just before guests arrive. The visual impact alone makes it a showstopper on any dessert table.

For storage, keep the cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you need to store it longer, wrap it tightly and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Bring it to room temperature or rewarm slightly before serving to revive the flavors and texture. You can also freeze individual slices for up to 2 months—wrap them in parchment and store in an airtight container.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of pears work best for this cake?

Bartlett and Anjou pears are top choices because they are firm enough to hold their shape when baked, but still offer a juicy bite and mellow sweetness.

Can I make this cake in advance?

Absolutely! You can bake it a day ahead and store it covered at room temperature. Just reheat slightly before serving if desired.

Can I use canned pears instead of fresh?

Fresh pears are preferred for texture and appearance, but if you’re in a pinch, drained canned pears can work—just expect a softer top and slightly sweeter outcome.

Is there a substitute for buttermilk?

Yes, you can mix 1 cup of whole milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before using.

Can I use a springform pan?

You can, but be sure to wrap the base with foil to prevent leaks from the caramel mixture. A solid-bottom cake pan or cast iron skillet is safer for this style.

How do I prevent the cake from sticking when inverting?

Let it cool for 10-15 minutes, then run a knife along the edges and invert it while still slightly warm. That helps the caramel topping release easily.

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Want More Spiced Dessert Ideas?

If you’re drawn to the warm, cozy notes of cinnamon and caramelized fruit, here are more desserts from LadyPlate that explore similar flavors and baking charm:

You might also like the Apple Enchiladas, a handheld dessert with spiced apple filling and golden tortillas. Or try the Moist Apple Crumble Coffee Cake, which brings a delicate streusel topping to your breakfast table or dessert spread.

If you lean toward rich and creamy finishes, the Indulgent 6-Minute Caramel Recipe is a quick fix for any sweet craving. You could drizzle it over your pear cake too!

For a playful option, the Cheesecake Deviled Strawberries offer a fruity bite with a creamy twist. They make a perfect contrast to the warm spice of the cake.

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Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this to your dessert boards for future baking sessions. Just click the Pin button and add it to your favorites.

If you try this cake, I’d love to hear about it! Did you fan the pears differently? Add a splash of bourbon to the caramel? Drop your tips and twists in the comments.

And for more cozy, fruit-forward bakes and seasonal sweets, visit my Pinterest at LadyPlate on Pinterest. I share daily recipes that blend comfort and creativity.

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