Spiced Pear Upside Down Cake

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Golden, caramelized pear slices glisten on top of this rich, warmly spiced upside-down cake. Every bite melts in your mouth with tender fruit, cozy cinnamon, and a moist, buttery crumb. The sweet aroma alone is enough to make your kitchen feel like a comforting fall haven, whether it’s actually autumn or you just wish it was.

This Spiced Pear Upside Down Cake blends elegance and simplicity. It’s the kind of dessert that looks impressive but doesn’t ask too much of you. Ideal for dinner parties or a weekend treat, it turns ordinary ingredients into something nostalgic and stunning.

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Why You’ll Love This Spiced Pear Upside Down Cake

This cake brings together deep flavor and stunning visual appeal. It’s a crowd-pleaser that doesn’t rely on frosting or elaborate decoration. The natural sweetness of ripe pears pairs perfectly with brown sugar and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Plus, this dessert tastes even better the next day, making it a perfect make-ahead option.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make a flawless Spiced Pear Upside Down Cake, you’ll need a few essential tools:

• 9-inch Cake Pan (preferably non-stick or springform): Essential for even baking and easy release.
• Mixing Bowls (various sizes): For separating wet and dry ingredients.
• Whisk and Spatula: To mix without overworking the batter.
• Peeler and Knife: For peeling and slicing the pears into neat, uniform segments.
• Saucepan: To melt the butter and sugar for the caramel base.

Each tool plays a role in ensuring the cake turns out with the right texture, flavor balance, and beautiful presentation.

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Preparation Tips

Use ripe but firm pears—they should hold their shape during baking but be sweet and juicy. When preparing the caramel layer, keep an eye on the heat to avoid burning the sugar. Arrange the pears neatly in the pan since this will be the top of the cake once flipped. When mixing the batter, don’t overmix—this can make the cake dense. Let the cake rest for a few minutes after baking before flipping to help it release cleanly and avoid breaking the pear topping.

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Ingredients for this Spiced Pear Upside Down Cake

For the Pear Topping:

• 3 ripe but firm pears (Bosc or Anjou preferred), peeled, cored, and sliced
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Pinch of salt

For the Cake Batter:

• 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup whole milk

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Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Caramel Layer

Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter or line the bottom with parchment paper. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 1/2 cup butter. Stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture bubbles (about 3–5 minutes). Immediately pour the mixture into the prepared cake pan and spread evenly. Neatly arrange the pear slices in a fan or circular pattern over the caramel base.

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Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. Set aside.

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Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes). This creates air pockets for a tender crumb.

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Step 4: Add Eggs and Flavorings

Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Add the vanilla extract and mix until smooth.

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Step 5: Add Dry Ingredients Alternately with Wet

With the mixer on low speed, add the flour mixture in three additions, alternating with the sour cream and milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—do not overbeat.

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Step 6: Assemble the Cake

Carefully spoon the batter over the arranged pears and gently spread it evenly with a spatula, ensuring you don’t displace the fruit underneath.

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Step 7: Bake

Place the pan in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.

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Step 8: Cool and Flip

Let the cake cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes. Run a knife along the edges to loosen, then carefully invert it onto a serving plate. Allow it to cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.

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Notes

This cake tastes even better the next day as the spices deepen and the pear flavor settles into the moist crumb. For the best presentation, take your time when arranging the pears—remember, this will be the top once flipped. If you prefer a deeper caramel flavor, let the butter and sugar mixture cook a minute longer but keep a close watch to avoid burning. Pairing this cake with whipped cream, crème fraîche, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream adds an extra luxurious touch.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Using overripe pears: They can turn mushy and lose shape during baking.
• Overmixing the batter: This leads to a dense and tough cake texture.
• Skipping the pan prep: Failing to grease well or line with parchment can make the cake stick.
• Flipping the cake too early or too late: Too early and it may fall apart; too late and it may stick to the pan.
• Not letting ingredients reach room temperature: Cold eggs or butter can cause curdling or uneven mixing.

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Storage Instructions

Store the Spiced Pear Upside Down Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to 5 days. Bring it to room temperature or warm it slightly before serving to enhance the flavors and texture. You can also freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic and foil for up to 2 months.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Slice – based on 10 servings)

• Calories: 310
• Total Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 75mg
• Sodium: 180mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 42g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 26g
• Protein: 4g

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned pears?

Yes, but fresh pears give better texture and flavor. If using canned, drain thoroughly and reduce sugar slightly.

Can I substitute sour cream?

You can use plain Greek yogurt or buttermilk as a substitute.

What kind of pears work best?

Bosc and Anjou are ideal because they hold their shape during baking.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking blend.

Do I need a springform pan?

It helps with easier release but isn’t required. A well-greased regular cake pan works fine.

How can I enhance the flavor?

Add a splash of pear brandy or a sprinkle of cardamom for an extra flavor boost.

What if I don’t have brown sugar?

You can use granulated sugar with a tablespoon of molasses as a substitute.

Can I bake this in advance?

Absolutely! This cake can be made a day ahead and stored covered at room temperature or in the fridge.

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Conclusion

The Spiced Pear Upside Down Cake is a beautiful balance of rustic charm and refined flavor. With its aromatic spices, tender pear topping, and buttery crumb, it’s a dessert that feels both nostalgic and elegant. Whether you’re sharing it with guests or savoring it alongside a warm drink, this cake brings a sense of cozy celebration to any occasion.

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