Spiced Pear Upside Down Cake Recipe

Imagine sinking your fork into a warm slice of Spiced Pear Upside Down Cake, where caramelized pears rest atop a tender, cinnamon-scented cake. This stunning dessert combines the delicate sweetness of seasonal pears with warm autumn spices for a truly memorable treat. The Spiced Pear Upside Down Cake is perfect for those special occasions when you want to impress, yet it’s simple enough for a cozy weekend baking project. You’ll learn how to create this show-stopping dessert that balances fruity sweetness with aromatic spices in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Spiced Pear Upside Down Cake offers an irresistible combination of flavors and textures that will make it an instant favorite. The pears on top caramelize during baking, creating a glossy, amber-hued crown that’s both visually stunning and deliciously sweet. Beneath this fruity layer lies a tender cake infused with warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger that perfectly complement the natural sweetness of the pears.

What makes this pear cake truly special is the beautiful contrast between the soft, juicy pears and the light, moist cake beneath. Unlike traditional upside-down cakes that can be overly sweet, this pear version offers a more nuanced flavor profile. The recipe comes together in just one pan, making cleanup a breeze. Whether you’re serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoying a slice with afternoon tea, this spiced pear dessert strikes the perfect balance between rustic charm and elegant presentation.

Ingredients

For the pear topping:

• 3 tablespoons (42g) unsalted butter
• 2/3 cup (133g) light brown sugar, packed
• 3-4 medium pears (preferably Bosc or Anjou), peeled, cored, and sliced 1/4-inch thick
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the cake:

• 1 1/2 cups (180g) all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk, room temperature

Choose ripe but firm pears for this spiced pear cake recipe as they’ll hold their shape better during baking. Bosc pears work particularly well thanks to their firm texture and sweet flavor that intensifies when baked.

Pro Tips

Achieving the perfect Spiced Pear Upside Down Cake depends on a few crucial techniques that will elevate your baking game:

1. 
   

   Arrange the pear slices thoughtfully – create a pattern that will be beautiful when the cake is inverted. Fan the slices in concentric circles or create a spiral pattern starting from the center for maximum visual impact. This extra care with arrangement makes your pear upside down dessert truly spectacular.

   
   
2. 
   

   Allow the caramel mixture to cool slightly before arranging the pears. This gives the sugar-butter mixture time to thicken just enough to hold the fruit in place, preventing the pears from sinking too deep into the batter during baking.

   
   
3. 
   

   The most critical moment comes when inverting the cake. Let it cool for exactly 10 minutes after removing from the oven – this is the sweet spot where the caramel remains fluid enough to release from the pan, but the cake is set enough to hold its shape. Place your serving plate over the cake pan, then quickly but confidently flip everything over in one smooth motion while wearing oven mitts to protect your hands.

   
   

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare your baking pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a 9-inch round cake pan, making sure to coat the sides well. A springform pan is not recommended as the caramel might leak. For extra insurance, place a piece of parchment paper in the bottom of the pan.

Step 2: Create the caramel base
In a small saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and stir until the sugar dissolves, about 3-4 minutes. Pour this mixture into your prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly across the bottom.

Step 3: Prepare and arrange the pears
Toss your sliced pears with lemon juice to prevent browning. Arrange the pear slices over the caramel mixture in an overlapping pattern. I like to create a beautiful spiral starting from the center and working outward. Sprinkle the arranged pears with a pinch of cinnamon.

Step 4: Mix the dry ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg until well combined. This mixture of warming spices is what gives our Spiced Pear Upside Down Cake its distinctive flavor profile.

Step 5: Prepare the cake batter
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Don’t rush this step – proper creaming incorporates air, resulting in a lighter cake texture. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 6: Combine wet and dry ingredients
Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour (three additions of flour, two of milk). Mix on low speed just until combined after each addition. Be careful not to overmix, which can make your cake dense.

Step 7: Bake to perfection
Gently pour the batter over the arranged pears, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Tap the pan gently on the counter to remove any air bubbles. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown and spring back lightly when touched.

Step 8: The grand reveal
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes on a wire rack. Run a knife around the edges to loosen, then place your serving plate upside down over the cake pan. Quickly flip both over, and carefully lift the pan away. If any pear slices stick to the pan, simply place them back onto the cake.

Variations

Apple Upside Down Cake
Not a fan of pears or can’t find good ones? Substitute with 3-4 medium apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith work beautifully). The tart-sweet flavor of apples pairs wonderfully with the same spice mixture, creating an equally delicious fall dessert. Slice the apples slightly thinner than you would the pears as they take a bit longer to soften.

Gluten-Free Spiced Pear Cake
Transform this Spiced Pear Upside Down Cake into a gluten-free treat by substituting the all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum. Add an extra egg to the batter to help with binding and moisture. The result is just as delicious with a slightly different texture that your gluten-sensitive guests will appreciate.

Cardamom-Pear Variation
For a more exotic flavor profile, replace the cinnamon and nutmeg with 1 teaspoon of ground cardamom and add the zest of one orange to the batter. This unexpected spice pairing brings out the floral notes in the pears and creates a sophisticated dessert perfect for special occasions.

Storage and Serving

The Spiced Pear Upside Down Cake is at its absolute best when served slightly warm, about 30 minutes after inverting. At this perfect temperature, the caramel is still slightly fluid and the cake is tender and aromatic. For an indulgent treat, serve each slice with a dollop of lightly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, which beautifully balances the spiced flavors.

If you have leftovers, cover the cake loosely with foil and store at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days. When refrigerated, the caramel will firm up, so I recommend warming individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds before serving.

This versatile dessert works wonderfully as a sophisticated finale to a dinner party, but it’s equally welcome alongside afternoon coffee or tea. For brunch, try serving it with a spoonful of Greek yogurt for a less sweet option that still feels indulgent.

FAQs

Can I use canned pears for this recipe?
Fresh pears provide the best flavor and texture, but in a pinch, you can use canned pears. Drain them thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Reduce the sugar in the caramel by 2 tablespoons as canned pears are typically sweeter.

Why did my pears sink into the cake?
This usually happens when the pears are too juicy or the batter is too thin. Make sure to pat the pear slices dry after slicing and tossing with lemon juice. Also, ensure your batter has the proper consistency – it should be thick enough to spread, not pour.

Can I make this cake ahead of time for a party?
Yes! You can bake this Spiced Pear Upside Down Cake up to a day in advance. Store it covered at room temperature, then warm it slightly before serving to soften the caramel.

What’s the best way to choose pears for baking?
Look for pears that are ripe but still firm to the touch. They should yield slightly when pressed near the stem. For this upside down pear cake, slightly underripe pears actually work better than very soft ones, as they’ll hold their shape during baking.

Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, you can freeze the Spiced Pear Upside Down Cake for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm slightly before serving.

Conclusion

This Spiced Pear Upside Down Cake is comfort food at its finest — a perfect marriage of juicy caramelized fruit and warmly spiced, tender cake that celebrates the humble pear in spectacular fashion. It’s the kind of dish that transforms ordinary moments into special occasions while still being approachable enough for everyday baking. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday gathering or simply treating yourself on a cozy afternoon, this showstopper dessert delivers both impressive presentation and soul-satisfying flavor in every slice.

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