Spiced Pear Upside Down Cake

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Golden, caramelized pears with a whisper of spice nestled into a moist, buttery cake base—this Spiced Pear Upside Down Cake is pure cozy elegance. Each slice reveals tender pear slices glazed in brown sugar and cinnamon, gently layered over a vanilla-scented cake that holds up beautifully yet melts in your mouth. It’s the kind of dessert that transforms any dinner into a celebration, or makes a crisp fall afternoon feel like a warm hug.

Whether you’re entertaining guests or treating yourself to a quiet baking day, this cake is surprisingly simple to prepare. The upside-down method creates a naturally beautiful presentation without the need for fancy decorating skills. Plus, the aroma of baking pears and spice will have everyone hovering around the oven long before it’s done.

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Why You’ll Love This Spiced Pear Upside Down Cake

• Visually stunning with a glossy, golden top layer of pears.
• Warmly spiced for cozy fall and winter vibes.
• Perfectly moist cake thanks to a rich batter and juicy fruit.
• No frosting required—it decorates itself right in the pan.
• Crowd-pleaser for holidays, brunches, and tea time.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Creating this cake is a delightful process that combines simple ingredients with a touch of technique. Here are the essential tools you’ll need:

• 9-inch Round Cake Pan: The best size for even layering and caramelization.
• Mandoline or Sharp Knife: For slicing the pears evenly and thinly.
• Mixing Bowls: One for dry ingredients and one for wet to keep the batter light.
• Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: Helps cream butter and sugar to the perfect fluffy consistency.
• Spatula: For gently folding and scraping batter cleanly into the pan.
• Cooling Rack: Allows your cake to cool evenly before flipping.

Each of these tools ensures that the components come together with ease, from a perfectly golden top to a tender crumb underneath.

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Ingredients for the Spiced Pear Upside Down Cake

• Pears: The star of the show, ripe but firm pears offer structure and natural sweetness.
• Brown Sugar: Essential for that deep, molasses-like caramel flavor in the topping.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create the caramel base for the pears.
• All-Purpose Flour: Gives structure to the cake while staying tender.
• Granulated Sugar: Balances sweetness and helps achieve a golden crust.
• Eggs: Bind the batter and contribute to its rise.
• Baking Powder: Ensures the cake bakes up light and fluffy.
• Cinnamon & Nutmeg: Bring warmth and enhance the pear flavor.
• Milk: Adds moisture for a soft crumb.
• Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the cake with subtle aromatic notes.

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How To Make the Spiced Pear Upside Down Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Pears

Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper. Arrange thinly sliced pears in a fan pattern. Melt butter and mix with brown sugar, then pour over the pears evenly.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. In another bowl, cream softened butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well, then add vanilla extract.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk into the butter mixture, beginning and ending with dry. Mix just until combined to keep the batter tender.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Carefully pour the batter over the arranged pears and smooth the top. Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 5: Cool and Invert

Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. Run a knife around the edge, place a plate over the top, and carefully invert. Peel off parchment and let cool fully.

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How to Serve and Store This Spiced Pear Upside Down Cake

Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. The buttery cake and syrupy pears are delightful on their own too.

To store, keep covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for 4-5 days. Reheat slices in the microwave for a just-baked feel.

You can also freeze slices (individually wrapped) for up to 2 months. Thaw and warm as desired.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned pears instead of fresh?

Yes, but drain them well and reduce the baking time slightly since canned pears are softer.

What type of pears work best?

Bosc or Anjou are ideal for their firmness and ability to hold shape during baking.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

You can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, though texture may vary slightly.

How do I know when the cake is done?

It should spring back when touched in the center and a toothpick should come out clean.

Can I use other spices?

Absolutely. Ginger, cardamom, or cloves pair beautifully with pears.

Do I need to peel the pears?

Yes, peeling gives a smoother texture and a more polished final look.

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Want More Cake Ideas with a Cozy Twist?

If you adore this Spiced Pear Upside Down Cake, you’ll fall in love with these comforting desserts too:

• Amish Applesauce Cake for rustic charm and old-fashioned flavor.
• Moist and Tangy Key Lime Pound Cake if you crave citrus with your sweetness.
• Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake for a fusion of two classic favorites.
• Winter Brittle to add crunch and spice to your dessert tray.
• Pecan Pie Lasagna for layered indulgence with a southern flair.

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Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go with extra spice or keep it subtle? Maybe you tried it with a scoop of ice cream?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter.

For more comforting desserts and everyday treats, follow along on my Pinterest: Kitchen By Kate

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