Description
A classic and elegant pear upside down cake with a beautifully caramelized pear topping and a moist, tender cake base.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 4–5 ripe pears (like Bosc or Anjou), peeled, cored, and sliced 1/4-inch thick
- For the Cake:
- 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (120ml) milk
Instructions
- Prepare the Topping: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
- In a saucepan, melt the 1/2 cup of butter over medium heat. Stir in the 1 cup of sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook, stirring, until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is bubbly and slightly thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Pour the caramel mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared cake pan.
- Arrange the pear slices decoratively over the caramel. Set aside.
- Make the Cake Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened 1/2 cup butter and 1 cup sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Gently spoon the cake batter over the pears in the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake: Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before inverting it onto a serving plate. Carefully lift off the cake pan.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Ensure your pears are ripe but still firm to hold their shape during baking.
- For an extra touch of flavor, you can add a splash of brandy or rum to the caramel mixture.
- This cake is delicious served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Prep Time: PT25M
- Cook Time: PT45M
- Category: Cakes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 45g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
