Spiced Pear Upside Down Cake Recipe

This Spiced Pear Upside Down Cake is a moist and spiced recipe, which is made with fresh pears and warm cinnamon. It’s the ultimate fall dessert, ready in about 1 hour and 25 minutes.

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Spiced Pear Upside Down Cake Ingredients

For the Pear Topping:

• 1/3 cup Maple Sugar (or Brown Sugar)
• 3 Tbsp. Salted Butter, Melted
• 2 Ripe Pears, Peeled, Cored, And Sliced

For the Cake:

• 6 Tbsp. Salted Butter, Softened
• 3/4 cup Maple Sugar (or Brown Sugar)
• 2 Large Eggs, Separated
• 2 Tbsp. Pure Vanilla Extract
• 1 cup Plus 2 Tablespoons Whole Wheat Pastry Flour
• 1 1/2 tsp. Baking Powder
• 1/2 tsp. Salt
• 1 tsp. Ground Cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp. Ground Ginger
• 1/4 tsp. Freshly Grated Nutmeg
• 1/8 tsp. Ground Cloves
• 1/4 cup Whole Milk
• 1/4 tsp. Cream Of Tartar

How To Make Spiced Pear Upside Down Cake

1. Prep and Make Topping: Preheat your oven to 325ºF. Generously butter a 9-inch round cake pan. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter and maple sugar for the topping. Spread this mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared cake pan.
2. Arrange the Pears: Arrange the pear slices in a neat, decorative, overlapping pattern on top of the butter and sugar mixture.
3. Make the Batter Base: In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the softened butter and maple sugar for the cake until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Add the egg yolks and vanilla extract and beat until combined.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, baking powder, salt, and all the spices. With the mixer on low, add half of the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and beat until combined. Add the milk and beat again, then add the remaining half of the dry ingredients and beat until just combined.
5. Whip and Fold Egg Whites: In a separate, clean bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the egg whites and cream of tartar until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the cake batter in a few additions until no streaks remain.
6. Assemble and Bake: Carefully spread the finished batter over the pears in the pan. Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until the cake is golden-brown and springs back when lightly touched.
7. Invert and Serve: Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for exactly 10 minutes. Place a serving plate over the top of the pan and, using oven mitts, carefully and quickly flip it over. Let the pan sit for a minute before lifting it off. Serve warm.

Recipe Tips

• How do I turn out the cake without it sticking? The 10-minute cooling window is the most crucial step. This allows the cake to set up slightly, but the caramel on the bottom is still hot and liquid. If you let it cool completely in the pan, the caramel will harden and stick.
• What are the best pears to use for an upside-down cake? It’s important to use a firm pear that will hold its shape and not turn to mush. Bosc, Anjou, or even firm Bartlett pears are all excellent choices.
• How do I get a light and fluffy cake? The secret is in the whipped egg whites. Beating them to stiff peaks and then gently folding them into the batter incorporates air, which creates a wonderfully light and tender crumb.
• Can I use all-purpose flour instead of whole wheat pastry flour? Yes. Whole wheat pastry flour gives a tender, slightly nutty crumb. If you don’t have it, you can substitute an equal amount of regular all-purpose flour for a more traditional cake texture.

What To Serve With Spiced Pear Upside Down Cake

This cake is a showstopper on its own, especially when served warm from the oven. For an extra touch of decadence, serve a warm slice with:

• A dollop of fresh, lightly sweetened whipped cream
• A scoop of good quality vanilla bean ice cream
• A drizzle of warm vanilla custard (crème anglaise)

How To Store Spiced Pear Upside Down Cake

• Room Temperature: Store the cooled cake covered with a cake dome or plastic wrap at room temperature. It is best eaten within 2 days as the fruit topping will make the cake moister over time.
• Refrigerate: You can store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Serve chilled or gently reheated.

Spiced Pear Upside Down Cake Nutrition Facts

• Serving: 1 slice (1/8th of cake)
• Calories: 410 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Protein: 6g
• Fat: 19g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Sugar: 38g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Try More Recipes:

• Pear Crisp With Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe
• Pear and Blue Cheese Crostini Recipe
• Pear Clafouti, Three Ways Recipe