Spiced Pear Upside Down Cake

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A slice of this Spiced Pear Upside Down Cake instantly transports you into the warm embrace of fall flavors. With its glossy caramelized pear topping and tender spiced cake base, it’s a showstopper dessert that brings together both elegance and comfort. The sweet juiciness of ripe pears blends perfectly with the cozy notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, making every bite a soothing celebration of the season.

This cake isn’t just beautiful to look at—it’s also wonderfully moist and easy to make. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday gathering, weekend brunch, or just craving a cozy dessert, this upside down cake delivers on flavor and presentation. It flips beautifully out of the pan with those golden pear slices glistening on top, making it a dessert that looks like it came out of a bakery, but made right in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Spiced Pear Upside Down Cake

• Stunning presentation with minimal effort
• Warm, comforting spices that pair perfectly with pear
• Moist and fluffy cake with caramelized fruit topping
• A great make-ahead dessert that stores well
• Perfect for holiday tables, brunches, or casual dinners

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use (In this headline mention the essential Tools and Equipment, also the importance of Each Tool)

To make this Spiced Pear Upside Down Cake, you’ll want to gather a few essential kitchen tools. A 9-inch round cake pan is crucial for shaping the cake and allowing the pear topping to form evenly. A sharp paring knife will help you slice the pears thinly and precisely for the beautiful design. You’ll also need a mixing bowl and a hand or stand mixer to create a smooth, fluffy batter. A rubber spatula ensures you can scrape down the sides and incorporate everything fully, while a cooling rack is important to let the cake settle after baking without becoming soggy. Lastly, using parchment paper can help ensure a clean release of the cake from the pan, protecting your intricate pear pattern.

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Preparation Tips

Choose ripe but firm pears so they hold their shape during baking without turning mushy. Slice them evenly to ensure a uniform and appealing top layer. When preparing the pan, make sure to coat it with butter and brown sugar thoroughly to help create that luscious caramelized topping. Allow the cake to rest in the pan for a few minutes after baking before inverting—it helps the caramel settle slightly and prevents sticking. Always use room temperature ingredients for the batter; it helps everything mix more smoothly and results in a better-textured cake.

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Ingredients for this Spiced Pear Upside Down Cake

For the Topping:

• 2 ripe but firm pears, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Cake:

• 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, at 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 Topping

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and cinnamon, and cook until the sugar dissolves and the mixture begins to bubble, about 2–3 minutes. Pour the mixture into the bottom of a greased 9-inch round cake pan, spreading it evenly. Arrange the sliced pears over the sugar mixture in a circular pattern, overlapping slightly.

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Step 2: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease the sides of the cake pan or line with parchment paper. Ensure your ingredients are all at room temperature, especially the eggs, butter, and sour cream.

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Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

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

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Step 4: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together using a hand or stand mixer on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes. This helps to aerate the mixture and ensure a tender crumb.

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Step 5: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to keep the batter smooth and well-combined.

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Step 6: Incorporate Wet and Dry Ingredients

Reduce the mixer speed to low. Add the dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with the sour cream and milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined—do not overmix.

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Step 7: Pour and Smooth

Carefully pour the batter over the arranged pears in the cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to ensure even distribution without disturbing the fruit.

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Step 8: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden and spring back lightly when touched.

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Step 9: Cool and Invert

Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10–15 minutes. Run a knife around the edges to loosen it. Carefully invert onto a serving plate while still warm, and gently lift the pan to reveal the caramelized pears on top.

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Step 10: Serve

Serve warm or at room temperature. Optional: Dust with powdered sugar or serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.

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Notes

This Spiced Pear Upside Down Cake is as flexible as it is flavorful. You can easily substitute apples for pears if needed, or use a mix of both for a twist. If you don’t have sour cream, Greek yogurt is a great alternative. For added texture, a handful of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts can be sprinkled over the caramel topping before adding the pears. When selecting pears, Bosc or Anjou varieties work best for baking as they hold their shape nicely.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Using overly ripe pears: They can break down too much during baking and lose their form.
• Not properly greasing the pan: This can make inverting the cake tricky and ruin your beautiful pear pattern.
• Overmixing the batter: This leads to a dense, tough cake. Mix just until combined.
• Skipping the rest time before flipping: Letting the cake rest 10–15 minutes helps the caramel settle and makes the cake easier to release from the pan.
• Baking at the wrong temperature: Always preheat your oven and consider using an oven thermometer for accuracy.

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Storage Instructions

Store the cake tightly covered at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to 5 days. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving or gently warm slices in the microwave. This cake also freezes well—wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container 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
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 75mg
• Sodium: 190mg
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 26g
• Protein: 4g

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! This cake actually tastes better the next day. You can bake it a day ahead and store it covered at room temperature.

Can I use canned pears?

While fresh pears are best, you can use canned pears in a pinch. Just be sure to drain and pat them dry to avoid excess moisture.

What other spices can I add?

You can try adding ginger, allspice, or even a pinch of cardamom for more depth of flavor.

How do I know when the cake is done?

Insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it’s ready.

Can I bake this in a different pan?

A 9-inch square pan or an 8-inch springform pan can work, but monitor the baking time closely.

Is it possible to make this gluten-free?

Yes, substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it includes xanthan gum for structure.

What’s the best way to flip the cake?

Place a plate over the cake pan, use oven mitts, and flip confidently in one smooth motion.

Can I add nuts?

Absolutely! Chopped pecans or walnuts sprinkled over the caramel before the pears add a delicious crunch.

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Conclusion

The Spiced Pear Upside Down Cake is a delightful way to welcome cooler seasons or impress guests any time of year. With its aromatic spices, tender fruit topping, and moist crumb, it’s an easy-to-love dessert that delivers on flavor, beauty, and simplicity. Whether served solo or with a creamy scoop of ice cream, this cake will always leave a warm impression.

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