Description
A delightful Pear Cinnamon Upside-Down Cake featuring caramelized brown sugar and butter, warm cinnamon, and fresh sliced pears baked to perfection. This cake offers a beautiful presentation with juicy pears on top and a fluffy, moist crumb beneath, making it perfect for fall gatherings or cozy desserts.
Ingredients
Scale
Caramel Topping
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, plus extra for greasing the pan
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Fruit
- 3 medium ripe pears, peeled, cored, and sliced
Cake Batter
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
Instructions
- Prepare the pears: Peel, core, and slice the pears into thin wedges to ensure they cook evenly and release their flavor during baking.
- Make the caramel topping: Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then add the brown sugar and cinnamon, stirring until smooth and combined. Pour this caramel mixture evenly into a greased cake pan to form the base of the upside-down cake.
- Arrange pears: Neatly layer the sliced pears over the caramel mixture in the pan, making sure they cover the surface evenly for an attractive look once baked and inverted.
- Prepare cake batter: In one bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and combine them with vanilla extract and milk. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined to keep the batter light.
- Assemble and bake: Pour the batter gently over the arranged pears in the pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
- Cool and invert: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes to set the caramel topping, then carefully invert it onto a serving plate, showcasing the beautifully caramelized pears on top.
Notes
- Use ripe but firm pears to avoid them becoming too mushy during baking.
- For a deeper caramel flavor, let the brown sugar and butter mixture simmer for an extra minute before pouring.
- If pears are not in season, try substituting with apples for a similar effect.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent treat.
- To make slicing easier, chill the pears slightly before peeling and cutting.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
