When it comes to cake, you can go one of two ways: rich and decadent or sweet and fruity. If you’re partial to the fruity version, an upside-down cake is a great option. Baked with the fruity topping on the bottom and meant to be flipped before serving, this pear upside-down cake is sticky and sweet and perfect for serving with a scoop of ice cream. It can be ready in just over an hour, and it’s easy to prepare in advance and store in the refrigerator. Better yet, it’s a versatile dessert that can be served with lunch, dinner or even a special brunch.
Ingredients for Pear Upside-Down Cake
- Butter: Butter gives this cake a moist texture and rich flavor. To start the batter, we cream the butter and sugar together to help make the sugar more spreadable and less likely to stick together in large clumps.
- Walnuts: The perfect way to add nutty crunch, walnuts line the baking pan in this upside-down pear cake recipe.
- Brown sugar: More caramelized than regular white sugar, brown sugar adds a deep, rich flavor when used in baking recipes like this one.
- Pears: When selecting the best pear for baking, consider texture first. We love using Bosc pears because their firm texture holds up well to the heat of the oven. That way, you’ll have crisp, tender pears in your cake rather than mushy ones.
- Sugar: When creamed together, butter and sugar make a light and fluffy base for the batter in this recipe. It helps spread the sugar evenly throughout the batter so each bite is sweet and moist.
- Egg: Eggs are essential for binding everything together in this cake recipe, while adding moisture and richness.
- Molasses: With a deep, caramelized flavor, molasses adds sweetness, flavor, moisture and color to recipes like this one.
- All-purpose flour: We use all-purpose flour for this recipe because it’s versatile and easy to work with. Alternatively, you could also use cake flour for a softer, more tender texture.
- Ground ginger and ground cinnamon: These two warm and zesty spices are responsible for adding bold flavor to this upside-down pear cake recipe. Ginger adds a bit of heat, while cinnamon adds notes of woody, citrusy flavor.
- Baking powder and baking soda: Both useful leavening agents, baking soda and baking powder help this cake rise, giving it a light, fluffy and airy texture.
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the baking pan
Pour the melted butter into a 9-inch square baking pan, then sprinkle with nuts and brown sugar. Arrange the pears over the nuts.
Step 2: Make the batter
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, five to seven minutes. Beat in the egg and molasses. Combine the flour, ginger, cinnamon, salt, baking powder and baking soda, then add to the creamed mixture alternately with water, beating well after each addition.
Step 3: Bake and serve
Spread the batter over the pears. Bake the cake at 350°F for 35 to 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a serving plate. Serve warm, with ice cream if desired.
Pear Upside-Down Cake Variations
Swap out the pears for apples: Apple upside-down cake is a fantastic alternative to pear upside-down cake, and the two are quite similar. If you don’t have access to fresh pears, you can absolutely swap them out for a great baking apple instead.
Add dried fruits: Dried fruits add chewy texture to baked goods such as this one. If you want to add tart flavor, try incorporating some dried cherries, cranberries or blueberries to the mix. To add extra sweetness, try some chopped dried apricots, dates or figs. Dried fruits go well with the flavor profile of this cake, so it’s an easy addition if you have them on hand.
How to Store Pear Upside-Down Cake
Once the cake has cooled you can store any leftovers in the refrigerator for about three to four days. Be sure to wrap it in plastic wrap or store it in a container with a tight-fitting lid. Storing the cake in the refrigerator (rather than on the counter) will help it retain its moisture and flavor.
Can you freeze pear upside-down cake?
You can absolutely freeze pear upside-down cake. To do so, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Place it in the freezer and store it there for up to three months.
Pear Upside-Down Cake Tips
When should you flip an upside-down cake?
Let this pear upside-down cake cool at room temperature for ten minutes, then place a plate over the top and flip the cake onto the plate. Letting the cake cool for ten minutes will prevent it from collapsing or falling apart, but flipping it while it’s still slightly warm will help it come out cleanly and easily.
What cake pan is best for upside-down cake?
We like using aluminum pans because they heat up quickly and evenly, allowing cakes to cook thoroughly without burning. Alternatively, you could also use a well-seasoned cast iron skillet to help develop a thick, crunchy crust.
How do you prevent a pear upside-down cake from getting stuck upside-down?
Be sure to butter your cake pan thoroughly before adding any ingredients. We use melted butter in this pear upside-down cake to help make it easier to spread. Swirl the butter around the pan to make sure all corners are lubricated, and use a paper towel to spread it around even more if necessary.
