Spiced Pear Upside Down Cake You’ll Fall in Love With

Name: Spiced Pear Upside Down Cake You’ll Fall in Love With
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 ripe pears, sliced; 1/2 cup butter; 1 cup brown sugar; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup milk

September 26, 2025

By:

Julia marin

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Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite dessert: spiced pear upside down cake! Seriously, it’s a game changer. Imagine digging into a slice of moist, tender cake with caramelized pears on top, their sweetness perfectly balanced by warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. It’s a hug in cake form! And the best part? It’s super easy to whip up, making it perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends. You’ll feel like a baking superstar without all the fuss. Trust me, once you try this cake, you’ll want to make it over and over again. It’s just that good!

spiced pear upside down cake - detail 1

Ingredients for Spiced Pear Upside Down Cake

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful cake. I promise, it’s all simple stuff you can find right in your kitchen!

3 ripe pears, sliced
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1/2 cup milk

Make sure your pears are nice and ripe for that perfect sweetness! And don’t skimp on the spices—they really make this cake sing!

How to Prepare Spiced Pear Upside Down Cake

Alright, let’s get down to the fun part! This cake is super simple to make, and I’ll walk you through each step so you can nail it. Grab your ingredients and let’s get started!

Prepping the Oven and Pan

First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for getting that perfect rise and texture. While that’s warming up, take a 9-inch round cake pan and melt your butter right in there. I love doing this because it saves on dishes! Just pop it in the oven for a few minutes until it’s melted. Once it’s good and bubbly, pull it out and sprinkle in the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Give it a good mix to combine everything—this is the base for your delicious pear topping!

Arranging the Pears

Now it’s time for the star of the show! Take those sliced pears and arrange them over the sugar mixture in the pan. I like to fan them out a bit, making sure they cover the entire bottom evenly. This way, every slice of cake gets a lovely pear on top. Plus, it looks beautiful when you flip it over!

Mixing the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder, and salt. This step is essential because it helps to evenly distribute the baking powder, ensuring your cake rises beautifully. Just give it a good mix until it’s all combined—no lumps allowed!

Combining Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, beat together the eggs and milk. I usually use a whisk for this, but a hand mixer works too! You want everything to be well blended and a bit frothy. This adds some air into the batter, which helps with the fluffiness of the cake!

Merging Wet and Dry Mixtures

Now, it’s time to combine your wet and dry ingredients. Pour the egg and milk mixture into the bowl with the flour mixture. Gently fold it all together until just combined. Don’t over-mix—this is key! You want to see a few flour streaks still in there; it’ll come together beautifully in the oven.

Baking the Cake

Pour that batter right over the arranged pears in the pan. Smooth it out gently with a spatula to make sure it covers all the pears. Now, pop it into your preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Oh, the smell will be heavenly while it bakes!

Inverting and Serving

Once it’s baked to perfection, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This little cooling period helps it to set and makes the inversion easier! After that, carefully flip it onto a plate. Don’t worry if it’s a little messy; it’s going to taste amazing no matter what! Serve it warm, maybe with a dollop of whipped cream on top for that extra indulgence. Enjoy every bite of this scrumptious spiced pear upside down cake!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s incredibly quick to make—perfect for those last-minute dessert cravings!
The combination of spiced pears and soft cake is a flavor explosion in every bite.
It’s a showstopper dessert that impresses without requiring advanced baking skills.
Perfect for any occasion, from cozy family dinners to festive gatherings.
Feels like a warm hug with those comforting spices—ideal for fall or winter!
Leftovers (if there are any!) taste amazing the next day—just warm them up a bit.
Versatile enough to switch up with different fruits like apples or peaches!

Tips for Success

Alright, let’s make sure your spiced pear upside down cake turns out absolutely perfect! Here are some of my tried-and-true tips that I’ve learned along the way:

Use Ripe Pears: The ripeness of your pears is crucial! Go for pears that are slightly soft to the touch; they’ll be sweeter and more flavorful once baked.
Don’t Skip the Spices: The spices really elevate the cake, so don’t hold back on the cinnamon and nutmeg. You can even add a pinch of ginger for an extra kick!
Check Your Oven: Ovens can be sneaky! If you’re unsure about your oven’s temperature, use an oven thermometer to ensure it’s spot on. This can affect the baking time.
Adjust Baking Time: Depending on your oven, the baking time might vary a bit. Start checking around the 35-minute mark, and remember—if the toothpick comes out clean, it’s done!
Let It Cool: Giving your cake that 10-minute cooling time in the pan is key. It helps it set and makes flipping it over so much easier!
Experiment with Fruits: While pears are amazing, don’t hesitate to try other fruits like apples or peaches. They can bring a whole new flavor profile to the cake!
Serve Warm: This cake is best enjoyed warm, right out of the oven or slightly reheated. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a treat!

With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to impress with your baking skills. Happy baking!

Variations on Spiced Pear Upside Down Cake

If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up this spiced pear upside down cake! Here are some ideas that’ll keep your taste buds tingling and impress your friends and family:

Apple Delight: Substitute the pears with thinly sliced apples. You can toss them in a little lemon juice to keep them from browning and add a sprinkle of extra cinnamon for a classic flavor combo!
Peachy Keen: Fresh or canned peaches work beautifully too! Just slice them up and arrange them over the sugar mixture. Their juicy sweetness pairs perfectly with those warming spices.
Mixed Berry Bliss: For a fruity twist, try using a mix of berries like blueberries, raspberries, or sliced strawberries. They’ll create a gorgeous, colorful topping and a delightful tartness!
Pineapple Upside Down: You can’t go wrong with the classic pineapple upside down cake! Use pineapple rings and maraschino cherries for that retro vibe. It’s a fruity twist that’s sure to please!
Nutty Addition: Add some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the sugar mixture before layering the fruit. They’ll add a lovely crunch and depth of flavor!
Spice it Up: Experiment with different spices! Try adding a pinch of cardamom or ginger to the batter for an extra layer of warmth and flavor that’ll elevate your cake to new heights.

Feel free to mix and match these ideas based on what you have on hand or what you’re craving. Each variation brings its own unique twist, making this cake a versatile and delightful treat any time of the year!

Nutritional Information

Just a quick note before we dive into numbers—nutritional values can really vary based on the ingredients and brands you use, so these are just typical estimates. I always recommend checking the labels on your specific products for the most accurate info!

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 240
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 60mg
Sodium: 150mg
Carbohydrates: 34g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 20g
Protein: 3g

So whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with friends, you can feel good about enjoying this spiced pear upside down cake! Happy baking and indulging!

FAQ Section

Can I use other fruits instead of pears?
Absolutely! While pears are wonderful, you can easily swap them for apples, peaches, or even a mix of berries. Just make sure the fruit you choose is ripe and ready to bake!

How should I store leftovers?
If you have any leftovers (which might be a challenge because it’s so delicious!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep it longer, pop it in the fridge, where it should last about a week. Just warm it up a bit before serving!

Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Definitely! You can bake the cake a day in advance. Just let it cool completely, then store it covered at room temperature. When you’re ready to serve, warm it up a little to bring back that lovely fresh-baked goodness!

What if I don’t have brown sugar?
If you’re out of brown sugar, you can substitute it with white sugar mixed with a bit of molasses. For every cup of white sugar, add about one tablespoon of molasses to get that rich flavor brown sugar brings. Or you can just use granulated sugar in a pinch—your cake will still be tasty!

Why did my cake sink in the middle?
Oh no! A sinking cake can be a bummer. This usually happens if the batter is overmixed or if it was taken out of the oven too early. Make sure to mix just until combined and do the toothpick test to ensure it’s fully baked before removing it from the oven.

Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and then place it in a freezer-safe container. It should keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before enjoying again!

Is this cake suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes, this spiced pear upside down cake is vegetarian-friendly! It contains no meat or meat products, making it a great option for those following a vegetarian diet.

For more information on the health benefits of pears, you can check out this article.

For a delicious drink pairing, consider making spiced apple cider to complement your cake!

If you’re looking for more dessert ideas, check out this chocolate mousse recipe for a rich and satisfying treat.

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About me

Hi, my name is Julia, I am the heart of Vihaad Recipes and a passionate lover of good food. My love for cooking began in childhood, inspired by my grandmother's delicious meals. Today, I share tasty recipes that bring people together through the shared enjoyment of food.