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–+ servings
A front side view of a delicious caramelized upside down pear cake post bake.

Caramelized Upside Down Pear Cake

Frances Kellar
This seasonal cake recipe is a stellar option for holiday gatherings. A spiced cake batter and caramelized pears work in perfect harmony for a cake that is great for afternoon tea, holiday dinners, and even... breakfast!
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12 servings

Equipment

  • 1 9-inch round cake pan

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pears cored and thinly sliced

Brown Butter Caramel Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ¼ cup brown sugar lightly packed
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Cake Batter

  • 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup light brown sugar packed
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
  • 1 teaspoon ground vanilla
  • ½ teaspoon ground cloves
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ⅔ cup olive oil
  • ¼ cup plain greek yogurt
  • 2 large eggs

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Generously grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter. Set aside while prepping the cake batter.
  • In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Lower heat and, stirring occasionally, allow butter to foam a little before it subsides creating lightly browned flecks that form at the bottom of skillet; the butter should have a nutty aroma. Add in the brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Allow the brown sugar to caramelize in to the brown butter for just under a minute. Remove from heat and gently pour into the greased cake pan.
  • Layer the thinly sliced pears on top of the brown butter caramel sauce. Set to the side briefly to prepare the cake batter.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, brown sugar, the ground cinnamon, ground cardamom, ground cloves, ground vanilla, and kosher salt.
  • In a separate medium bowl, whisk eggs, yogurt, and olive oil until well combined.
  • Add wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and gently fold the mixture together. Pour batter into the prepared baking pan to top the pears. Bake for 40-50 minutes until cake tester comes out clean in center and edges of cake are golden.
  • Cool for about 10 to 15 minutes before turning out the cake onto a cake stand or plate.
Keyword holiday party desserts, easy desserts, pears and apples, upside pear cake
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