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Spiced Pear Upside Down Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 132 reviews

This Spiced Pear Upside Down Cake features tender slices of ripe pears beautifully caramelized under a spiced maple sugar topping. The cake itself is a moist, lightly spiced whole wheat batter enriched with warm autumn spices like cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves, creating a perfect balance of sweetness and spice. This dessert is elegantly simple, showcasing the natural flavors of pears in a comforting upside-down format, ideal for a cozy gathering or festive occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Topping:

  • 1/3 cup Maple Sugar (or Brown Sugar)
  • 3 Tbsp. melted salted butter
  • 2 ripe pears, sliced

Cake:

  • 6 Tbsp. softened salted butter
  • 3/4 cup Maple Sugar
  • 2 large eggs, separated
  • 2 Tbsp. vanilla extract
  • 1 cup + 2 Tbsp. whole wheat pastry flour
  • 1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp. ground ginger
  • 1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
  • 1/8 tsp. ground cloves
  • 1/4 cup whole milk
  • 1/4 tsp. cream of tartar

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan to prevent sticking.
  2. Make the topping: Combine the melted butter and maple sugar in a bowl, then spread this mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared cake pan. Arrange the sliced pears in a single layer over the topping, ensuring even coverage for a beautiful presentation.
  3. Cream butter and sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and maple sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which will incorporate air for a tender cake texture.
  4. Add egg yolks and vanilla: Beat in the egg yolks one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined and smooth.
  5. Incorporate dry ingredients and milk: In a separate bowl, whisk together the whole wheat pastry flour, baking powder, salt, and spices (cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves). Alternately add this dry mixture and the milk to the creamed butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently to combine without overworking.
  6. Beat egg whites: In another clean bowl, beat the egg whites with cream of tartar until stiff peaks form, which will add lightness to the cake.
  7. Fold in egg whites: Carefully fold the beaten egg whites into the cake batter in two additions, using a gentle folding motion to preserve the airy texture.
  8. Assemble and bake: Pour the batter evenly over the arranged pears in the cake pan, spreading it gently to cover. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 50 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
  9. Cool and invert: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for exactly 10 minutes to let the topping set. Then carefully invert the cake onto a serving plate so the pear topping is on display. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

  • Use ripe but firm pears to maintain shape during baking.
  • If maple sugar is unavailable, brown sugar is a perfect substitute for the topping and batter.
  • Whole wheat pastry flour adds a nutty flavor and a bit more nutrition compared to all-purpose flour, but you may substitute all-purpose flour if desired.
  • Beat egg whites to stiff peaks for maximum lift and a light crumb.
  • The cake is best served within a day or two but can be stored covered at room temperature.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with vegan butter and use a plant-based milk alternative.

Keywords: spiced pear cake, upside down cake, maple sugar cake, fall dessert, whole wheat cake, pear dessert, spiced cake

Find it online: https://mixitwitjoe.com/spiced-pear-upside-down-cake-recipe/