A spiced pear upside down cake is one of those desserts that feels both rustic and sophisticated at the same time. With warm spices, tender caramelized pears, and a buttery, moist cake, it’s the kind of dessert that steals the spotlight effortlessly—perfect for fall gatherings, holiday dinners, or a weekend baking project when you want something comforting yet impressive.
The beauty of this cake lies in its simplicity. Fresh pears soften gently in brown sugar and butter, creating a caramel-like layer that melts into the cake beneath. A blend of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves adds warmth, while the soft crumb of the cake absorbs every bit of flavor. The moment you invert the cake and reveal the glossy, caramel-soaked pears is pure magic.
Whether you’re baking for guests or treating yourself to something special, this spiced pear upside down cake combines seasonal flavors with timeless charm.
Why This Spiced Pear Upside Down Cake Works
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Beautiful presentation with minimal effort
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Warm, cozy spice blend that pairs perfectly with pears
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Moist, tender cake crumb thanks to butter and buttermilk
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Great for holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or fall brunch
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Uses basic ingredients—no fancy equipment or complicated steps
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Perfect make-ahead dessert that tastes even better the next day
This dessert brings together everything we love about fall and homemade baking: warmth, aroma, and satisfying sweetness.
Equipment
You will need:
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9-inch round cake pan (deep)
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Mixing bowls
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Whisk
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Rubber spatula
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Hand mixer or stand mixer
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Small saucepan
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Cooling rack
Ingredients for Spiced Pear Upside Down Cake
For the Pear Topping
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3 ripe but firm pears, thinly sliced
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4 tablespoons unsalted butter
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½ cup brown sugar
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1 teaspoon cinnamon
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¼ teaspoon nutmeg
For the Cake Batter
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1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon baking powder
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½ teaspoon baking soda
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½ teaspoon salt
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1 teaspoon cinnamon
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½ teaspoon ginger
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¼ teaspoon cloves
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½ teaspoon nutmeg
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½ cup unsalted butter, softened
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¾ cup granulated sugar
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2 large eggs
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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½ cup buttermilk
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⅓ cup sour cream
Timing & Servings
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Prep Time: 25 minutes
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Cook Time: 40–45 minutes
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Cooling Time: 20 minutes
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Total Time: 85–90 minutes
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Servings: 8–10 slices
How to Make Spiced Pear Upside Down Cake
Step 1. Prepare the Pear Topping
In a small saucepan, melt butter with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until bubbly and smooth. Pour this mixture into your cake pan, tilting to spread evenly.
Arrange pear slices on top in a circular pattern. Set aside.
Step 2. Whisk Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg. This spice blend adds warmth and depth throughout the cake.
Step 3. Cream Butter and Sugar
Beat softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy and pale. This step creates a light, tender cake texture.
Step 4. Add Eggs and Vanilla
Mix in the eggs one at a time, then add vanilla. The batter should be smooth and slightly thick.
Step 5. Add Buttermilk and Sour Cream
Stir in buttermilk and sour cream to add richness and moisture. These ingredients help balance the sweetness of the caramelized pears.
Step 6. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula. Mix only until incorporated—overmixing will toughen the cake.
Step 7. Spread the Batter Over the Pears
Pour batter gently into the cake pan, smoothing the top. Be careful not to disturb the arranged pears underneath.
Step 8. Bake
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 9. Cool and Invert
Let the cake cool in the pan for 15–20 minutes. Run a knife along the edges and invert onto a serving plate.
As the cake flips, the pears and caramel topping will cascade beautifully over the top.
Baking Tips for the Best Pear Upside Down Cake
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Choose firm pears like Bosc or Anjou—they hold their shape while baking.
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Slice pears evenly for the prettiest design and even cooking.
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Don’t skip buttermilk or sour cream—they’re essential for moisture.
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Avoid overbaking, which can dry out the cake.
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Let the cake cool before inverting so the caramel layer sets properly.
Variations
Spiced Apple Upside Down Cake
Swap pears for apples and increase cinnamon slightly.
Maple Pear Upside Down Cake
Replace some brown sugar with maple syrup for deeper flavor.
Pear Ginger Cake
Add finely grated fresh ginger for a sharper spice profile.
Nut-Topped Version
Sprinkle pecans or walnuts over the caramel layer before adding batter.
How to Store & Serve
To Store
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Keep at room temperature for 24 hours
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Refrigerate for up to 4 days
To Serve
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Delicious warm or chilled
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Add vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a stunning finish
To Freeze
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Wrap slices individually and freeze up to 2 months
Nutritional Facts (Per Slice, Approx.)
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Calories: 310–360
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Protein: 3–4 g
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Carbohydrates: 45–50 g
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Total Fat: 14–16 g
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Fiber: 3–4 g
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Sugars: 32–38 g
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Sodium: 180–220 mg
For more classic desserts that never go out of style, try Zucchini Bars with Caramel Frosting, Strawberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars, or Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bars.
Spiced Pear Upside Down Cake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a small saucepan, melt butter with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until bubbly and smooth. Pour this mixture into your cake pan, tilting to spread evenly.
- Arrange pear slices on top in a circular pattern. Set aside.
- In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg. This spice blend adds warmth and depth throughout the cake.
- Beat softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy and pale. This step creates a light, tender cake texture.
- Mix in the eggs one at a time, then add vanilla. The batter should be smooth and slightly thick.
- Stir in buttermilk and sour cream to add richness and moisture. These ingredients help balance the sweetness of the caramelized pears.
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula. Mix only until incorporated—overmixing will toughen the cake.
- Pour batter gently into the cake pan, smoothing the top. Be careful not to disturb the arranged pears underneath.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 15–20 minutes. Run a knife along the edges and invert onto a serving plate.
- As the cake flips, the pears and caramel topping will cascade beautifully over the top.
Conclusion
A spiced pear upside down cake is the quintessential cozy dessert—warmly spiced, beautifully caramelized, and irresistibly tender. It celebrates the natural sweetness of fresh pears and elevates them with a comforting blend of seasonal spices. Perfect for fall, holidays, or whenever you want a dessert that feels both comforting and elegant, this cake delivers stunning flavor with surprisingly simple steps.
Recipe FAQs
1. Can I use canned pears?
Fresh pears work best, but well-drained canned pears can be used in a pinch.
2. Which pears hold up best for baking?
Bosc, Anjou, and Bartlett retain shape and flavor when baked.
3. Can I make this cake dairy-free?
Use vegan butter and dairy-free yogurt in place of sour cream.
4. Can I make it ahead?
Yes—this cake tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
5. Can I reduce the sugar?
Reduce both brown and white sugar by 2–3 tablespoons without affecting texture.
6. Can I add nuts?
Absolutely—pecans or walnuts add a delicious crunch.