What is pear upside down cake?

Pear upside down cake is a moist, caramelized dessert where ripe pears are arranged in a buttery brown sugar topping at the bottom of the pan, then baked under a simple vanilla cake batter. After baking, the pan is inverted onto a serving plate, revealing the glistening pears on top. This twist on the classic pineapple version highlights the pears' sweet, juicy flavor and tender texture, paired with warm spices like cinnamon or ginger. It's perfect for fall gatherings or weeknight treats, ready in about 1 hour. Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for the best experience. The recipe typically serves 8 and uses basic pantry staples like flour, eggs, butter, and fresh pears.

How do you make pear upside down cake from scratch?

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan. Melt ½ cup butter with ¾ cup brown sugar over low heat, pour into the pan, and arrange 3-4 sliced ripe pears in a circular pattern on top. For the batter, cream ½ cup butter with ¾ cup sugar, add 2 eggs and 1 tsp vanilla, then mix in 1½ cups flour, 1½ tsp baking powder, ¼ tsp salt, and ½ cup milk. Spread over pears and bake 35-40 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes, then invert onto a plate. Total time: 60 minutes. Pro tip: Use Anjou or Bosc pears for firmness that holds shape during baking.

What are the best pears for upside down cake?

Choose firm yet ripe pears like Bosc or Anjou varieties—they hold their shape during baking without turning mushy, providing a nice contrast to the soft cake. Avoid overripe pears, as they can become too soft and watery. Slice them ¼-inch thick, about 3-4 medium pears per 9-inch cake. For extra flavor, toss slices in lemon juice to prevent browning and a pinch of cinnamon. If fresh pears aren't in season, canned pears in light syrup work well—drain and pat dry thoroughly to avoid sogginess. This selection ensures beautiful presentation and balanced sweetness in your pear upside down cake.

Can you make pear upside down cake with canned pears?

Yes, canned pears are a convenient substitute for fresh ones in pear upside down cake, especially out of season. Use pears packed in light syrup or juice—avoid heavy syrup to control sweetness. Drain well, pat dry with paper towels, and slice into ¼-inch pieces. Arrange 2-3 cans' worth (about 20-25 oz total) over the brown sugar-butter base. The cake bakes the same way, 35-40 minutes at 350°F. Results are nearly identical to fresh, with tender texture and caramelized edges. Test doneness with a toothpick. Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat slices gently to restore moisture.

How do you store and reheat pear upside down cake?

Store cooled pear upside down cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate in an airtight container for 4-5 days to keep the pears fresh. For longer storage, freeze slices wrapped in plastic and foil for up to 3 months—thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat individual slices in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes or microwave for 20-30 seconds to revive the warm, gooey caramel topping without sogginess. Avoid high heat to prevent drying. Pair reheated cake with fresh whipped cream. If it lasts, it also makes great breakfast toast points with butter. Always check for moisture before serving.

Pear Upside Down Cake Recipe for Perfect Results Every Time

Name: Pear Upside Down Cake
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: – ½ cup unsalted butter, melted; – ¾ cup brown sugar; – 3-4 ripe pears (Bosc or Anjou), sliced ¼-inch thick; – ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; – ¾ cup granulated sugar; – 2 large eggs; – 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; – 1½ cups all-purpose flour; – 1½ teaspoons baking powder; – ¼ teaspoon salt; – ½ cup milk; – Pinch of cinnamon or ginger; – 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Ingredients

– ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

– ¾ cup brown sugar

– 3-4 ripe pears (Bosc or Anjou), sliced ¼-inch thick

– ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

– ¾ cup granulated sugar

– 2 large eggs

– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

– 1½ cups all-purpose flour

– 1½ teaspoons baking powder

– ¼ teaspoon salt

– ½ cup milk

– Pinch of cinnamon or ginger

– 1 tablespoon lemon juice

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Instructions

1-First Step: Gather all tools and ingredients for mise en place. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter or non-stick spray. This setup ensures smooth baking for your pear upside down cake recipe. Lay out pears and slice them uniformly to promote even cooking.

2-Second Step: Melt ½ cup butter in a saucepan over low heat, stir in ¾ cup brown sugar until smooth, about 2-3 minutes. Pour this mixture into the prepared pan, spreading evenly. Arrange 3-4 sliced pears in a circular pattern on top, overlapping slightly for beauty. For vegan pear upside down cake, use coconut oil here. Squeeze lemon juice over pears to keep them fresh. This base forms the signature caramelized top after flipping.

3-Third Step: In a large bowl, cream ½ cup softened butter with ¾ cup sugar using a mixer until light and fluffy, 3-4 minutes. Beat in 2 eggs one at a time, then add 1 tsp vanilla. In another bowl, whisk 1½ cups flour, 1½ tsp baking powder, and ¼ tsp salt. Alternate adding dry mix and ½ cup milk to wet ingredients, starting and ending with dry. Mix gently to avoid toughness. For gluten free pear upside down cake, this step shines with specialty flour. Stir in a pinch of cinnamon if desired for extra warmth.

4-Fourth Step: Spread batter evenly over pears, smoothing the top. Bake for 35-40 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and edges pull from pan sides. Rotate halfway for uniform browning. Total bake time may vary by oven; check at 35 minutes. This easy pear upside down cake fills your home with sweet aromas.

5-Final Step: Cool in pan 10 minutes on a wire rack. Run a knife around edges, place a plate over pan, and invert quickly. Lift pan off; scrape any topping back on pears. Cool further or serve warm. Slice into 8 pieces. For brown sugar pear upside down cake flair, drizzle extra caramel. Pair with whipped cream. Adapt for low-sugar by reducing sweeteners throughout. Troubleshooting: If pears stick, ensure good greasing.

Notes

🍐 Choose firm yet ripe pears to hold their shape during baking; avoid overripe ones that may become mushy.
🍰 Invert the cake promptly after the 10-minute cool to prevent the caramel from sticking to the pan.
❄️ Store leftovers wrapped tightly in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat slices gently in the oven to revive the gooey topping.

Author: Brandi Oshea
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cool: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Desserts
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 340 calories
Sugar: 35g
Sodium: 220mg
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 47g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 85mg