The Sweet Flip: Pear Upside Down Cake Recipe for Cozy Baking

Crafting a delectable pear upside down cake brings pure joy to any kitchen adventure.

Sweet caramelized fruits nestled beneath a golden cake create magic on your plate.

Seasonal pears transform this classic dessert into something extraordinary and memorable.

Warm spices like cinnamon complement the fruit’s natural sweetness, adding depth to every bite.

Rustic yet elegant, this recipe works perfectly for casual gatherings or special celebrations.

Simple ingredients and straightforward techniques make this dessert accessible to bakers of all skill levels.

One slice promises to transport you to a world of comfort and delightful flavors.

Come discover how easy it is to create this stunning, crowd-pleasing treat.

What To Serve With Mary Berry Pear Upside Down Cake

• Pair with Spiced Rum Cocktail: Mix the same rum used in the caramel with ginger beer, a splash of lime, and a cinnamon stick for a complementary drink that echoes the cake's warm flavor profile.
• Serve with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: The creamy, cold texture contrasts beautifully with the warm cake, while vanilla's sweetness enhances the pear's natural richness.
• Match with Cinnamon-Spiced Chai: The tea's warming spices complement the ginger and caramel notes, creating a harmonious and comforting dessert experience.
• Accompany with Mascarpone Cream: Whip mascarpone with a touch of honey and orange zest to create a luxurious, silky topping that balances the cake's sweetness and adds a tangy brightness.

How To Keep Mary Berry Pear Upside Down Cake Fresh

• Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover with plastic wrap to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
• Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Place in a freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn.
• Remove from freezer and let sit at room temperature for 2-3 hours. Alternatively, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best texture.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 20-30 seconds. For a crispy edge, briefly toast in a preheated oven at 150°C for 5-7 minutes before serving.

Mary Berry Pear Upside Down Cake Q&A

• Why do I need to use a deep pan for making caramel?

A deep pan prevents caramel from bubbling over and provides more control while cooking, helping you achieve a perfect golden color without burning the sugar.

• Can I substitute rum in the recipe?

Yes, you can replace rum with vanilla extract or apple juice for a non-alcoholic version that still adds depth to the caramel’s flavor.

• How do I know if the pears are ripe enough for this cake?

Choose pears that are slightly firm but yield to gentle pressure near the stem. Ripe pears will have a sweet aroma and will caramelize beautifully in the recipe.

• What type of pears work best for this upside down cake?

Bosc or Anjou pears are ideal because they hold their shape well during baking and have a sweet, subtle flavor that complements the caramel.

Why Mary Berry Pear Upside Down Cake Is A Winner

• Craft a Stunning Dessert: Create a show-stopping cake that looks professionally made with minimal baking skills required.
• Elevate Everyday Moments: Transform ordinary gatherings into special occasions with this elegant and impressive pear cake that adds a touch of sophistication to any table.
• Maximize Flavor Potential: Blend rich caramel, sweet pears, and warm spices for a complex taste experience that delights the senses with every single bite.
• Flexible Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for multiple occasions from casual family dinners to elegant dinner parties, this versatile dessert adapts to any gathering and will impress guests of all ages.

What You’ll Need For Mary Berry Pear Upside Down Cake

• Pears: Fresh, ripe pears that provide a sweet and soft base for the cake's caramel layer.
• Sugar: Used to create a golden caramel that coats the pears and adds a rich, deep flavor.
• Butter: Creates a smooth and glossy caramel sauce that enhances the pears' sweetness.

• Rum: Adds a warm, complex depth to the caramel sauce.
• Ginger Syrup: Introduces a subtle spicy note that complements the pears' natural sweetness.

• Flour, Sugar, Eggs, Butter: Classic cake ingredients that create a light and tender cake structure.
• Baking Powder: Ensures the cake rises and develops a soft, fluffy texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides a classic, aromatic flavor to the cake batter.

How To Bake Mary Berry Pear Upside Down Cake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to 180°C (160°C fan). Prepare a 20cm round baking tin by greasing it and lining with parchment paper.

Step 2: Create Caramel Magic

• Butter
• Rum
• Ginger syrup

Let the caramel cool for 15-20 minutes.

Step 3: Prepare Pear Perfection

Carefully peel, core, and slice the pears. Gently coat the pear slices in the warm caramel. Artfully arrange the pear slices in the prepared baking tin.

Step 4: Mix Cake Batter

Combine all cake ingredients in a mixing bowl. Whisk and beat until the batter becomes smooth and creamy. Gently spread the batter over the arranged pear slices.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Goodness

Place the tin in the preheated oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes until the cake turns a gorgeous golden color and feels firm to the touch.

Step 6: Flip and Serve

Once baked, carefully loosen the cake edges. While still warm, flip the cake onto a serving plate. Gently remove the parchment paper. Let the cake cool slightly before serving.

Helpful Hints For Mary Berry Pear Upside Down Cake

• Choose Ripe Pears: Select firm, slightly soft pears like Bosc or Anjou for the best caramelization and flavor.
• Control Caramel Color: Watch caramel closely while melting sugar to prevent burning; aim for a golden amber shade for rich taste.
• Prevent Sticking: Use parchment paper in the tin to ensure easy cake removal and perfect pear arrangement.
• Modify for Dietary Needs: Swap regular flour with gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version; use dairy-free butter for vegan adaptation.
• Enhance Flavor Variations: Add ground cardamom or vanilla extract to the cake batter for a more complex, aromatic dessert experience.

Ways To Add A Twist To Mary Berry Pear Upside Down Cake

• Gluten-Free Pear Cake: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version. Maintain the same caramel and pear layering technique.
• Vegan Caramel Pear Dessert: Swap butter with coconut oil, use plant-based milk, and replace eggs with mashed banana or flax eggs. Ensure caramel is made with coconut sugar.
• Spiced Apple Alternative: Substitute pears with thinly sliced apples, add cinnamon and nutmeg to enhance the cake's warmth. Keep the original caramel method intact.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of regular sugar. Reduce caramel amount and incorporate Greek yogurt for moisture and protein boost.

Pear Upside Down Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 60-70 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Sweet caramelized pear upside down cake promises a delightful journey through rustic French dessert traditions. Warm spices and tender fruit create a perfect harmony that invites home bakers to savor each memorable slice.

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Ingredients

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Cake Base:

• 2 large ripe but firm pears
• 50 grams (1.8 ounces) caster sugar
• 50 grams (1.8 ounces) butter, diced
• 1 tablespoon dark rum
• 1 tablespoon ginger syrup (from stem ginger jar)

Cake Batter:

• 2 large free-range eggs
• 125 grams (4.4 ounces) butter, well softened
• 125 grams (4.4 ounces) caster sugar
• 125 grams (4.4 ounces) plain flour

Spices:

• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 180°C (160°C fan) and prepare a 20cm round tin by greasing and lining with parchment paper.
2. Create a golden caramel by slowly melting sugar in a deep pan, then incorporate butter, rum, and ginger syrup. Allow the mixture to cool and settle for 15-20 minutes.
3. Transform pears by carefully peeling, removing cores, and slicing them into elegant segments. Gently coat each slice in the prepared caramel and artfully arrange within the prepared tin.
4. Craft the cake batter by thoroughly combining all ingredients until achieving a silky, uniform consistency. Delicately distribute the mixture over the caramel-coated pears, ensuring even coverage.
5. Transfer the tin to the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, monitoring until the cake develops a golden hue and exhibits a firm texture when tested.
6. Once baked, carefully release the cake’s edges from the tin. While still warm, confidently invert the cake onto a serving plate, gently removing the parchment paper to reveal the beautiful caramelized pear design.

Notes

• Choose ripe yet firm pears for the best texture and flavor in your cake.
• Experiment with different pear varieties like Bosc or Anjou for unique taste profiles.
• Ensure caramel is evenly spread to create a stunning golden coating on the pears.
• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.

• Prep Time: 25-30 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 292 kcal
• Sugar: 23 g
• Sodium: 90 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg