Pear and Ginger Upside-Down Cake
Monica Buck
Yields MAKES: 10 to 12 servings
Make this delicious dessert when pears are at their best.

How to Make It

Step 1
1

Lightly butter a 9-inch cheesecake pan with removable rim at least 2 1/2 inches tall. Line pan with a 10-inch round of cooking parchment, pressing into bottom and about 1/2 inch up sides. Cut 2 tablespoons butter into about 1/4-inch chunks and drop evenly over parchment in pan bottom. Sprinkle evenly with 1/2 cup brown sugar and the crystallized ginger.

Step 2
2

Peel pears and cut in half lengthwise, then, slicing parallel to cut edge, cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices. With a small knife, cut core from each slice. Arrange slices flat, in a single layer, over sugar mixture in pan, trimming pieces as needed to fit.

Step 3
3

In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, salt, and allspice.

Step 4
4

In another bowl, with an electric mixer on medium-high speed, beat remaining 1/2 cup butter and 1 cup brown sugar until well blended. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Reduce speed to medium-low and beat in molasses. Add flour mixture and buttermilk alternately, beating until incorporated, then beat on high speed just until well blended. Pour batter over pears.

Step 5
5

Bake in a 325° regular or 300° convection oven until a toothpick inserted in center (not in fruit) comes out clean, 1 hour and 35 to 40 minutes (cake center may settle slightly). Let cool in pan on a rack about 20 minutes. Remove pan sides. Invert a platter over cake, then, holding the two together, invert again. Carefully remove pan bottom and parchment. Serve warm.

Ingredients

 2 tablespoons plus 1/2 cup (1/4 lb.) butter, at room temperature
 1 1/2 cups firmly packed brown sugar
 3 tablespoons chopped crystallized ginger
 2 firm-ripe Bosc pears (1 lb. total)
 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
 2 teaspoons baking powder
 1 teaspoon baking soda
 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
 1/2 teaspoon salt
 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
 2 large eggs
 3/4 cup dark molasses
 1 1/4 cups buttermilk

Directions

Step 1
1

Lightly butter a 9-inch cheesecake pan with removable rim at least 2 1/2 inches tall. Line pan with a 10-inch round of cooking parchment, pressing into bottom and about 1/2 inch up sides. Cut 2 tablespoons butter into about 1/4-inch chunks and drop evenly over parchment in pan bottom. Sprinkle evenly with 1/2 cup brown sugar and the crystallized ginger.

Step 2
2

Peel pears and cut in half lengthwise, then, slicing parallel to cut edge, cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices. With a small knife, cut core from each slice. Arrange slices flat, in a single layer, over sugar mixture in pan, trimming pieces as needed to fit.

Step 3
3

In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, salt, and allspice.

Step 4
4

In another bowl, with an electric mixer on medium-high speed, beat remaining 1/2 cup butter and 1 cup brown sugar until well blended. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Reduce speed to medium-low and beat in molasses. Add flour mixture and buttermilk alternately, beating until incorporated, then beat on high speed just until well blended. Pour batter over pears.

Step 5
5

Bake in a 325° regular or 300° convection oven until a toothpick inserted in center (not in fruit) comes out clean, 1 hour and 35 to 40 minutes (cake center may settle slightly). Let cool in pan on a rack about 20 minutes. Remove pan sides. Invert a platter over cake, then, holding the two together, invert again. Carefully remove pan bottom and parchment. Serve warm.

Pear and Ginger Upside-Down Cake

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