Why You’ll Love This Pear Upside Down Cake Recipe
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s as delightful to eat as it’s to make, you’ll love this Pear Upside Down Cake recipe. It’s not just about the incredible taste; the process is so satisfying.
Watching the brown sugar caramelize with the pears creates an intoxicating aroma that fills your kitchen, making it feel like a special occasion. Plus, the beautiful presentation of the cake is sure to impress anyone you serve it to.
The combination of soft, juicy pears and light, fluffy cake is simply irresistible. Trust me, this recipe will become a favorite in your home!
Ingredients of Pear Upside Down Cake
When it comes to baking, picking the right ingredients is half the battle. For this Pear Upside Down Cake, you want to make sure you have everything you need before you start mixing and stirring.
Trust me, the last thing you want is to be halfway through the recipe and realize you forgot an ingredient. So, let’s gather our supplies and get ready for some deliciousness.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (firmly packed)
- 425 g pears (canned in syrup)
- 2 cups self-raising flour
- 125 g unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup caster sugar
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
When selecting your ingredients, don’t skimp on quality. The butter should be unsalted for the perfect flavor balance, and those pears? They’re the stars of the show, so make sure they’re sweet and juicy.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even use fresh pears, though that would mean a bit more chopping and peeling. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t appreciate the convenience of canned fruit?
Plus, using the syrup from the pears adds a lovely flavor to the cake batter, making every bite a little slice of heaven. So, gather everything up, and let’s make this cake something to remember.
How to Make Pear Upside Down Cake
Alright, let’s explore the delightful world of baking with this Pear Upside Down Cake recipe. First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 180°C (that’s 350°F for my friends in North America).
While that’s heating up, grab your 21x14x7cm loaf tin. Give it a light greasing with some butter or oil, then line the bottom with baking paper. This is like giving your cake a cozy blanket, ensuring it doesn’t stick when it’s time to flip it upside down later.
Now, sprinkle 2 tablespoons of brown sugar evenly over the base of the tin—imagine it like a sweet little foundation for your cake. Next, drain those 425 grams of canned pears and save that syrup; it’s liquid gold for your batter. Cut the pears in half and arrange them, cut side down, over the brown sugar. They’re going to look so pretty, and trust me, they’ll taste even better.
Moving on to the cake batter, sift 2 cups of self-raising flour into a large bowl and make a well in the center. This is where the magic happens. Melt 125 grams of unsalted butter in a small saucepan with 3/4 cup of caster sugar over low heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
Once that’s done, remove it from the heat and mix in the reserved syrup and 2 lightly beaten eggs. It’s time to pour this sweet concoction into your well of flour. Stir it with a wooden spoon until everything is just combined—don’t overmix it, or your cake might end up tougher than a boot.
Pour that batter over your lovely arranged pears, smoothing the top as best as you can. Bake it for 50 minutes until a skewer comes out clean. And here’s a little pro tip: let it cool in the tin for 15 minutes before flipping it onto a wire rack—this will save you from a cake disaster.
Pear Upside Down Cake Substitutions & Variations
After enjoying the delightful process of baking a Pear Upside Down Cake, you might want to get creative with your ingredients or try a different twist on the classic recipe.
You can swap out pears for other fruits like peaches or pineapples, adding a tropical flair. If you’re feeling adventurous, use brown butter instead of regular butter for a nuttier flavor.
For a spice kick, sprinkle in cinnamon or nutmeg. You could also experiment with different sugars; brown sugar adds depth, while coconut sugar lends a unique taste.
Whatever you choose, have fun with it and make it your own!
Additional Tips & Notes
While baking a Pear Upside Down Cake is a delightful experience, a few extra tips can elevate it even further.
First, don’t skip the step of greasing the tin; it’ll guarantee smooth flipping. If you want extra flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter.
Using fresh pears can enhance the taste and texture, but canned ones work perfectly too.
Finally, let the cake cool for the full 15 minutes before flipping; this helps maintain its shape.
Enjoy a slice warm, paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious treat!