For a richer flavor, use dark molasses. Be careful when melting the butter in the springform pan; watch it closely to prevent burning. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream complements this cake beautifully.
Imagine biting into a warm, spiced gingerbread cake, its moist crumb infused with the delicate sweetness of caramelized pears. This Upside-Down Pear Gingerbread Cake transforms simple ingredients into an elegant dessert that's both comforting and impressive. Perfect for cool evenings or holiday gatherings!
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). (5 minutes)
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, ginger, baking soda, cloves, and salt until well combined. Set aside. (2 minutes)
Place 1/4 cup butter into a 10-inch springform pan and melt in the preheated oven for 1-2 minutes. Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the melted butter. (3 minutes)
Pat the pear halves dry with paper towels and cut each half into 3 slices lengthwise. Arrange the pear slices in a spiral pattern on top of the brown sugar. Spray the inside walls of the pan with cooking spray. (10 minutes)
In a second large bowl, cream together the granulated sugar and 1/2 cup softened butter with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, then mix in the molasses. (5 minutes)
Gradually add the flour mixture to the molasses mixture, mixing until just combined. Stir in the hot water until the batter is smooth. (3 minutes)
Pour the batter evenly over the pear slices in the prepared springform pan. (1 minute)
Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean, 45 to 50 minutes. (50 minutes)
Let the cake cool completely in the pan before inverting it onto a serving dish and removing the pan. A gentle tap on the bottom of the pan may help release the cake. (60 minutes)
For a richer flavor, use dark molasses. Be careful when melting the butter in the springform pan; watch it closely to prevent burning. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream complements this cake beautifully.
Bethel Wiza
May 29, 2025This cake was a huge hit at our Thanksgiving dinner! Everyone loved the combination of the pears and gingerbread.
Jackeline Glover
Mar 21, 2025I added a little bit of rum extract to the batter, and it gave the cake a really nice flavor.
Vern Tillman
Feb 13, 2025Next time, I'll try using fresh pears. I think that would make it even better!
Bryce Anderson
Feb 7, 2025I was a little nervous about inverting the cake, but it came out perfectly! The pears looked beautiful.
Stuart Boyle
Jan 10, 2025My family devoured this cake! It's definitely going into my regular rotation.
Murray Fay
Jan 9, 2025The recipe was easy to follow, and the cake tasted amazing! Thank you for sharing.
Justus Will
Jan 1, 2025I accidentally used applesauce instead of molasses, and it still turned out great! A happy accident!
Jerel Bernhard
Sep 29, 2024I made this for a Christmas party and it was gone in minutes! The spiced flavor is perfect for the holidays.
Aimee Gleason
Aug 2, 2024The cake was a bit too sweet for my taste, so I reduced the sugar slightly. It was perfect!