Pear Upside-Down Gingerbread Cake is a delightful fusion of warm, spiced gingerbread and caramelized pears, perfect for cozy autumn or winter gatherings. The tender, fragrant gingerbread base is infused with molasses, cinnamon, and ginger, while the pears atop the cake become beautifully caramelized during baking. The result is a stunning dessert with a moist, flavorful cake and a sweet, sticky pear topping. This cake is not only delicious but also visually impressive, making it a wonderful centerpiece for holiday meals or special occasions.
Ingredients:
For the Pear Topping:
- 3 medium pears, peeled, cored, and sliced
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup brown sugar
For the Gingerbread Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup molasses
- ½ cup boiling water
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
- Prepare the Pear Topping: In a small saucepan, melt the butter and brown sugar over medium heat until the mixture is bubbly and smooth, about 2-3 minutes. Pour the caramel mixture into the prepared cake pan and arrange the pear slices in a decorative pattern over the caramel. Set aside.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
- Make the Cake Batter: In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg until well combined. Stir in the molasses, then gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with the boiling water. Mix until the batter is smooth.
- Assemble the Cake: Pour the gingerbread batter over the pears in the cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake: Bake the cake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before carefully inverting it onto a serving platter.
- Serve: Slice and serve warm, optionally topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent touch.
Enjoy this Pear Upside-Down Gingerbread Cake with its perfect blend of spiced cake and caramelized pears for a truly festive and flavorful dessert!
