Pear-ginger upside-down cake

Golden pears & spicy ginger, baked to perfection! ✨ A dreamy upside-down delight. 😋🍰

1. Introduction:

Pear-Ginger Upside-Down Cake is a delightful twist on a classic dessert, featuring tender pears caramelized with a hint of ginger, all baked under a moist and fluffy cake. It's a show-stopping treat that's surprisingly easy to make.

2. Ingredients:

• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• 1 ½ tsp baking soda
• 1 ½ cups buttermilk
• ¼ cup Muscovado sugar
• ½ cup Demerara sugar
• 3 eggs
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 Tbs peeled, grated ginger
• 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• 5 Tbs maple syrup or honey
• 4-5 medium to large ripe pears, peeled, cored, and quartered lengthwise
• 1 cup salt
• 1 stick of unsalted butter, melted

3. Cooking Guide:

Begin by caramelizing the pears and ginger in a skillet or cake pan. Then, prepare your cake batter and pour it over the caramelized fruit. Bake until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Invert the cake onto a serving plate to reveal the beautiful pear topping.

Step 1: Prepare the cake pan

Grease a 9-inch springform pan thoroughly with butter or cooking spray. Cut out a 10-inch circle of parchment paper and place it at the bottom of the prepared pan. This will prevent the cake from sticking and allow for easy removal.

Step 2: Make the caramel base

In a medium saucepan, combine butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter is melted and the sugar is dissolved, about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn the mixture.

Step 3: Pour into the pan

Carefully pour the melted butter-sugar mixture into the prepared springform pan. Ensure that the mixture evenly coats the parchment paper at the bottom. This will create a rich, flavorful base for the pears.

Step 4: Arrange the pears

Place the quartered pears on top of the butter-sugar mixture. Arrange the pear pieces tightly in a decorative circle. Ensure the pears are close together, as they will shrink slightly during baking.

Step 5: Cream butter and sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter (cut into smaller pieces) and brown sugar together for 3-5 minutes. Use an electric mixer to achieve a smooth, light, and fluffy consistency.

Step 6: Add ginger

Add the grated ginger to the creamed butter and sugar mixture. Beat for another minute until the ginger is fully incorporated. The ginger will add a warm, spicy flavor to the cake.

Step 7: Add eggs

Add the eggs one at a time to the batter, ensuring that each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. This will help to create a smooth and emulsified batter. It is important not to overmix at this stage.

Step 8: Add liquid and dry ingredients

Add the maple syrup (or honey) and beat to fully mix. Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. Alternately add small amounts of the flour mixture and buttermilk to the batter, stirring until just absorbed.

Step 9: Pour batter into the pan

Pour the prepared batter into the pear-lined springform pan. Use a rubber spatula to scrape all of the batter from the bowl. Smooth the top of the batter with the spatula for even baking.

Step 10: Bake the cake

Bake the cake in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 1 hour and 45 minutes. Insert a skewer into the center of the cake to check for doneness; it should come out clean. If the top is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with foil.

Step 11: Cool and invert

Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Cover the pan with a serving plate and carefully invert them together. Release the sides of the pan and lift it away, then gently lift the pan's base off the cake and peel away the parchment paper. Serve warm.

4. Serving Suggestions

Serve the Pear-Ginger Upside-Down Cake warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A drizzle of caramel sauce can add an extra touch of indulgence. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of hot tea or coffee.

5. Nutrition

Serving size: 12 servings, Calories: 325kcal, Protein: 6g, Fat: 10g, Carbohydrates: 53g, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 25g, Cholesterol: 64mg, Sodium: 9701mg

6. To Wrap Up:

This Pear-Ginger Upside-Down Cake is a stunning dessert that combines the sweetness of pears with the warmth of ginger. Perfect for special occasions or a cozy treat on a chilly evening, it's sure to impress your family and friends. Give it a try and share the deliciousness!