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fall caramelized pear upside-down cake - featured image

Fall Caramelized Pear Upside-Down Cake with Brown Butter

  • Author: Maya
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Description

An easy, one-bowl dessert featuring caramelized pears and nutty brown butter. This rustic upside-down cake is moist, flavorful, and perfect for autumn gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter
  • 1 cup (200g) dark brown sugar
  • 3 medium firm pears (such as Bosc or Anjou), peeled and sliced 1/4-inch thick
  • 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 3/4 cup (180ml) whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Optional: 1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted
  • Optional: Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Swirl occasionally until it foams, settles, and forms brown bits with a nutty aroma. Immediately remove from heat and pour into a heatproof bowl to stop cooking.
  3. Peel and slice the pears into 1/4-inch thick slices. Arrange them in a circular pattern in a 10-inch cast iron skillet, overlapping slightly. Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the pears.
  4. In a medium bowl, whisk together the cake mix, cinnamon, and eggs. Add the milk and vanilla. Mix until smooth and thick but pourable.
  5. Pour the browned butter over the pears in the skillet. Carefully spoon the cake batter over the pears, spreading it evenly to cover the fruit.
  6. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the edges are golden brown. Tent with foil if the top browns too quickly.
  7. Let the cake cool in the skillet for exactly 10 minutes. Place a large serving platter over the skillet and confidently flip it over in one motion. Lift the skillet off.
  8. Serve warm, topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream if desired.

Notes

Use firm pears like Bosc or Anjou to prevent mushiness. Do not skip the brown butter step as it adds essential flavor. Ensure the cake cools for exactly 10 minutes before flipping to prevent sticking or collapsing. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 38
  • Sodium: 320
  • Fat: 16
  • Saturated Fat: 8
  • Carbohydrates: 52
  • Fiber: 2
  • Protein: 4

Keywords: fall dessert, pear cake, upside-down cake, brown butter, easy baking, autumn recipes, one-bowl cake

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Find it online: https://globaltablerecipes.com/fall-caramelized-pear-upside-down-cake-easy-fall-dessert/