Pear Upside-Down Gingerbread Cake Recipe
Overview:
This delightful Pear Upside-Down Gingerbread Cake combines the rich flavors of gingerbread with the sweetness of caramelized pears, creating a stunning dessert perfect for any occasion. Originally discovered in a magazine and now perfected, this recipe yields a moist and flavorful cake that will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth!
Recipe Details:
- Name: Pear Upside-Down Gingerbread Cake
- Category: Dessert
- Keywords: Pears, Fruit, European, Sweet, Brunch, < 4 Hours
- Servings: 8
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 pear, peeled, cored, and sliced lengthwise into 1/4″ slices
- 2 tbsp fresh ginger, divided
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 egg
- 1 cup low-fat buttermilk
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp dry mustard
- 1/4 tsp ground clove
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Mint leaves (for garnish)
- Raspberries (for garnish)
Instructions:
-
Prepare Pears:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Peel, core, and slice the pear into 1/4-inch slices.
- Toss the pear slices with 1 tablespoon of finely chopped ginger and lemon juice. Set aside.
-
Prepare Cake Pan:
- Coat a 9-inch round cake pan with cooking spray. Sprinkle evenly with granulated sugar.
-
Arrange Pears:
- Arrange the pear slices in a circular pattern on the bottom of the prepared cake pan.
-
Make Gingerbread Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together brown sugar and butter until well blended.
- Beat in the egg until incorporated.
- Add low-fat buttermilk, molasses, and the remaining 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger. Beat until smooth.
-
Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, dry mustard, clove, and nutmeg.
-
Mix Batter:
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until well combined.
-
Assemble and Bake:
- Pour the gingerbread batter evenly over the arranged pear slices in the cake pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes, or until the cake springs back lightly when touched in the center.
-
Cool and Serve:
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 20 minutes on a wire rack.
- Carefully invert the cake onto a serving plate.
- Once completely cooled, dust the top with powdered sugar.
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves and raspberries for a beautiful presentation.
-
Enjoy:
- Slice and serve this Pear Upside-Down Gingerbread Cake, savoring the moist gingerbread and the sweet caramelized pears in every bite!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 254.8
- Fat: 6.8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 39.1mg
- Sodium: 314.7mg
- Carbohydrates: 46.9g
- Fiber: 2.4g
- Sugar: 29.1g
- Protein: 3.3g
Tips and Variations:
- For a more intense ginger flavor, increase the amount of fresh ginger used.
- Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.
- Experiment with different types of pears for varied textures and flavors.
- This cake can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days, though it’s best enjoyed fresh.
Conclusion:
This Pear Upside-Down Gingerbread Cake is not only visually appealing but also a delightful blend of warm spices and sweet fruit. Whether served at a brunch gathering or as a comforting dessert, it’s sure to become a favorite among family and friends. Enjoy the process of making this cake and relish in its delicious flavors with each bite!
