Upside-Down Pear Cake with Fudge Sauce Recipe

If you’re craving a dessert that’s both elegant and irresistibly comforting, the Upside-Down Pear Cake with Fudge Sauce Recipe is a must-try. This cake brings together tender, caramelized pears arranged in a beautiful spiral pattern atop a moist, buttery cake, all topped with a decadent fudge sauce that takes it to another level of indulgence. Whether for a special occasion or a cozy afternoon treat, this recipe is sure to become a treasured favorite that guests and family will rave about.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe relies on simple, quality ingredients that each play a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavors, textures, and colors. From the natural sweetness and juiciness of ripe pears to the rich depth of brown sugar and the soft crumb provided by self-raising flour, every element works harmoniously.

• 3 pears (cut into eighths): Choose ripe but firm pears for perfect caramelization and a tender bite.
• 50 g dark brown sugar: Adds a deep molasses flavor essential for that irresistible caramel topping.
• 175 g butter (softened): Brings richness and moisture to the cake’s batter.
• 175 g light brown sugar: Sweetens the batter with a gentle caramel hint.
• 175 g self-raising flour: Creates a tender, fluffy texture with just enough lift.
• 4 eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide structure.
• 110 g butter: For the fudge sauce, contributing to its creamy consistency.
• 110 g light brown sugar: Added to the sauce, enhancing the fudge’s sweetness and depth.
• 1 tbsp lemon juice: A bright note to balance the fudge sauce’s richness.

How to Make Upside-Down Pear Cake with Fudge Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Pears

Start by lining and buttering a 25cm ovenproof frying pan or cake tin thoroughly to ensure the cake releases easily once baked. Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan), or 355°F. Peel your pears, slice them in half, remove the cores carefully with a teaspoon, and then thinly slice. Arranging the pear slices in a neat spiral inside the pan not only looks stunning but also creates those delightful caramelized pear slices you’ll savor.

Step 2: Add the Dark Brown Sugar

Sprinkle the 50 grams of dark brown sugar evenly over the pear slices. This sugar will melt and meld with the fruit juices, making the pears gloriously sticky and full of rich caramel flavor by the time baking is done.

Step 3: Make the Cake Batter

Using a food processor, blend the softened butter, light brown sugar, eggs, and self-raising flour until the batter is smooth and luscious. If you don’t own a food processor, simply cream the butter and sugar with an electric whisk in a large bowl, then mix in the eggs, followed by the flour. This batter is wonderfully thick and ensures a moist crumb that perfectly complements the fruit topping.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter gently over the arranged pears, spreading it carefully to cover them without disturbing the design. Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for about 35 minutes, or until a skewer inserted near the center comes out clean. The kitchen will fill with an irresistible aroma that’s half of the joy of this recipe!

Step 5: Cool and Unmold

Once baked, let the cake cool in the tin for 2 minutes. Then, with great care, invert it onto a plate so the caramelized pears become the top. Allow it to cool completely before moving on to the luscious fudge sauce.

Step 6: Make the Fudge Sauce

In a small saucepan, melt the butter together with the light brown sugar over low heat. Add the lemon juice, stirring until the sugar dissolves and the sauce turns glossy and smooth with a fudgy texture. This sauce is pure decadence and the perfect finishing touch.

Step 7: Serve with Sauce

Drizzle the warm fudge sauce generously over your cooled cake, making sure to coat the surface evenly. When you slice into this beauty, every piece will have that perfect balance of tender pear, moist cake, and rich sauce.

How to Serve Upside-Down Pear Cake with Fudge Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra pop of flavor and texture, top your cake slices with a dollop of lightly whipped cream or a spoonful of crème fraîche. A few toasted pecans or walnuts sprinkled on top add a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft pears and fudgy sauce. Fresh mint leaves can also bring a refreshing note to this rich dessert.

Side Dishes

This Upside-Down Pear Cake with Fudge Sauce Recipe shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream or a fruity sorbet to cut through the richness. A cup of strong black coffee or a fragrant spiced tea complements the cake’s deep caramel flavors perfectly, making for a cozy and satisfying treat.

Creative Ways to Present

For an elegant twist, serve individual portions in clear glass dessert dishes, layering cake pieces with whipped cream and extra fudge sauce for a trifle-like effect. You can also add a sprinkle of edible flowers or a dusting of cinnamon powder on top to elevate the presentation. If hosting a party, cut the cake into bite-sized squares and serve on a platter with mini forks for easy sharing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Upside-Down Pear Cake with Fudge Sauce Recipe will keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For best texture, try to avoid refrigeration unless your kitchen is very warm, as it can slightly dry out the cake. Always add extra fudge sauce just before serving if stored.

Freezing

You can freeze this cake if you want to prepare it ahead of time. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. To enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm gently in the oven or microwave before serving with freshly made fudge sauce.

Reheating

To bring back the luscious warmth and fudge sauce gooeyness, reheat slices in a low oven (around 150°C/300°F) for 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, microwave for short bursts of 20 seconds, checking often to avoid overcooking. Warm fudge sauce drizzled on top after reheating will revive the cake’s full glory.

FAQs

Can I use canned pears instead of fresh pears?

While fresh pears offer the best texture and flavor for this recipe, you can technically use canned pears in a pinch. Just be sure to drain them well and pat dry to avoid excess moisture that might make the cake soggy. The caramelization won’t be quite as pronounced, but it will still be delicious.

Is there a substitute for self-raising flour?

If you don’t have self-raising flour, you can make your own by combining 175 grams of all-purpose flour with 2 teaspoons of baking powder and a pinch of salt. This DIY mix will give your cake the light and fluffy texture needed for the Upside-Down Pear Cake with Fudge Sauce Recipe.

Can I make this cake vegan or dairy-free?

To adapt the recipe for vegan or dairy-free diets, substitute butter with a plant-based margarine or coconut oil, use a flax egg or commercial egg replacer, and ensure your sugar is vegan-friendly. Keep in mind the texture might vary slightly, but the result will still be tasty and satisfying.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

The best way is to insert a skewer into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready. Avoid poking all the way down to the pear layer to prevent a false reading since the fruit will make the skewer wet.

Can I prepare the fudge sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the fudge sauce a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Warm it gently on the stovetop or microwave before serving. Stir well to restore its smooth, glossy texture before drizzling over the cake.

Final Thoughts

This Upside-Down Pear Cake with Fudge Sauce Recipe is a celebration of comforting home baking with a stunning presentation and unforgettable flavor. Baking it is as joyful as eating it, and sharing it with loved ones will make it even more special. I truly hope you give this recipe a try and discover just how magical pears and fudge sauce can be together in a cake.

Upside-Down Pear Cake with Fudge Sauce Recipe

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A luscious Upside-Down Pear Cake topped with a rich, glossy fudge sauce. This elegant dessert features tender pears arranged in a beautiful spiral pattern under a moist, buttery cake base, finished with a decadent homemade fudge sauce for an indulgent treat perfect for any occasion.

• Author: Paula
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Ingredients

For the Pear Cake

• 3 pears, peeled and cut into eighths
• 50 g dark brown sugar
• 175 g butter, softened
• 175 g light brown sugar
• 175 g self-raising flour
• 4 eggs

For the Fudge Sauce

• 110 g butter
• 110 g light brown sugar
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions

1. Prepare the pan and oven: Line and butter a 25cm ovenproof frying pan or cake tin thoroughly, ensuring the base is well greased to prevent sticking. Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or 355°F. If you prefer a smaller tin, be aware baking time may increase slightly.
2. Prepare the pears: Peel the pears, slice them in half, remove the cores with a teaspoon, then thinly slice each half into eighths.
3. Arrange the pears: Neatly lay the pear slices in a spiral pattern on the base of the prepared pan. This will become the top of the cake once it’s inverted. Evenly sprinkle 50 g of dark brown sugar over the arranged pear slices.
4. Make the cake batter: In a food processor, blend together 175 g softened butter, 175 g light brown sugar, 4 eggs, and 175 g self-raising flour until smooth. If a food processor is unavailable, cream the butter and sugar using an electric whisk, then add eggs and mix before folding in the flour.
5. Combine and bake: Pour the smooth batter gently over the arranged pears, spreading evenly to cover them. Place in the preheated oven and bake for about 35 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the cake comes out clean (do not pierce all the way through to the base).
6. Cool and invert: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the tin for 2 minutes. Then carefully invert it onto a serving plate, revealing the caramelized pear spiral on top. Allow the cake to cool completely.
7. Make the fudge sauce: In a small saucepan, melt 110 g butter with 110 g light brown sugar over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon lemon juice and stir continuously until the sugar fully dissolves and the sauce becomes glossy and thickened.
8. Serve: Pour the warm fudge sauce evenly over the cooled cake, smoothing it to cover the surface. Slice and enjoy your delicious upside-down pear cake with a rich fudge topping!

Notes

• Use ripe but firm pears for best texture that holds up during baking.
• Make sure the baking pan is well buttered to allow easy inversion of the cake.
• If you do not have self-raising flour, you can make your own by adding 2 teaspoons of baking powder per 175 g of all-purpose flour.
• Fudge sauce can be made in advance and reheated gently before serving.
• The cake is best served at room temperature to enjoy the full depth of flavors.
• Adjust the baking time if using a smaller or larger tin, checking doneness with a skewer.