Desserts

Glazed Pear Upside-Down Cake

Makes 8 servings

Glazed Pear Upside-Down Cake

Makes 8 servings

The mellow pear flavor complements the spicy cake layer.

Ingredients

6 tablespoons butter, divided ¼ cup light brown sugar 2 large pears (8 oz. each), peeled, quartered and cored 1-⅛ cup all-purpose flour ¾ teaspoon baking powder ¾ teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon cinnamon ½ teaspoon nutmeg ¼ teaspoon ginger ¼ teaspoon salt ⅛ teaspoon allspice ½ cup sugar 1 large egg ⅓ cup buttermilk ½ teaspoon vanilla extract 2 tablespoons molasses

Preparation

Preheat oven to 350°F. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a 9" round cake pan in the oven. Remove from oven and sprinkle evenly with brown sugar. Set aside. Insert the 4mm slicing disc in a Cuisinart® food processor. Stand pear quarters upright in large feed tube and slice using light pressure. Arrange slices in baking pan, fanning them in a circle. Fill in the center. Combine flour and next 7 ingredients (baking powder through allspice) in a small bowl; reserve. Wipe work bowl dry and insert the metal blade. Process remaining butter (4 tablespoons) and sugar until smooth, about 25 - 30 seconds. Scrape bowl. Add egg, buttermilk, vanilla extract and molasses; process 30 seconds to combine. Scrape work bowl and add dry ingredients. Pulse just until incorporated, about 5 times. Spread batter evenly over pears. Bake until toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 45 minutes. Cool in pan on wire rack. Unmold onto plate and serve warm.