Mary Berry Pear Upside Down Cake

Mary Berry’s Pear Upside Down Cake is a moist, buttery sponge cake topped with caramelized pears that create a beautifully glossy finish once flipped. This elegant yet easy-to-make dessert is perfect for afternoon tea, dinner parties, or as a comforting treat.

What Is Mary Berry Pear Upside Down Cake?

Mary Berry’s Pear Upside Down Cake is a classic British dessert featuring soft, caramelized pears arranged on the base of the cake tin, covered with a light, spongy cake batter. When baked and flipped, the caramelized fruit glazes the cake, giving it a stunning presentation and delicious flavor.

Other Popular Recipes

• Mary Berry Vegetarian Quiche
• Mary Berry Blackcurrant Pie
• Mary Berry Chocolate Chip Cake
• Mary Berry Apple and Pear Pie

Why You Should Try This Recipe

• Caramelized pear topping adds natural sweetness.
• Moist and fluffy sponge for a perfect texture.
• Elegant yet simple to prepare.
• Great for serving warm with cream or ice cream.
• Uses fresh, seasonal pears for the best flavor.

Ingredients Needed for Mary Berry Pear Upside Down Cake

For the Caramelized Pear Topping:

• 3 ripe pears (peeled, cored, and sliced)
• 50g (¼ cup) unsalted butter
• 75g (⅓ cup) light brown sugar
• 1 tsp lemon juice

For the Cake Batter:

• 175g (1½ cups) self-raising flour
• 175g (¾ cup) unsalted butter (softened)
• 175g (¾ cup) caster sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp baking powder
• 2 tbsp milk

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• 20cm (8-inch) round cake tin
• Saucepan
• Mixing bowl
• Electric whisk or stand mixer
• Spatula

Instructions to Make Mary Berry Pear Upside Down Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Caramelized Pear Topping

• Grease the cake tin and line the base with baking parchment.
• In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and brown sugar until smooth.
• Stir in lemon juice, then pour the caramel into the cake tin.
• Arrange the pear slices neatly over the caramel.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

• Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or 350°F.
• In a mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
• Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
• Stir in vanilla extract.
• Sift in self-raising flour and baking powder, folding gently.
• Add milk to loosen the batter slightly.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake the Cake

• Carefully spoon the cake batter over the pears, smoothing the top.
• Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden and a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 4: Flip and Serve

• Let the cake cool in the tin for 5 minutes.
• Run a knife around the edges and invert onto a serving plate.
• Serve warm with whipped cream, ice cream, or custard.

What to Serve With Mary Berry Pear Upside Down Cake

• Vanilla ice cream – complements the caramelized pears.
• Custard or whipped cream – adds creaminess.
• Toasted nuts – for extra crunch and texture.
• A drizzle of caramel sauce – enhances the sweetness.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Pear Upside-Down Cake

• Use ripe but firm pears to prevent them from becoming mushy.
• Ensure even caramel coverage for a glossy finish.
• Let the cake cool slightly before flipping to set the caramel.
• Tap the cake tin gently before removing it to help it release cleanly.
• Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.

What Are Variations of Mary Berry Pear Upside Down Cake?

• Spiced Pear Cake: Add ½ tsp cinnamon and nutmeg to the batter.
• Chocolate Pear Upside Down Cake: Mix 2 tbsp cocoa powder into the flour.
• Almond Pear Cake: Replace 25g flour with ground almonds for a nuttier taste.
• Honey Pear Cake: Swap brown sugar with honey for a deeper sweetness.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free self-raising flour blend.

How Do I Store Mary Berry Pear Upside Down Cake?

• Refrigerate leftovers: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze for later: Wrap in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Reheat in the oven: Warm at 160°C (320°F) for 10 minutes before serving.

How Can I Reheat Pear Upside Down Cake Without Making It Soggy?

• Oven method: Reheat at 160°C (320°F) for 10 minutes for a crispy edge.
• Microwave method: Heat individual slices for 20-30 seconds to keep them soft.

How Can I Make This Recipe Healthier?

• Reduce sugar slightly for a less sweet version.
• Use whole wheat flour for added fiber.
• Replace butter with Greek yogurt for a lower-fat alternative.
• Add chopped nuts for extra nutrients and crunch.

Nutrition Value (Per Serving – Based on 8 Slices)

• Calories: 320
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 14g
• Fiber: 3g

FAQs

How Do I Prevent the Pears from Sticking to the Pan?

To prevent sticking, grease the cake tin well with butter and ensure the caramel is evenly spread before adding the pears. Lining the base with parchment paper also helps with easy release.

Can I Use Canned Pears Instead of Fresh Pears?

Yes, canned pears can be used, but drain them well and pat them dry before placing them in the pan to prevent excess moisture from making the cake soggy.

How Do I Keep My Cake from Becoming Too Dense?

For a light texture, cream the butter and sugar properly until fluffy, and do not overmix once the flour is added. Sifting the flour before folding it in also helps create a lighter sponge.

Can I Make This Cake in Advance?

Yes, this cake can be made a day ahead and stored at room temperature. For the best taste, warm it slightly before serving to enhance the caramelized flavor.

Final Words

Mary Berry’s Pear Upside Down Cake is a classic, comforting dessert with a rich caramelized topping and a light, fluffy sponge.

Try this delicious homemade recipe today and impress your family and guests!

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