There’s something almost magical about an upside-down cake. The anticipation as you invert it, the collective gasp as the caramelized fruit is revealed, and that first heavenly bite of warm, spiced cake mingling with syrupy fruit. This Cardamom Honey Pear Upside-Down Cake transforms simple ingredients into an elegant dessert that tastes like it came from a high-end bakery. The aromatic cardamom infuses the entire cake with warm, exotic notes while local honey creates a caramel-like topping that elevates the humble pear to something extraordinary.
I first created this recipe on a crisp autumn afternoon when pears were abundant at our local farmer’s market. The vendor handed me some perfectly ripe Bosc pears with a knowing smile and said, “These will change your life.” While that might seem like an exaggeration, once I paired them with cardamom and honey in this upside-down cake, I understood what she meant. This isn’t just dessert—it’s an experience. The cardamom’s warm, citrusy notes perfectly complement the floral honey and juicy pears, creating a symphony of flavors that will have everyone at your table asking for the recipe.
Ingredients:
For the topping:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ⅓ cup high-quality honey (local if possible)
- ½ teaspoon ground cardamom
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- 3 medium firm but ripe pears (Bosc or Anjou work beautifully)
- ¼ cup chopped pistachios (optional)
For the cake:
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons honey
- ⅔ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously butter a 9-inch round cake pan, preferably one with at least 2-inch sides. Line the bottom with parchment paper for extra insurance against sticking.
2. Prepare the topping: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the honey, cardamom, and salt, whisking until completely combined. Let the mixture bubble gently for about 1 minute until slightly thickened. Pour this aromatic mixture into your prepared cake pan, tilting to ensure even coverage.
3. Prepare the pears: Peel, core, and slice the pears into ¼-inch thick slices. Arrange them in a decorative pattern over the honey mixture. I like to fan them out in concentric circles, starting from the outside and working my way in, but feel free to get creative! Sprinkle with chopped pistachios if using.
4. Make the cake batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, and salt. Set aside.
5. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or using a hand mixer), cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Don’t rush this step – proper creaming incorporates air into the batter, creating a tender crumb.
6. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Beat in the vanilla extract and honey until fully incorporated.
7. With the mixer on low speed, add one-third of the flour mixture, followed by half the sour cream. Repeat with another third of flour, the remaining sour cream, and finish with the last third of flour. Mix just until combined, being careful not to overmix.
8. Bake the cake: Gently spoon the batter over the arranged pears, being careful not to disturb them. Use an offset spatula to smooth the top. Tap the pan gently on the counter to remove any air bubbles.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown. The cake may pull slightly away from the sides of the pan.
10. The grand reveal: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for exactly 10 minutes – this timing is crucial! Run a thin knife around the edge of the pan to loosen the cake. Place your serving plate upside down over the cake pan, then carefully but confidently flip everything over. Leave the pan in place for a minute to allow the sticky topping to drizzle onto the cake, then gently lift it off.
11. If any pear slices stick to the pan, simply place them back onto the cake. Let the cake cool for at least 15 minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions:
This cake is excellent served warm with a dollop of lightly whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a spoonful of crème fraîche. For an extra touch of elegance, drizzle with a bit more warmed honey just before serving. The cake is at its most aromatic when served slightly warm, but it’s equally delicious at room temperature.
Storage Tips:
This Cardamom Honey Pear Upside-Down Cake can be stored at room temperature, covered loosely with foil or a cake dome, for up to 2 days. The flavors actually meld beautifully overnight, making it a perfect make-ahead dessert for dinner parties. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days, but bring to room temperature or warm slightly before serving to experience the full spectrum of flavors.
Variations:
While this recipe shines with pears, you can adapt it seasonally. Try firm peaches or nectarines in summer, or substitute apples in winter. For an even more pronounced cardamom flavor, add a pinch of freshly ground cardamom seeds to the topping. Vegans can substitute coconut oil for butter and experiment with flax eggs, though the texture will be slightly different. For a gluten-free version, a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works wonderfully.
What makes this cake truly special is how the aromatic cardamom transforms an everyday dessert into something memorable. There’s a reason cardamom is one of the world’s most expensive spices – its complex flavor profile can’t be matched. Combined with the floral notes of honey and the juicy sweetness of pears, this cake becomes greater than the sum of its parts. It’s perfect for those moments when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether served as the grand finale to a dinner party or enjoyed with afternoon tea, this Cardamom Honey Pear Upside-Down Cake tells everyone at the table that they’re special enough for something extraordinary.