This Pumpkin Upside Down Cake is a lovely treat that’s perfect for fall! It’s made with sweet pumpkin, warm spices, and a gooey caramel topping that makes each bite feel special.
Honestly, it’s hard to resist the sweet, sticky goodness of that topping! I love serving it warm with a scoop of ice cream—just like a warm hug on your plate. 🍰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pears/Apples: Pears are soft and sweet, but apples work great too! Use firmer varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a bit of crunch. You can also try using canned sliced peaches or even canned pineapple for a fun twist!
Pumpkin Purée: Canned pumpkin is super convenient, but if you have fresh pumpkin, you can roast and puree it yourself! Just remember it may need extra time to bake, so check for doneness.
Buttermilk: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can easily make a substitute. Just mix 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice into 1/4 cup of regular milk and let it sit for about 5 minutes.
Butter: This cake benefits from unsalted butter, which gives you control over the salt in the recipe. If you’re dairy-free, use a vegan butter alternative for similar results!
What’s the Best Way to Invert an Upside Down Cake?
Inverting the cake can be a bit tricky, so here are some steps to get it right:
- First, let your cake cool in the pan for about 15-20 minutes. This helps it set without falling apart.
- Use a knife to run along the edges of the cake. This creates a gap and helps separate the cake from the pan.
- Place a large plate over the pan. With both hands, carefully flip the pan upside down while holding the plate in place.
- Give it a little shake to help release the cake; if it doesn’t come out easily, gently lift the edges with a spatula.
If some fruit sticks to the pan, don’t worry! You can simply place it back on your cake. Enjoy your beautiful creation!
How to Make Pumpkin Upside Down Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Topping:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1-2 medium pears, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced (or apples as an alternative)
For the Pumpkin Cake:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup buttermilk or whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Serving:
- Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Pumpkin Upside Down Cake takes about 20 minutes to prepare and 45-55 minutes to bake, plus 15-20 minutes to cool before serving. In total, you’ll need around 1 hour and 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, grease a 9-inch round cake pan to ensure your cake comes out easily later on.
2. Make the Topping:
In a small saucepan, melt 1/4 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir in 1/2 cup of brown sugar and let it cook for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture is bubbly and the sugar is dissolved. Pour this caramel mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared cake pan.
3. Arrange the Pears:
Next, take your thinly sliced pear (or apple) pieces and arrange them in a circular pattern on top of the caramel. Overlap them slightly for a beautiful look. Once you’re done, set the pan aside.
4. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. This will be the base for your cake!
5. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3-5 minutes.
6. Combine Wet Ingredients:
Add the eggs one at a time, making sure to beat well after each addition. Then mix in the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract until everything is nicely blended.
7. Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures:
Now it’s time to combine! Add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and finish with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; don’t overdo it!
8. Pour and Smooth:
Pour the batter gently over your beautifully arranged pear layer. Use a spatula to smooth the top evenly.
9. Bake the Cake:
Place the cake in a preheated oven and bake for about 45-55 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If the top is browning too fast, cover it loosely with foil halfway through baking.
10. Cool the Cake:
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes. This allows it to settle and makes inverting much easier.
11. Invert the Cake:
To flip the cake, run a knife around the edges to loosen it. Then place a serving plate over the top of the pan, carefully invert the cake onto the plate. If any pear slices stick, just lift them and place them back on the cake.
12. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Pumpkin Upside Down Cake is ready! You can serve it warm or at room temperature. Feel free to add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra tasty treat!
This cozy and spiced dessert will be a delightful addition to any gathering or a sweet way to enjoy a quiet evening at home. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! If you’re using fresh pumpkin, roast it until tender, then scoop out the flesh and puree until smooth. Just keep in mind that it may have more moisture, so you might need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
What Other Fruits Can I Use for the Topping?
You can use a variety of fruits! In addition to pears and apples, try using sliced peaches, nectarines, or even plums. Just make sure they are firm enough to hold their shape while baking.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the cake and store it in an airtight container for up to two days before serving. If you wish to make it even earlier, you can freeze it—just thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Any leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm individual slices in the microwave or enjoy it cold—it’s delicious either way!