Introduction

If you’re looking for a delightful dessert to impress your guests, look no further than Jamie Oliver’s Pear and Walnut Upside-Down Cake. This stunning cake features caramelized pears and crunchy walnuts, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering or a special celebration. Let’s dive into the ingredients and steps needed to create this delicious treat.

Detailed Ingredients with measures

Pears – 3 ripe, peeled, cored, and sliced
Butter – 100g (plus extra for greasing)
Brown sugar – 150g
Walnuts – 100g, roughly chopped
Self-raising flour – 200g
Baking powder – 1 tsp
Ground cinnamon – 1 tsp
Sugar – 150g
Eggs – 3 large
Milk – 100ml

Prep Time

Prep time for this cake is approximately 20 minutes, allowing you to gather all the ingredients and prepare them for mixing and baking.

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Cook time is around 50 minutes, resulting in a total time of about 1 hour and 10 minutes from preparation to serving. This recipe yields an impressive cake that serves 8-10 people, making it an ideal choice for gatherings or a cozy family dessert.

Detailed Directions and Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 160°C (325°F) and prepare a round, non-stick cake tin, approximately 23cm (9 inches) in diameter.

Prepare the Pears

Peel, core, and slice the pears into thin wedges.

Make the Topping

In a saucepan, melt a generous knob of butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and stir until combined. Cook until the mixture bubbles and thickens slightly.

Arrange the Pears

Pour the warm toffee mixture into the bottom of the prepared cake tin. Arrange the pear slices on top, ensuring they cover the base evenly.

Prepare the Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

Add Dry Ingredients

Sift flour and baking powder into the mixture. Gently fold these into the batter until just combined.

Add Walnuts

Chop the walnuts roughly and fold them into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed.

Assemble the Cake

Pour the cake batter over the arranged pears in the tin, smoothing the top with a spatula.

Bake the Cake

Place the cake tin in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Invert

Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the tin for about 10 minutes. Carefully invert onto a serving plate, allowing the pears and caramel to be on top.

Serve Warm

Serve the cake warm, optionally with cream or ice cream on the side.

Notes

Choosing Pears

Select ripe but firm pears for the best texture. Overripe pears may turn mushy during baking.

Storage Tips

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to a week.

Variations

Feel free to experiment by adding spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for extra warmth and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This cake pairs well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of crème fraîche for added richness.

Cook techniques

Melt and Combine

To achieve a smooth texture in the cake, melt the butter and sugar together before adding the pear and walnuts. This ensures an even distribution of sweetness and flavor.

Caramelization

Caramelize the pears in the pan before adding the batter. This not only enhances their flavor but also creates a delicious topping once the cake is flipped.

Blending Ingredients

Mix the wet ingredients separately before incorporating them into the dry ingredients. This helps avoid over-mixing, resulting in a lighter cake.

Testing for Doneness

Use a skewer to check the cake’s doneness. Insert it into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready to be removed from the oven.

Cooling

Allow the cake to cool slightly in the pan before flipping it onto a serving plate. This helps maintain the structure and prevents breaking.

FAQ

Can I use other fruits instead of pears?

Yes, you can substitute pears with apples or peaches for a different flavor profile.

How long will the cake stay fresh?

The upside-down cake can be kept at room temperature for up to three days in an airtight container.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, by using a gluten-free flour blend, you can adapt this recipe to be gluten-free.

Is there a way to make this cake dairy-free?

You can replace the butter with a dairy-free margarine or oil to achieve a dairy-free version.

How can I store leftovers?

Leftover cake should be wrapped or placed in an airtight container to keep it fresh, and it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Conclusion

This Pear and Walnut Upside-Down Cake is not only a delightful treat for your taste buds but also a stunning centerpiece for any gathering. With its moist texture and rich flavors, it transforms simple ingredients into an unforgettable dessert. Whether served warm with a dollop of cream or at room temperature, it’s sure to impress anyone who tries it.

More recipes suggestions and combination

Apple Cinnamon Upside-Down Cake

Swap the pears for apples and add a hint of cinnamon to create a warm, fragrant dessert that highlights the classic flavors of fall.

Maple Pecan Upside-Down Cake

Use maple syrup and replace walnuts with pecans for a luxurious twist that brings a rich sweetness to the cake.

Peach Almond Upside-Down Cake

Try fresh peaches and almond extract for a summer-inspired cake that is light and fragrant, perfect for sunny days.

Mixed Berry Upside-Down Cake

Combine assorted berries like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a vibrant and fruity cake that bursts with flavor.

Coconut Lime Upside-Down Cake

Incorporate shredded coconut and a hint of lime zest for a tropical variation that transports you to a sunny beach with every bite.