A fall-inspired buttermilk skillet cake, filled with pears and pecans and scented with cinnamon sugar.

Pear Cinnamon-Sugar Skillet Cake

Some days I get a baking itch that begs to be satisfied. Often it’s not even about eating all of the deliciousness afterwards (although sometimes it is, let’s be honest here), but I just have the urge to pull out some ingredients and make something with them. More often than not I give in, and wonderful things happen.

Like this pear cinnamon-sugar cake baked in a skillet. Pure spur-of-the-moment inspiration, execution and satisfaction.

Pear Cinnamon-Sugar Skillet Cake

It was a dreary afternoon and I found myself alone for a few hours. I should have taken a nap or watched something super girly, or painted my nails. But instead I baked, without distraction. I had a few lovely pears that needed to be used up, and I was in the mood for something cinnamony and comforting.

This hit the spot perfectly. Not only was it easy and fun to put it together, but it was delicious too!

Pear Cinnamon-Sugar Skillet Cake
Pear Cinnamon-Sugar Skillet Cake

baking tip:How to make cinnamon-sugar

Cinnamon sugar is one of my favorite fall “spices”. I store a jar of it on the counter to mix into coffee, sprinkle on toast, and use in my baking. I’ve found the best ratio is 4 parts sugar to 1 part cinnamon. For example, 1/4 cup sugar to 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon.


Pear Cinnamon-Sugar Skillet Cake

Pear Cinnamon-Sugar Skillet Cake

Servings: 10 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
A fall-inspired buttermilk skillet cake, filled with pears and pecans and scented with cinnamon sugar.

Ingredients
 

  • ¼ cup unsalted butter , at room temperature (56 grams)
  • cup packed light or dark brown sugar (142 grams)
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (120 grams)
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup buttermilk (120 ml)
  • 2 pears sliced
  • ½ cup pecans , chopped (55 grams)
  • 1 ½ tablespoons cinnamon sugar , see note

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 400°F. Grease a 9-inch cast iron skillet with butter.
  • In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter and brown sugar until light and creamy, about 2 minutes. Add the vanilla and egg and mix until combined.
  • In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Add to the mixer in 3 additions, alternating with the buttermilk. Fold in half of the chopped pecans.
  • Spread the batter into the prepared skillet. Arrange the pear slices on top. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar and the remaining chopped pecans.
  • Bake until edges of the cake are golden and a toothpick inserted to the center come out with a few moist crumbs, about 20-25 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

NOTES

  • Make cinnamon sugar by combining 1/4 cup sugar and 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon. Store unused cinnamon sugar in an airtight container.
  • This recipe can be easily baked in a 9-inch round cake pan. Grease and flour, and line with parchment paper and proceed with the recipe as written.
Calories: 219kcal, Carbohydrates: 33g, Protein: 3g, Fat: 9g, Saturated Fat: 4g, Cholesterol: 30mg, Sodium: 137mg, Potassium: 137mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 20g, Vitamin A: 194IU, Vitamin C: 2mg, Calcium: 50mg, Iron: 1mg
Cuisine: American
Course: Dessert
Author: Annalise
Have you tried this recipe?I’d love to hear about it! Leave a rating and review below, or take a photo and tag it on Instagram @completelydelicious with #completelydelicious.