Preheat oven to 350* F.

1. To prepare the pears, peel, halve and core. Dice into small pieces.
2. Heat the butter until golden in a large pan over medium heat and sauté them until they are golden. Sprinkle with sugar and cook until liquid is evaporated. Be careful to not over cook - pears should hold shape and not be too soft.
3. Butter and flour a baking dish.
4. Combine all dry ingredients including flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda and spices.
5. Whip the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
6. Add the eggs and vanilla and combine.
7. Add the flour mixture in 2 batches - alternating with the buttermilk until all ingredients are combined and batter is smooth. Fold in the sautéed pears and pour batter into prepared baking dish.
8. Bake for approximately 30-45 minutes until lightly golden brown and toothpick comes out clean.
9. For the frosting, in a mixing bowl fitted with a paddle attachment add the butter, powdered sugar and spices and whip until light and fluffy.
10. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and add cream cheese. Continue to whip. Frost Cake and serve.

Recipe courtesy of: Chef Natalie Niksa, La Saison

Take a look at the recommended pairing below.