Ingredients

4 1/2 Tbsp unsalted butter

3/4 cup all-purpose flour

3/4 cup sugar

1 1/2 tsp baking powder

Pinch of salt

3/4 cup milk

1 1/4 tsp vanilla

1 1/2 cups sliced or diced pears

Powdered sugar, for dusting

Preparation

  1. Cut the butter into chunks and toss into a 9-inch deep-dish pie plate. (Pyrex or ceramic works well.) Place in a 350°F oven for 5 to 8 minutes, or until butter is melted. Meanwhile, whisk together dry ingredients in a mixing bowl. Add milk and vanilla and whisk until smooth.
  2. Pour batter over the hot butter; top with the pears. Bake 45 minutes, or until top is browned and a toothpick poked into the center comes out clean. As they bake, the pears will sink to the bottom and form their own layer.
  3. Cool 30 minutes; dust with powdered sugar. Serve slightly warm, straight from the dish.