Small Pear Upside-Down Cakes with Spiced Caramel

With their warm caramel aromas mixed with spices and citrus, these familiar upside-down treats bring a touch of refinement to the dessert table. To prepare them, caramel and a slice of pear are placed in each ramekin before adding a pear cake batter with pecans and raisins soaked in orange liqueur, reminiscent of fruitcake. The sublime spiced caramel is echoed at serving time, reaching peak indulgence.