Preheat the oven to 350F

Slice the pears in half lengthwise and cut off the end. Use a small spoon or a measuring spoon to scoop out the seeds and then pull back the stem to remove. Slice the pears to an 1/8" thickness. Set aside.

Add the butter for the topping to the skillet over medium heat to melt. Give it a gentle swirl or use a spatula to help coat the sides of the pan fully with the melted butter.

Add the brown sugar and mix to combine the melted butter and sugar so that it forms and even base over the entire bottom of the pan. Remove the pan from the heat.

If using a cake pan melt the butter and brown sugar in a separate pot and then add to the bottom of a greased and lightly floured cake pan.

Add the sliced pears in the pan starting by making a star with the pear slices in the center of the pan with the pointing side inwards. Then layer the outside of the pan with the rest of the sliced pears in a circle. Set aside.

In large bowl add the melted butter for the cake, granulated sugar and buttermilk and mix to combine and let the sugar melt into the liquid.

Place a large sieve over top of the bowl and add in the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and spices. Use a spoon to work the dry ingredients through the sieve into the liquid below.

Use a mixing spoon to mix the wet and dry ingredient together. Do not over mix. Mix only until combined fully.

Add dollops of the cake batter evenly over the pears in the skillet. Using a spatula the back of the mixing spoon gently spread the batter evenly over the pears being careful not to disturb the pears below.