Cakes made with a mix are so notoriously unremarkable that many recipes guide users to doctor them for a better end product. What is the point, I’ve always wondered, since bakers could instead apply ...

To prepare the upside-down pear and chocolate mini cakes, start by placing the room temperature butter in a bowl with the sugar (1) and a pinch of salt (2). Turn on the mixer and add the eggs one at a ...