Preheat oven to 350

In an ovenproof bowl combine the first four ingredients and microwave until the butter melts. Stir and pour in a 9×13 pan.

Arrange sliced pears on top of brown sugar syrup mixture.

In a small bowl combine the flour, baking soda and spices and set aside.

In a mixing bowl beat together 1/3 cup butter, 1/2 cup brown sugar and the egg. Slowly stir in the flour mixture as well as the molasses and buttermilk.

Pour batter evenly over pears and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick in the center of the cake comes out clean.

Remove from the oven, cool for 5 minutes and then turn onto a platter.

Serve warm.