Caramel Pear Cake

Ingredients

• 3 medium-ripe pears, peeled and sliced
• 28 caramels*
• 1 1/2 cups water, divided
• 2 tablespoons butter or margarine
• 1 (18.25 ounce) package yellow cake mix
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 3 eggs
• Whipped cream

Directions

1. Arrange pear slices in rows in a greased 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking dish; set aside. In a saucepan, melt the caramels with a 1/2 cup water; stir in butter until smooth. Pour over pears. In a mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, oil, eggs and remaining water. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes. Pour over the caramel layer.
2. Bake at 350 degrees F for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center of cake comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes before inverting onto a serving platter. SErve with whipped cream.