preheat oven to 375

to prepare apples, melt butter in a 10-12 in. cast iron skillet over low heat. add sugar and molasses to pan and stir. place apple (or pear) wedges in pan, trying not to leave lg. gaps. cook over med-low heat 15 min.

to prepare cake, beat butter and sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy. mix in vanilla and eggs. combine flour and next 4 ingredients. add buttermilk and flour mixture alternately to butter mixture and mix until well blended

remove skillet from heat. spoon batter over apples and spread to cover completely. place in oven and bake 20-25 min until cake is golden brown and bubbly. let cake cool in skillet 5 min. then invert onto a serving plate, arranging any apple slices that have fallen off.