I liked this better than the spice cake (from scratch) they were originally paired with. It's a more nutritious way to top a cake than icing and pairs very well with spice cake from a box mix. I suspect it would adapt well to a slow cooker which would minimize the need to check it constantly. The Anjou pears are important because otherwise the pears will break down into something more akin to chunky apple sauce than elegant pear slices in a caramelized sauce (though still tasty).