Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a heavy skillet on medium heat, melt butter. Add brown sugar and simmer, stirring frequently, until sugar has completely dissolved and started to caramelize (6-7 minutes). Add the pear slices, vanilla, and spices. Simmer until pears start to soften (2-3 minutes). Lower heat to medium low and add cream or half and half and simmer until sauce thickens (2- 3 minutes). Remove from heat and allow to cool.

Mix cake mix according to directions, substituting oil or butter with the sour cream. Add the cardamom and ground clove and mix in well. Pour batter into a greased and floured 9-inch springform pan (or your favorite baking pan). Arrance pears on top of batter, making sure to cover the whole pan.

Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes (or according to the box directions for your chosen baking pan), until the cake springs back when gently touched on top. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.

Sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving (optional) and use remaining caramel sauce and pears to drizzle over the top of each slice or place on the plate and top with the cake slice.