The aroma of warm butter and sugar wafts through the kitchen as you prepare to indulge in a slice of Pecan Upside Down Cake. This dessert doesn’t just look stunning; it’s a sweet symphony of flavors that sings to your taste buds and brings back delightful memories with every bite.

Picture this: a cozy Sunday afternoon, family gathered around the table, laughter filling the air as everyone dives into this decadent treat. The gooey caramel mingling with crunchy pecans creates a magical experience that transforms any ordinary day into a celebration.

My friends couldn’t stop raving about this cake during our last gathering; they even asked for seconds—and thirds!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Unsalted Butter: Use softened butter for easy creaming with sugar which creates a light texture.
• Brown Sugar: Brown sugar gives the cake its rich caramel flavor; light or dark works well.
• Pecans: Choose fresh, whole pecans for maximum crunch and flavor in your topping.
• Granulated Sugar: Regular sugar sweetens the batter perfectly without overpowering other flavors.
• All-Purpose Flour: Essential for structure; use a fine flour for the best texture.
• Baking Powder: This leavening agent helps the cake rise beautifully.
• Salt: A pinch enhances all the flavors in your cake.
• Eggs: Use large eggs at room temperature for optimal mixing and texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract adds depth and warmth to your cake’s flavor profile.
• Milk: Whole milk or buttermilk keeps your batter moist and tender.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prepare Your Oven and Pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a round 9-inch cake pan generously to prevent sticking.

Create the Caramel Topping: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter with brown sugar until bubbling. Stir in chopped pecans when fully combined.

Pour Caramel Mixture into Pan: Carefully spread the hot caramel mixture evenly across the bottom of your greased pan before it sets.

Mix Dry Ingredients Together: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Ensure no lumps remain for a smooth batter.

Cream Butter and Sugars Together: In another bowl, beat softened butter with granulated sugar and remaining brown sugar until fluffy—about 3 minutes should do!

Add Eggs and Vanilla Extract: Mix in eggs one at a time along with vanilla extract until fully incorporated for an airy batter.

Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add dry ingredients into your wet mixture while alternating with milk until everything is combined smoothly—no lumps allowed!

Bake Your Cake: Pour batter over caramel layer in pan. Bake for approximately 30-35 minutes or until golden brown and toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Cool Before Serving: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before flipping onto a serving plate—watch out for that sticky goodness!

Now you’re ready to enjoy this glorious Pecan Upside Down Cake! Each slice reveals a beautiful layer of crunchy pecans resting atop soft, buttery cake—a true masterpiece!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preparing your pecan topping while the oven preheats. This ensures a perfectly caramelized layer that complements the moist cake beautifully.

Add Your Touch

Consider swapping regular flour for almond flour for a gluten-free twist. You can also add chocolate chips for an indulgent surprise in every slice.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 10 seconds to enjoy warm.

Sometimes I find myself reminiscing about that one family gathering where this cake stole the show. Everyone begged for the recipe, and I felt like a rockstar chef!

FAQ

What makes pecan upside down cake special?

The caramelized nuts create an irresistible topping and add unique flavor depth.

Can I use other nuts in this recipe?

Yes, walnuts or almonds work well as substitutes for pecans if preferred.

How do I know when my cake is done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when fully baked.

Print

Pecan Upside Down Cake

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• Author: Mery Mack
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 12 slices 1x

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Description

Savor a delightful Pecan Upside Down Cake, where crunchy pecans unite with a rich caramel topping, creating an unforgettable dessert that’s perfect for every celebration.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
• 1 cup pecans (chopped)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup whole milk

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. In a saucepan, melt butter with brown sugar over medium heat until bubbling, then stir in chopped pecans and pour into the prepared pan.
3. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. In another bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated and remaining brown sugars until fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla, mixing well.
5. Gradually incorporate dry ingredients into the wet mixture while alternating with milk until smooth.
6. Pour batter over the caramel layer in the pan and bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden; a toothpick should come out clean.
7. Allow to cool for about 10 minutes before flipping onto a serving plate.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 100g)
• Calories: 390
• Sugar: 34g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 54g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: - For added flavor, toast your pecans lightly before using them in the recipe. - Substitute almond flour for a gluten-free version or add chocolate chips for extra indulgence. - Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.