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Delicious Pecan Upside Down Cake Recipe

Pecan Upside Down Cake is a rich, moist cake with a caramelized, nutty topping of toasted pecans and brown sugar. The cake is baked with the pecan topping on the bottom, then flipped to reveal a golden, gooey layer of sweetness. This decadent cake is perfect for dessert, a special occasion, or when you want to impress your guests with a stunning treat.

 

Ingredients

Scale

For the Topping:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups pecan halves or pieces

For the Cake:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk)

Instructions

  • Prepare the Topping:
    • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
    • In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the brown sugar and heavy cream. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened.
    • Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
    • Pour the caramel mixture into the bottom of a greased 9-inch round cake pan. Spread the pecans evenly over the caramel mixture.
  • Prepare the Cake:
    • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
    • In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
    • Alternately add the dry ingredients and the buttermilk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
  • Assemble the Cake:
    • Pour the cake batter over the pecan topping in the prepared cake pan. Smooth the top with a spatula to ensure even coverage.
  • Bake the Cake:
    • Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the cake is golden brown.
    • Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a serving plate. Carefully lift off the cake pan to reveal the gooey pecan topping.
  • Serve and Enjoy:
    • Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving. It can be served warm or at room temperature, with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cake batter.
  • If you prefer a thicker topping, increase the amount of pecans.
  • Be sure to let the cake cool slightly before flipping it to avoid spilling the topping.

Keywords: Pecan Upside Down Cake, upside down cake, pecan cake, caramel cake, caramelized pecan cake, Southern dessert, nutty cake, moist cake, upside down dessert.