Heavenly Pecan Upside Down Cake Recipe: Gooey Caramel Bliss

Crafting a delectable pecan upside down cake will transport you to a world of sweet, nutty bliss.

Layers of caramelized goodness await your taste buds with this irresistible dessert.

Pecans add a delightful crunch that elevates the entire experience.

Southern baking traditions shine through in every golden, gooey bite.

Warm aromas of butter and brown sugar will fill your kitchen, promising a memorable treat.

Crisp edges and a tender center make this cake a showstopper at any gathering.

You’ll fall in love with each decadent slice that combines classic comfort and indulgent flavor.

Why Pecan Upside Down Cake Steals The Show

• Masterfully Flip Upside-Down: Experience the delightful surprise of a cake that reveals its stunning caramel-pecan layer when turned over, creating a dramatic and delicious presentation.
• Craft a Decadent Dessert: Indulge in a rich, buttery cake with a luxurious caramel-pecan topping that transforms an ordinary dessert into a special treat perfect for gatherings or family celebrations.
• Quick and Simple Preparation: Navigate through straightforward steps that make this recipe accessible to bakers of all skill levels, from novice home cooks to experienced pastry enthusiasts.
• Versatile Serving Option: Enjoy the cake warm or at room temperature, making it convenient for advance preparation and adaptable to various occasions and serving preferences.

Pecan Upside Down Cake Ingredient Guide

• Butter: Essential for greasing the pan to prevent sticking and ensure easy cake release.

• Pecans: Provide a rich, nutty base layer for the cake with delightful crunch and flavor.
• Butter: Creates a smooth, rich caramel-like sauce for the pecan layer.
• Brown Sugar: Adds deep sweetness and helps form the caramel mixture.
• Corn Syrup: Helps create a glossy, stable caramel topping.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness.

• Butter: Provides richness and helps create a tender cake texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake and contributes to its structure.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients and add moisture to the cake.
• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the primary structure of the cake.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and become light.
• Baking Soda: Assists in leavening and browning.
• Cinnamon: Adds warm, aromatic flavor to the cake.
• Salt: Balances and enhances the overall taste.

• Milk: Adds moisture and helps blend the cake batter.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides a classic, sweet flavor.
• Heavy Cream: Optional topping that adds extra richness and creaminess.

How To Bake Pecan Upside Down Cake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank up your oven to a cozy 350°F and generously coat a 9-inch cake pan with butter, making sure every nook and cranny is slick and ready.

Step 2: Create Pecan Magic Sauce

• Brown sugar
• Corn syrup
• A tiny pinch of salt

Whisk until the sauce looks smooth and glossy.

Step 3: Build the Nutty Foundation

Scatter chopped pecans across the bottom of the buttered pan, then lovingly pour the caramel sauce over them, creating a rich, even blanket.

Step 4: Whip Up the Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until they’re light and fluffy. Add eggs one by one, blending them into a silky smooth mixture.

Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients

• Flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Cinnamon
• Salt

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, alternating with milk and vanilla extract. Mix until just combined – no overmixing!

Step 7: Layer the Batter

Pour the cake batter over the pecan caramel layer, spreading it evenly to create a perfect blanket.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. Look for a golden-brown top and a toothpick that comes out clean when inserted in the center.

Step 9: Rest and Cool

Remove from the oven and let the cake rest in the pan for 10 minutes, allowing the caramel to set slightly.

Step 10: Flip and Reveal

Carefully turn the cake onto a serving plate, letting the pecan topping cascade dramatically over the sides.

Step 11: Optional Creamy Finish

For an extra touch of indulgence, drizzle some heavy cream over the warm cake.

Step 12: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the cake warm or at room temperature, revealing the stunning pecan caramel topping with each slice.

Helpful Tips For Pecan Upside Down Cake

• Prep Pan Perfectly: Generously butter the cake pan to guarantee a smooth, effortless cake release without sticking.
• Create Caramel Carefully: Stir butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup slowly to develop a smooth, glossy caramel that coats pecans evenly.
• Mix Batter Gently: Fold dry ingredients into wet mixture gradually to maintain a light, airy cake texture without overmixing.
• Check Cake Doneness: Insert a toothpick in the center to ensure complete baking; golden brown top indicates perfect cooking.
• Serve with Style: Invert cake immediately after cooling to preserve the stunning pecan caramel layer and maintain its beautiful presentation.

Creative Twists On Pecan Upside Down Cake

• Gluten-Free Pecan Upside-Down Cake: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the cake's rich texture and flavor.
• Vegan Pecan Delight: Substitute butter with coconut oil, eggs with flax eggs, and use maple syrup instead of corn syrup to create a plant-based alternative that's equally decadent.
• Tropical Nut Variation: Swap pecans with macadamia nuts and add a splash of coconut extract to transform the classic recipe into a Hawaiian-inspired dessert with a creamy, exotic profile.
• Lower-Sugar Option: Use monk fruit sweetener instead of granulated sugar, reduce caramel ingredients, and incorporate applesauce to cut calories while preserving the cake's moist, indulgent character.

Perfect Pairings With Pecan Upside Down Cake

• Pair with Bourbon Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy, cold vanilla ice cream complements the warm cake's rich caramel and nutty pecan flavors, creating a delightful temperature and taste contrast.
• Match with Spiced Chai Latte: The aromatic spices in chai – like cinnamon and cardamom – beautifully echo the cake's warm spice notes, while the tea's gentle sweetness balances the caramel's intensity.
• Serve alongside Strong Black Coffee: Robust, slightly bitter coffee cuts through the cake's sweetness, providing a perfect palate-cleansing experience and enhancing the dessert's deep caramel undertones.

Best Way To Store Pecan Upside Down Cake

• Store leftover cake in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cover with plastic wrap or place in a sealed container to prevent drying out and absorbing other refrigerator odors.
• Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months to maintain optimal texture and flavor.
• Preheat oven to 300°F. Place cake slice on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Heat individual slices on medium power for 15-20 seconds. Check temperature and add 5-second intervals if needed, being careful not to overheat and dry out the cake.

Pecan Upside Down Cake Question Roundup

• Why are pecans crucial in this recipe?

Pecans provide a rich, nutty flavor and create a beautiful caramel-like texture when combined with brown sugar and butter, giving the cake its signature Southern charm.

• Can I substitute ingredients if I don't have exact measurements?

While precise measurements ensure best results, you can make minor adjustments like using similar nuts or alternative sweeteners, but expect slight variations in taste and texture.

• How do I ensure the cake doesn't stick to the pan?

Generously grease the cake pan with butter and ensure you let the cake cool for 10 minutes before inverting, which helps the caramel layer release smoothly without breaking.

Pecan Upside Down Cake Recipe

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4.5 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Warm Southern comfort shines through this pecan upside down cake, blending rich caramel notes with buttery cake perfection. Nutty pecans and golden-brown sugar create a luxurious dessert that invites you to savor each indulgent bite.

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Ingredients

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Cake Base:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup milk

Pecan Topping:

• 1 cup pecans, chopped
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp corn syrup

Finishing Ingredients:

• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup heavy cream

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and generously grease a 9-inch cake pan with butter to ensure easy release.
2. Prepare the pecan topping by melting butter in a saucepan, then stirring in brown sugar, corn syrup, and a pinch of salt until it creates a smooth, glossy caramel-like mixture.
3. Spread the chopped pecans evenly across the bottom of the prepared pan, then carefully pour the caramel mixture over the nuts, creating a rich, even layer.
4. In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, incorporating eggs one at a time.
5. Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt in a separate bowl.
6. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, alternating with milk and vanilla extract, mixing until just combined and smooth.
7. Gently pour the cake batter over the pecan caramel layer, spreading it evenly to cover the entire surface.
8. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
9. Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes to allow the caramel to set slightly.
10. Carefully invert the cake onto a serving plate, allowing the pecan topping to drape over the cake.
11. Drizzle heavy cream over the warm cake for an extra touch of richness, if desired.
12. Serve warm or at room temperature, ensuring each slice showcases the beautiful pecan caramel topping.

Notes

• Toasting pecans beforehand intensifies their nutty flavor and provides a deeper, more complex taste profile for the cake.
• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smoother batter blending and more consistent cake texture.
• For gluten-free adaptation, replace wheat flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to maintain the cake’s structure and tenderness.
• Substitute corn syrup with maple syrup or honey for a more natural caramel layer that adds unique depth and complexity to the dessert.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 392
• Sugar: 26 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 46 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 61 mg