If you are looking for a dessert that brings together the cozy warmth of caramelized nuts and a tender, buttery cake, then this Pecan Upside Down Cake Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It’s a wonderful twist on the classic upside-down cake, where rich pecans bask in a golden, caramel-like glaze and the fluffy cake beneath soaks up all those wonderful flavors. Every bite is a delightful balance of sweet, nutty, and buttery notes that make this cake a perfect centerpiece for family dinners, holiday celebrations, or anytime you want to treat yourself to something truly special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity of this ingredient list fool you; each component plays a vital role in creating the layered flavors and moist, tender crumb that makes this Pecan Upside Down Cake Recipe unforgettable. From the crunch of the pecans to the creamy richness of butter, these ingredients come together seamlessly for a perfect bake.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup + 1/2 cup, softened): Provides richness and moisture to both the topping and the cake batter.
- Brown sugar (1 cup, packed): Creates that luscious, caramelized glaze that’s essential for the upside-down topping.
- Pecan halves (1 cup): Adds a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweet syrup.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): The foundation of the cake, giving structure and softness.
- Baking powder (1 1/2 tsp): Ensures your cake rises light and fluffy.
- Salt (1/2 tsp): Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the cake and helps achieve a tender crumb.
- Large eggs (2): Bind ingredients together and add moisture.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Adds a warm, aromatic note that complements the nuts and caramel perfectly.
- Milk (1/2 cup): Keeps the cake moist and tender, blending all ingredients smoothly.
How to Make Pecan Upside Down Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan. This ensures your cake won’t stick and will come out beautifully when it’s time to flip it over.
Step 2: Prepare the Pecan Topping
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 1/2 cup of unsalted butter. Stir in the packed brown sugar and cook the mixture until it becomes bubbly and smooth—this creates the rich, caramel-like base for your topping. Immediately pour this sugary goodness into the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly. Then, artfully arrange the pecan halves on top, making sure every slice will have a bit of that irresistible nutty glaze.
Step 3: Make the Cake Batter
Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl to ensure even distribution of the dry ingredients. In a larger bowl, beat the softened 1/2 cup butter and granulated sugar until light and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each to create a smooth, cohesive batter. Stir in the vanilla extract for that lovely fragrance. Now, alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Be careful to mix just until combined to keep your cake tender and soft.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Pour the cake batter gently over the pecan topping in the pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean—this ensures your cake is perfectly baked without being dry. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then carefully invert it onto a serving plate so the pecans and caramel topping are gloriously displayed on top.
How to Serve Pecan Upside Down Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Serve this Pecan Upside Down Cake Recipe with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added creaminess and indulgence. A light sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce can elevate the presentation and flavor even more, making each slice a stunning treat.
Side Dishes
Pairing your cake with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a spiced chai tea brings out the warm notes of vanilla and pecans beautifully. For a brunch or afternoon snack spread, add fresh fruit like sliced pears or berries to complement the cake’s richness and add a fresh, tangy contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve the cake on a decorative cake stand to make its nutty top the star of the table. You can also add toasted pecan halves around the edges for extra texture and eye-catching appeal. Individual mini versions of this cake baked in ramekins make for adorable single servings that wow your guests with charm and flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (though it’s tough not to! ), wrap the cake tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will keep beautifully at room temperature for up to two days or in the refrigerator for up to five days while preserving freshness and moisture.
Freezing
This Pecan Upside Down Cake Recipe freezes exceptionally well. Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked warmth, you can gently reheat individual slices in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or warm the whole cake in a low oven (about 300°F) for 10 to 15 minutes. This step enhances the aroma and softens the cake, making every bite taste fresh and inviting.
FAQs
Can I use chopped pecans instead of halves?
Absolutely! Chopped pecans will still offer the signature nutty flavor and caramelized texture, though the appearance will be less uniform. Both versions taste delicious, so use whichever you prefer or have on hand.
Is there a substitute for milk in this recipe?
You can substitute milk with an equal amount of unsweetened almond milk or any other plant-based milk to make this cake dairy-friendly. Just make sure it’s unsweetened to avoid altering the flavor of the cake.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, replacing the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend works well. For best results, choose a blend that includes xanthan gum to give the cake structure similar to that of traditional flour.
How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the pan when flipping?
Properly greasing and flouring your pan before adding the topping is key. Additionally, letting the cake cool for about 10 minutes allows it to firm up slightly, making it easier to invert without breaking or sticking.
Can I double the recipe for a larger cake?
You can double the ingredients and bake the cake in a larger pan or divide the batter between two pans. Just adjust baking times accordingly and check for doneness with a toothpick, as thicker cakes may take longer to bake.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a cake that brings together the rich, buttery maple sweetness of caramelized pecans with tender, moist cake beneath. This Pecan Upside Down Cake Recipe not only satisfies your sweet tooth but does so with charm and cozy comfort. I encourage you to try it soon—it’s guaranteed to become a beloved staple in your dessert lineup, perfect for sharing with family and friends or savoring all by yourself.
Print
Pecan Upside Down Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic Pecan Upside Down Cake boasts a rich, buttery pecan topping atop a moist vanilla-flavored cake. The combination of caramelized brown sugar and toasted pecans creates a delightful crunchy layer that contrasts perfectly with the tender crumb beneath. Perfect for dessert or a sweet snack, this cake brings a comforting, southern-inspired twist to any occasion.
Ingredients
Topping
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 cup pecan halves
Cake Batter
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan to ensure the cake doesn’t stick after baking.
- Prepare the Topping: Melt 1/2 cup unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in 1 cup packed brown sugar and cook it until the mixture becomes bubbly and smooth. Pour this caramelized mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared cake pan. Then, arrange 1 cup pecan halves on top of the sugary butter layer, spreading them out evenly to create the signature upside down topping.
- Prepare the Cake Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt to combine the dry ingredients. In a large bowl, beat 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter with 1 cup granulated sugar until the mixture is creamy and light. Add 2 large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to incorporate air for fluffiness. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with 1/2 cup milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined to avoid overmixing which can make the cake dense.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the prepared batter gently over the pecan topping in the cake pan and smooth the surface with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean, indicating it is fully cooked. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then carefully invert it onto a serving plate so the pecan topping is now on top, revealing a beautiful caramelized finish ready to serve.
Notes
- Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness of the dessert precisely.
- Make sure to grease and flour the pan well to ensure the cake releases smoothly after baking.
- Allow the cake to cool slightly before inverting to prevent the topping from sticking and breaking.
- For extra flavor, try toasting the pecans lightly before arranging them on the caramel topping.
- This cake is best served at room temperature and can be paired with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
