The Best Pecan Upside Down Cake Recipe to Sweeten Your Day

Crafting a delectable pecan upside down cake brings pure magic to your dessert table.

Sweet caramel notes dance beneath a tender crumb, creating irresistible layers of flavor.

Nutty pecans offer a delightful crunch that transforms an ordinary cake into something extraordinary.

Southern bakers have long treasured this classic treat for its rustic charm and comforting appeal.

Warm spices and rich buttery undertones make each slice feel like a celebration.

Simple ingredients come together to produce a stunning dessert that looks as incredible as it tastes.

Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe that promises to become your new favorite indulgence.

Pecan Upside Down Cake Highlights

• Savor Caramelized Goodness: Experience the delightful combination of crunchy pecans and gooey caramel that creates a mouthwatering top layer, transforming an ordinary cake into a spectacular dessert.
• Craft with Minimal Skill: Perfect for bakers of all levels, this recipe requires basic mixing techniques and simple ingredients, making it accessible for home cooks looking to impress without extensive baking expertise.
• Celebrate Special Moments: Ideal for family gatherings, holiday celebrations, or weekend brunches, this stunning upside-down cake brings a touch of elegance and homemade warmth to any occasion, guaranteed to draw compliments from everyone at the table.
• Versatile Serving Style: Enjoy this cake warm or at room temperature, allowing flexibility for meal planning and making it a convenient dessert option that can be prepared ahead of time and served with ease.

Ingredients for Pecan Upside Down Cake

• Pecans: Provide a rich, nutty flavor and crunchy texture to the cake's bottom layer.
• Golden Syrup: Creates a sweet, sticky caramel-like base for the pecan topping.
• Brown Sugar: Adds deep sweetness and helps create a caramelized layer.
• Butter: Enhances richness and helps bind the pecan topping together.

• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the primary structure of the cake.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Help the cake rise and create a light, fluffy texture.
• Salt: Balances and enhances the overall sweetness of the cake.

• Eggs: Provide structure, moisture, and help bind the cake ingredients.
• Sugar: Sweetens the cake and contributes to its tender texture.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures the cake remains moist and tender.
• Buttermilk: Adds tanginess and helps create a soft, tender crumb.
• Vanilla Extract, Lemon Juice: Provide additional depth of flavor to the cake and pecan topping.

How to Prepare Pecan Upside Down Cake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to 165°C (325°F). Generously coat an 8 or 9-inch round cake pan with butter, ensuring every nook gets covered.

Step 2: Create Pecan Caramel Base

• Chopped pecans
• Golden syrup
• Brown sugar
• Melted butter
• Lemon juice
• Vanilla extract

Stir until the mixture looks glossy and well-blended. Set aside for later.

Step 3: Mix Dry Cake Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

Let the dry ingredients mingle while you prepare the wet components.

Step 4: Whip Up Cake Batter

Using a stand mixer with a whisk attachment, beat eggs for one minute.

Gradually add sugar and continue whipping until the mixture looks light and fluffy. Slowly drizzle in oil, vanilla extract, and buttermilk.

Mix until everything is smoothly incorporated.

Step 5: Blend Cake Components

Gently fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula.

Scrape bowl sides to ensure everything combines evenly. Avoid overmixing to keep the batter tender.

Step 6: Layer the Deliciousness

Pour the pecan caramel mixture into the prepared pan, spreading it uniformly. Carefully pour cake batter over the pecan layer, ensuring even distribution.

Tap the pan gently to eliminate air bubbles.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven.

Bake for 35-45 minutes until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Flip and Reveal

Let the cake rest in the pan for 5-7 minutes.

Place a plate larger than the pan on top. Using a kitchen cloth, confidently flip the pan in one swift motion to reveal the gorgeous caramelized pecan topping.

Step 9: Serve and Savor

Present the cake warm or at room temperature, showcasing the beautiful, glistening pecan layer on top. Enjoy this decadent dessert that promises to dazzle taste buds.

Expert Tips for Pecan Upside Down Cake

• Ensure the pecan layer is evenly spread to create a stunning caramelized topping that adds rich, nutty flavor to every slice.
• Use room temperature ingredients like eggs and buttermilk to help create a smoother, more consistent cake batter that rises perfectly.
• Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture to prevent overmixing, which can result in a tough, dense cake texture.
• Tap the cake pan on the counter before baking to release air bubbles, guaranteeing a smooth, even cake surface.
• Cool the cake for exactly 5-7 minutes before inverting to prevent sticking and maintain the beautiful pecan caramel layer.

Variations of Pecan Upside Down Cake

• Gluten-Free Pecan Cake: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the same texture and taste for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Maple Walnut Variation: Swap pecans for walnuts and golden syrup with pure maple syrup, creating a rich, earthy alternative that highlights different nutty flavors.
• Vegan Pecan Delight: Use flax eggs instead of regular eggs, coconut oil in place of butter, and non-dairy milk as buttermilk substitute, making the cake completely plant-based and allergen-friendly.
• Low-Sugar Option: Reduce brown sugar and use stevia or monk fruit sweetener, cutting down on calories while maintaining the cake's delicious caramelized topping.

Pairing Suggestions for Pecan Upside Down Cake

• Match the cake's sweet, nutty profile with a rich, smooth espresso that enhances the caramelized pecan notes and cuts through the dessert's richness.
• Add a creamy, cold contrast that melts deliciously against the warm cake, creating a luxurious temperature and flavor balance with subtle vanilla undertones.
• Complement the cake's deep caramel and pecan flavors with a smooth, golden liqueur that amplifies the dessert's sweet complexity and provides an elegant adult twist.

Storage Advice for Pecan Upside Down Cake

• Store the cake in an airtight container wrapped with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.
• Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Slice the cake and place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for 15-20 seconds at 50% power to prevent drying out. Check temperature and repeat if needed.

FAQs

• Why do I need to use golden syrup in the pecan layer?

Golden syrup creates a rich, smooth caramel-like base that helps the pecans stick together and provides a deep, sweet flavor that enhances the overall taste of the cake.

• Can I use a different type of nut instead of pecans?

While pecans work best for this recipe, you can substitute with walnuts for a similar texture and flavor profile, though the taste will be slightly different.

• What makes the cake so moist?

The combination of buttermilk and oil ensures the cake remains incredibly tender and moist, preventing it from becoming dry or crumbly during baking.

Pecan Upside Down Cake Recipe

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4.5 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Scrumptious pecan upside down cake delivers Southern comfort with caramelized nuts and rich buttery layers. Maple-glazed pecans create a luscious topping that melts in your mouth, promising pure indulgence for dessert enthusiasts.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 250 g (2 cups) all-purpose flour
• 200 g (1 cup) white sugar
• 200 g (7 oz) pecans (chopped)
• 175 ml (¾ cup) golden syrup
• 120 ml (½ cup) cooking oil
• 120 ml (½ cup) buttermilk
• 113 g (4 oz) unsalted butter (melted)
• 70 g (⅓ cup) brown sugar (light or dark)
• 15 ml (1 tbsp) lemon juice
• 10 ml (2 tsp) vanilla extract
• 7.5 ml (1½ tsp) baking powder
• 5 ml (1 tsp) vanilla extract
• 5 ml (1 tsp) optional spices (pumpkin spice, gingerbread, cinnamon powder)
• 2.5 ml (½ tsp) baking soda
• 2.5 ml (½ tsp) salt
• 2 large eggs

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven to 165°C and thoroughly coat an 8 or 9-inch round cake pan with butter to prevent sticking.
2. Create a rich base layer by mixing chopped pecans with golden syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until thoroughly combined.
3. Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl, creating a uniform dry ingredient mixture.
4. Whip eggs in a stand mixer for one minute, gradually add sugar, and continue whisking until the mixture becomes light and airy. Slowly incorporate oil, vanilla extract, and buttermilk, blending until smooth.
5. Gently fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula, ensuring complete integration without overmixing.
6. Spread the pecan mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared pan, then carefully pour cake batter on top, distributing it uniformly. Lightly tap the pan to eliminate air pockets.
7. Bake for 35-45 minutes at 165°C, checking doneness by inserting a skewer into the center – it should come out clean when the cake is fully baked.
8. Allow cake to rest in the pan for 5-7 minutes, then confidently invert onto a larger plate using a swift, firm motion with protected hands.
9. Serve the cake warm or at room temperature, showcasing the beautifully caramelized pecan topping.

Notes

• Mix the pecan layer ingredients up to a day in advance and refrigerate to enhance flavor depth and save time during baking.
• Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, ensuring the same texture and structure for those with dietary restrictions.
• Use room temperature ingredients like eggs and buttermilk to create a smoother, more evenly mixed cake batter that guarantees superior texture.
• Watch the pecan layer closely during baking to prevent burning, as different ovens may caramelize sugars at varying rates.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 447
• Sugar: 31 g
• Sodium: 98 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 39 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 47 mg