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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Prepare the oven to 165°C and thoroughly coat an 8 or 9-inch round cake pan with butter to prevent sticking.
- Create a rich base layer by mixing chopped pecans with golden syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until thoroughly combined.
- Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl, creating a uniform dry ingredient mixture.
- 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.
- Gently fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula, ensuring complete integration without overmixing.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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