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Pecan Upside Down Cake

Pecan Upside Down Cake
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Pecan Upside Down Cake is a classic Southern dessert featuring a rich caramelized pecan topping flipped over a moist, tender cake. This recipe combines buttery caramel, toasted pecans, and a soft cake base for a perfect balance of texture and sweetness. Ideal for any occasion, this cake is simple to make with pantry staples and delivers a show-stopping presentation.

Ingredients

Scale

Topping

  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 cup toasted pecans

Cake Batter

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free baking blend)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3/4 cup milk or buttermilk, room temperature

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pecan Topping: Melt butter and brown sugar in your cake pan over medium heat, stirring until it bubbles and forms a smooth caramel sauce. Evenly stir in toasted pecans to coat the bottom of the pan with the caramel mixture.
  2. Mix the Cake Batter: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate large bowl, cream softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly, then stir in vanilla extract. Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients, until a smooth batter forms.
  3. Assemble and Bake: Pour the batter gently over the pecan topping and spread evenly. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and edges pull slightly from the pan.
  4. Cool and Flip: Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes to set the caramel but not harden it. Carefully invert the cake onto a serving plate to reveal the glossy pecan topping.

Notes

  • Toast pecans beforehand to deepen flavor and enhance crunch.
  • Use room temperature ingredients for a tender crumb.
  • Do not overbake to avoid drying out the cake.
  • Grease the pan generously to ensure an easy flip.
  • Allow the cake to cool slightly before inverting to keep the caramel layer intact and glossy.

Nutrition

Keywords: Pecan Upside Down Cake, Southern Dessert, Caramel Cake, Pecan Cake, Gluten-Free Cake, Upside Down Cake

Find it online: https://lillysplate.com/pecan-upside-down-cake/