Pecan Upside Down Cake
This Pecan Upside Down Cake is a rich, buttery dessert featuring caramelized pecans atop a moist and tender cake. Easy to make yet elegant to serve, it delivers a perfect balance of sweet caramel and nutty crunch, ideal for any occasion from casual dinners to special celebrations.
- Author: Sarah
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Pecan Topping
- 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup (120g) pecans, halves or chopped
Cake Batter
- 1 1/4 cups (155g) all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (120ml) milk, room temperature
- Prepare the Pecan Topping: Melt butter and brown sugar together in the cake pan over medium heat, stirring until smooth and bubbly. Evenly sprinkle pecans over the caramelized mixture and press them gently to adhere.
- Mix the Batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients, mixing until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the cake batter evenly over the pecan topping in the pan, smoothing the surface. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Invert: Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes to allow the topping to set. Run a knife around the edges to loosen, then carefully invert the cake onto a serving plate, revealing the glossy pecan topping.
Notes
- Spread pecans evenly for a consistent crunch in every slice.
- Grease the pan generously with butter to prevent sticking and ease flipping.
- Use room temperature ingredients for smoother batter and better texture.
- Check for doneness a few minutes before the recommended baking time, as oven temperatures can vary.
- Cool the cake slightly before inverting to keep the topping intact.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: Pecan upside down cake, caramel pecan cake, nutty upside down cake, homemade pecan cake, classic upside down cake