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Southern Pecan Upside Down Cake

Southern Pecan Upside Down Cake
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Southern Pecan Upside Down Cake is a classic Southern dessert featuring a rich, buttery cake topped with caramelized pecans. This moist and tender cake combines the deep flavors of brown sugar caramel and toasted pecans, making it a perfect treat for any occasion. Easy to bake and impressive to serve, it offers a delightful Southern charm that everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Pecan Topping

  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 cup chopped pecans (toasted recommended)

Cake Batter

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

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pecan Topping: Melt 1/4 cup butter in your cake pan over low heat, then stir in 1 cup packed brown sugar until combined. Evenly spread 1 cup chopped pecans over the caramel mixture to create the topping that will become a glossy nut-studded layer once inverted.
  2. Mix the Cake Batter: In a bowl, whisk together 1 3/4 cups flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. In another large bowl, cream 1/2 cup softened butter with 3/4 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in 2 eggs and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Alternately add the dry ingredients and 3/4 cup milk, beginning and ending with flour mixture, mixing until smooth.
  3. Assemble and Bake: Pour the batter evenly over the prepared 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.
  4. Cool and Invert: Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Run a knife gently around the edges to loosen it, then carefully invert the cake onto a serving plate to reveal the beautiful caramelized pecan topping.

Notes

  • Toast pecans before using to enhance flavor and crunch.
  • Use room temperature ingredients for even mixing and a tender crumb.
  • Do not skip the cooling step before inverting the cake to prevent sticking.
  • Spread pecans evenly in the pan for a uniform caramelized topping.
  • Use a non-stick or well-greased pan to ensure smooth release.

Nutrition

Keywords: Southern pecan upside down cake, pecan cake, upside down cake, Southern dessert, caramel pecan cake, easy pecan cake

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