Pecan Upside-Down Cake

There’s something truly magical about the combination of crunchy pecans and moist, fluffy cake, which makes Pecan Upside-Down Cake a delightful addition to any family gathering. Picture this: a golden-brown cake that flips perfectly, revealing a stunning layer of caramelized pecans underneath. It’s the perfect treat for cozy winter evenings when you want to impress your loved ones without spending hours in the kitchen. Fun fact: upside-down cakes date back to the 1920s, showing just how long people have been enjoying this delicious dessert! If you loved our Blueberry Lemon Loaf Cake, you’re going to adore this pecan twist. The same rich flavors, but with a nutty crunch that will have everyone going back for seconds.

What is Pecan Upside-Down Cake?

So, what’s with the name “upside-down cake”? Is it just a quirky way to describe a dessert that flips? Or is it a delicious backstory waiting to be uncovered? The truth is, this cake is as fun to make as it is to eat! It’s the kind of dessert that embodies the saying, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” There’s nothing like a slice of Pecan Upside-Down Cake to win over your loved ones. So why not give it a try? Trust me, your friends and family will thank you (and likely beg you for the recipe!).

Why You’ll Love This Pecan Upside-Down Cake

This Pecan Upside-Down Cake is a showstopper! Not only does it steal the spotlight at gatherings, but it also brings out the best flavors of your ingredients. The cake is moist and sweet, balanced beautifully by the crunchy pecans and caramel notes from the topping. Plus, cooking this treat at home is a cost-saving option compared to purchasing a bakery version. Nothing compares to the aroma of freshly baked cake wafting through your kitchen! It’s like this Pecan Upside-Down Cake is constantly saying, “Eat me!” And if you’ve ever enjoyed a traditional caramel flan, you’ll appreciate the rich, buttery depth that this cake uniquely offers. Go ahead, whip up this charming dessert at home!

How to Make Pecan Upside-Down Cake

Quick Overview

Making Pecan Upside-Down Cake is incredibly easy and satisfying. With its rich flavors and satisfying texture, it takes about 15 minutes of preparation and 30 minutes to bake, leaving you plenty of time to share the love and good vibes with family. As soon as it comes out of the oven, its intoxicating buttery aroma will fill your home, making it impossible for anyone to resist having a piece.

Key Ingredients for Pecan Upside-Down Cake

To create the perfect Pecan Upside-Down Cake, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
• 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1 1/2 cups pecan halves
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (sifted)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure that the cake bakes evenly.
2. Prepare Your Pan:
   In a 9-inch round cake pan, melt the butter in the oven as it preheats. Once melted, sprinkle the brown sugar evenly on top of the butter. Then, arrange the pecan halves over the sugar. This will form a deliciously sticky bottom once flipped.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk together until well combined.
4. Cream Together Butter and Sugar:
   In another bowl, beat the melted butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
5. Combine Mixtures:
   Alternate adding the dry ingredient mixture and milk to the butter and sugar mixture, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Stir in the vanilla extract and mix until just combined.
6. Pour Batter:
   Carefully pour the batter over the pecan layer in the cake pan, making sure to spread it evenly.
7. Bake:
   Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool and Flip:
   Allow the cake to cool for 10-15 minutes. With a large plate, carefully flip the cake out of the pan. Gently tap the pan to release any stubborn pecans.
9. Serve:
   Slice the cake and enjoy either warm or at room temperature, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side!

Top Tips for Perfecting Pecan Upside-Down Cake

• Ingredient Substitutions:
  If you’re looking for a healthier version, consider using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. Make sure to adjust the liquid slightly, as whole wheat flour absorbs more moisture.
• Timing is Key:
  Avoid overmixing the batter; it should be mixed just until combined to ensure a light, fluffy texture.
• Common Mistakes to Avoid:
  Don’t skip the cooling time before flipping! Letting the cake cool ensures that it holds its shape and retains all the gloriously caramelized pecans.

Storing and Reheating Tips

To keep your Pecan Upside-Down Cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you need to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. If you want to freeze it, wrap slices in plastic wrap and then foil, making sure to consume within three months for the best quality. When ready to enjoy, reheat slices in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or in the oven at a low temperature to bring back that freshly-baked warmth.

Now that you have this delightful recipe for Pecan Upside-Down Cake, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get baking! Your family will love this sweet treat, and you’ll be the star of the kitchen! Enjoy!

Pecan Upside-Down Cake

A delightful cake featuring crunchy pecans and a moist, fluffy base, perfect for gatherings and winter evenings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Pecan Layer

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick) Melted in the pan
• 1 cup cup brown sugar (packed) Sprinkled over melted butter
• 1 1/2 cups pecan halves Arranged over the brown sugar

For the Cake Batter

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (sifted) Sifted for best texture
• 1 cup granulated sugar For sweetness
• 2 large eggs Room temperature
• 1/2 cup milk Room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a 9-inch round cake pan, melt the butter in the oven as it preheats. Once melted, sprinkle the brown sugar evenly on top of the butter.
3. Arrange the pecan halves over the sugar.

Mixing

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk together until well combined.
2. In another bowl, beat the melted butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
3. Alternate adding the dry mixture and milk to the butter and sugar mixture, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Stir in the vanilla extract and mix until just combined.

Baking

1. Carefully pour the batter over the pecan layer in the cake pan, spreading it evenly.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
3. Allow the cake to cool for 10-15 minutes before flipping it out onto a large plate.
4. Gently tap the pan to release any stubborn pecans.

Serving

1. Slice the cake and enjoy either warm or at room temperature, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side!

Notes

For a healthier version, consider using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. Avoid overmixing for best texture. Store in an airtight container for up to three days.