Introduction: Pecan Upside Down Cake is a delightful and decadent dessert that brings together the richness of caramelized pecans with a soft, moist cake. The nuts create a beautiful, crunchy topping that’s sweet and slightly toasty, while the cake itself is light and buttery. When flipped over, the gooey pecans become the star of the show, making for a visually stunning and flavorful treat. This cake is perfect for any occasion, from casual family gatherings to more elegant celebrations.
Ingredients:
For the Topping:
1 cup pecans (chopped or whole)
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 tbsp heavy cream
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
For the Cake:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup sour cream or buttermilk
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
Prepare the Topping: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a simmer, and cook for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Assemble the Topping: Pour the caramel mixture into the bottom of the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly. Arrange the pecans in a single layer on top of the caramel mixture.
Prepare the Cake Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, and then stir in the vanilla extract.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the sour cream or buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Bake the Cake: Pour the cake batter over the pecan topping in the pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and Flip: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, carefully invert the cake onto a serving plate, tapping the pan gently to release the cake. Let the pan sit for a moment to allow the pecans to settle on top.
Serve: Slice and serve the cake warm or at room temperature.
Description:
Pecan Upside Down Cake is a showstopper, with its rich, caramelized pecan topping that transforms into a gooey, sweet layer once flipped. The buttery cake is light and fluffy, perfectly complementing the crunchy, toasted nuts. Every bite combines the warmth of caramel with the nutty texture of the pecans and the softness of the cake. This dessert is an irresistible combination of flavors and textures that’s sure to become a favorite.
Tips:
Even Topping: Be sure to evenly distribute the caramel and pecans in the pan before adding the cake batter to ensure a uniform topping when flipped.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature for smoother batter and better texture.
Test for Doneness: Since the caramel topping can sometimes make it difficult to test the cake with a toothpick, check for doneness by gently pressing the center of the cake – it should spring back.
Variations:
Add Cinnamon: Stir 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon into the cake batter for a warm, spiced flavor.
Use Other Nuts: Swap the pecans for walnuts or almonds for a different flavor profile.
Fruit Topping: Add slices of banana or pear under the pecans for a fruity twist.
Chocolate: Add a handful of chocolate chips to the batter for a chocolate-pecan combination.
Corrections:
Make sure to not overbake the cake. Overbaking can dry it out and make the texture less moist. Keep an eye on it and check for doneness around 35 minutes.
If the caramel topping starts to burn or harden too quickly, reduce the heat slightly while making it. Ensure the mixture is smooth and well combined before pouring it into the pan.
Enjoy:
Once you’ve made this Pecan Upside Down Cake, take a moment to appreciate the beautiful caramelized pecan topping before digging in. Each bite delivers the perfect balance of sweetness, crunch, and soft cake. It’s a dessert that everyone will love and remember!