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Moist Pecan Upside Down Cake Recipe

Moist Pecan Upside Down Cake Recipe


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4.8 from 28 reviews

  • Total Time: 45-50 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Pecan upside down cake comes together like a delightful surprise waiting in your kitchen, bringing Southern comfort straight to your dessert plate. Caramel-glazed pecans create a golden crown that makes this cake a delectable treat your family will absolutely adore.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup pecans
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup buttermilk

Supporting Ingredients:

  • ½ cup unsalted butter
  • 2 large eggs

Final Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to a precise 350°F and coat a 9-inch round cake pan with cooking spray to ensure smooth cake release.
  2. Melt ½ cup unsalted butter and 1 cup brown sugar in a skillet over low heat, stirring constantly until the mixture transforms into a silky caramel sauce.
  3. Pour the warm caramel directly into the prepared cake pan, creating an even layer that will become your cake’s delicious topping.
  4. Carefully arrange 1 cup of pecans in a single, attractive layer across the caramel surface, ensuring complete coverage.
  5. Whisk 2 large eggs with 1 cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until the mixture becomes light and smooth.
  6. In a separate bowl, combine 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, and ½ teaspoon salt.
  7. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture, alternating with 1 cup buttermilk to create a tender, well-blended batter.
  8. Carefully pour the batter over the pecan layer, spreading it evenly to cover the entire surface.
  9. Bake at 350°F for 32-35 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick that should come out clean when inserted into the center.
  10. Allow the cake to rest for exactly 10 minutes, then confidently flip onto a serving plate, revealing the gorgeous pecan caramel topping.

Notes

  • Check the butter and brown sugar caramel carefully while cooking to prevent burning, stirring gently over low heat.
  • Toast the pecans briefly before adding them to the pan for deeper, richer flavor that enhances the cake’s overall taste.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a cup-for-cup gluten-free baking blend to maintain the cake’s texture.
  • Store the cake at room temperature covered with plastic wrap for up to three days, ensuring the caramel stays soft and the pecans remain crisp.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
  • Category: Cakes
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 391 kcal
  • Sugar: 32 g
  • Sodium: 186 mg
  • Fat: 23 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 44 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 52 mg