Here’s a detailed, step-by-step recipe for a Pecan Upside-Down Cake—rich, buttery, with caramelized pecans on top and a moist cake underneath. I’ll include tips to make it perfect.
Pecan Upside-Down Cake
Ingredients
For the Topping:
- ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 2/3 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 cup pecan halves
For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup buttermilk (or milk with ½ tsp vinegar)
Equipment Needed
- 9-inch round cake pan
- Saucepan
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Rubber spatula
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Prepare the topping
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a small saucepan, melt ½ cup butter over low heat.
- Stir in 2/3 cup brown sugar until smooth and slightly bubbly.
- Pour the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch cake pan, spreading evenly.
- Arrange pecan halves over the sugar-butter mixture in a single layer.
- ✅ Tip: You can lightly toast pecans first for extra flavor.
Step 2: Make the cake batter
- In a medium bowl, whisk together:
- 1 ½ cups flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- In a large bowl, cream together ½ cup softened butter and ¾ cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in 2 eggs, one at a time, then 1 tsp vanilla extract.
- Alternate adding the dry ingredients and ½ cup buttermilk, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- ✅ Tip: Don’t overmix, or the cake may be dense.
Step 3: Assemble the cake
- Pour the cake batter evenly over the pecans and sugar in the pan.
- Spread gently with a spatula to cover all nuts.
Step 4: Bake
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes—not longer, or the caramel will harden and stick to the pan.
Step 5: Invert the cake
- Place a serving plate over the pan.
- Carefully flip the cake over so the pecans and caramel are on top.
- Tap the pan gently to release the cake if needed.
Step 6: Serve
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
- Optional: add whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Tips for Perfect Pecan Upside-Down Cake
- Do not overbake; caramel can burn quickly.
- Room temperature butter in the batter ensures fluffiness.
- Toast pecans lightly for deeper flavor.
- Use a nonstick pan or lightly buttered pan to make flipping easier.
Description
This Pecan Upside-Down Cake is rich, buttery, and moist, with sweet caramelized pecans on top. The cake has a tender crumb, and the sticky pecan topping adds a crunchy, nutty sweetness—perfect for dessert or special occasions.