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Decadent Caramel Pecan Upside Down Cake

Close-up of a moist slice of pecan upside down cake featuring a rich, glossy caramel and chopped pecan topping.
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Make this sweet, sticky, and rich Pecan Upside Down Cake. It features a buttery cake base and a show-stopping caramelized pecan topping, perfect for holidays or family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup pecan halves
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
  • 1/2 cup milk

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or a standard Bundt pan.
  2. Prepare the topping: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the 1/2 cup butter. Stir in the brown sugar until dissolved. Remove from heat and stir in the heavy cream.
  3. Pour the butter-sugar mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Arrange the pecan halves in a single layer over the caramel mixture. Set the pan aside.
  4. Make the cake batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  5. In a large bowl, cream together the 1/2 cup softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
  6. In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream and milk.
  7. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and the sour cream mixture to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
  8. Gently spoon the cake batter evenly over the pecan layer in the pan.
  9. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  10. Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes.
  11. Place a serving plate upside down over the cake pan. Carefully invert the cake onto the plate. Lift the pan away slowly. If any pecans stick, gently place them back onto the cake top.
  12. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

  • For a pecan pie cake hybrid flavor, add 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon to the dry ingredients.
  • If you are using a Bundt pan, you may need to increase the baking time by 5 to 10 minutes. Check for doneness carefully.
  • This cake is excellent served warm with vanilla ice cream.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingbyfelix.com/pecan-upside-down-cake-recipe/