Description
This Pecan Upside Down Cake is rich, gooey, and packed with caramelized pecan flavor. It’s the perfect Southern-inspired dessert with a buttery nut topping and fluffy vanilla cake. Ideal for holidays, potlucks, or a cozy treat at home.
Ingredients
1 cup pecan halves
1/2 cup unsalted butter (for topping)
2/3 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter (for batter)
2/3 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup whole milk
Instructions
1. Melt 1/2 cup butter and brown sugar in a saucepan over medium heat until smooth and bubbling.
2. Pour the mixture into a greased 9-inch cake pan and evenly layer pecan halves on top.
3. In a large bowl, cream 1/2 cup butter and granulated sugar until fluffy.
4. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.
5. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
6. Add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk, and mix until just combined.
7. Pour the batter over the pecan layer in the pan and smooth the surface.
8. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35 to 40 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
9. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then invert onto a serving plate while still warm.
10. Serve warm or room temp, optionally with ice cream or whipped cream.
Notes
This cake is best served slightly warm.
You can add a splash of bourbon to the pecan topping for extra flavor.
Use raw pecan halves for the best texture and presentation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 80mg