Pecan Upside Down Cake

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Sweet, sticky, nutty, and irresistibly moist, the Pecan Upside Down Cake is your shortcut to a Southern-inspired indulgence that feels fancy but is incredibly easy to whip up. This dessert flips expectations with every slice, unveiling a caramel-glazed pecan crown atop a buttery vanilla cake base. Whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering or just craving something nostalgic and delicious, this cake delivers the wow factor.

Imagine the crunchy, toasty aroma of pecans mingling with brown sugar and butter as it bakes to gooey perfection. Then, with a dramatic flip of the pan, you unveil a golden masterpiece that’s as eye-catching as it is satisfying. Serve it warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and you’ve got yourself the kind of dessert that never leaves leftovers.

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Why You’ll Love This Pecan Upside Down Cake

This cake isn’t just a dessert, it’s a conversation starter. With its built-in caramel-pecan topping, it saves you the fuss of frosting while offering a texture-rich finish. It’s also a make-ahead hero – perfect for entertaining or bringing to potlucks. Plus, it uses pantry-friendly ingredients and can be customized with spices or a splash of bourbon for grown-up flair.

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What Kind of Cake Base Works Best?

A light, fluffy yellow or vanilla cake provides the best contrast to the rich, sticky pecan topping. A homemade vanilla cake is ideal, but if you’re short on time, a quality boxed yellow cake mix can step in with delicious results. Just make sure it has enough structure to hold the gooey topping without turning soggy.

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Ingredients for the Pecan Upside Down Cake

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a flavorful role in building layers of sweetness and texture. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Pecans: The star of the topping. Their natural crunch and buttery richness caramelize beautifully in the oven.
• Brown Sugar: Essential for that sticky, molasses-kissed glaze that defines an upside-down cake.
• Unsalted Butter: Used both in the topping and the cake, providing richness and depth.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds aromatic sweetness and rounds out the cake’s flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the sturdy yet tender crumb needed to support the topping.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake without overpowering the brown sugar’s character.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise evenly and stay fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Milk: Keeps the cake moist and light.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients and add structure to the batter.

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How To Make the Pecan Upside Down Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Pecan Topping

Melt butter and stir in brown sugar until smooth. Pour this into the bottom of a greased round cake pan, then scatter pecans evenly across the top.

Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Alternate adding the dry mixture and milk into the butter mixture until well combined.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

Gently pour the batter over the pecan topping in the cake pan, spreading evenly. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 4: The Flip

Let the cake rest for 5 minutes. Run a knife around the edge, place a serving plate over the pan, and quickly invert. Carefully lift the pan to reveal the glossy pecan top.

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How to Serve and Store This Pecan Upside Down Cake

This Pecan Upside Down Cake is best enjoyed slightly warm when the topping is still gooey and the cake tender. Slice it and serve with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or even a drizzle of bourbon caramel sauce if you’re feeling fancy.

It comfortably feeds 8 to 10 people, making it a perfect choice for gatherings, holidays, or any occasion that calls for a comforting dessert.

To store, cover leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. It stays fresh at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to restore that just-baked magic.

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What to Serve With Pecan Upside Down Cake?

Whipped Cream

A simple dollop adds airy contrast to the rich, dense cake.

Vanilla Ice Cream

The cool creaminess perfectly complements the warm pecan topping.

Bourbon Caramel Sauce

Drizzle this over each slice to enhance the cake’s Southern charm.

Coffee or Espresso

The bitterness of coffee balances the sweetness and enhances the nutty flavors.

Fresh Berries

Add a refreshing, tart counterpoint to the sugary glaze.

Chopped Candied Bacon

For a salty-sweet combo that surprises and delights.

Mascarpone or Crème Fraîche

Spread a bit on the side of your plate for an elegant twist.

Spiced Whipped Cream

Add cinnamon or nutmeg to your whipped cream for an autumnal touch.

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Want More Cake Ideas?

If this Pecan Upside Down Cake left you wanting more cozy dessert inspiration, here are some other irresistible cake recipes to try:

• Nova Scotia Blueberry Cream Cake for a fruity, creamy twist.
• Delicious Cinnamon Roll Cake when you’re craving gooey cinnamon swirls.
• Mississippi Mud Cake for chocolate lovers who want it extra fudgy.
• Magic Lemon Cobbler to brighten up your dessert table.
• Cherry Dr Pepper Cake if you’re after something quirky and nostalgic.

You can also explore savory comfort food like the Cheesy Zucchini Casserole or Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs for a full menu of delight.

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Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add a splash of bourbon or maybe swap in walnuts? Did your flip come out clean?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and sweet inspiration on NoraNosh Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

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