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Indulge in this Upside-Down Caramel Pecan Cake—a decadent twist on a classic dessert. Featuring a luscious, buttery caramel and pecan layer that transforms into a stunning topping once flipped, this cake is a feast for both the eyes and the palate. The soft, airy vanilla sponge perfectly balances the rich, nutty crunch of the caramel pecans, creating a dessert that’s as impressive as it is delicious. Perfect for any occasion, this show-stopping cake is sure to be a hit.
The caramelized pecans atop this cake create an irresistibly crunchy and rich layer that pairs perfectly with the moist, fluffy vanilla cake beneath.
One of the best things about this pecan cake is its built-in decoration—the gorgeous topping eliminates the need for any additional effort, making it not only delicious but also effortlessly beautiful.
This indulgent treat is an ideal choice for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a cozy family gathering or celebrating a festive event. The combination of flavors and textures in this upside-down cake will satisfy even the most intense sweet tooth cravings.
If you’re a fan of pecan desserts, be sure to check out my other favorites: butter pecan chocolate chip cookies, pecan banana bread, easy turtle cookies, fudgy turtle brownies, and caramel pecan cheesecake.
WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS:
- Flavor: This cake offers a delicate vanilla flavor with a buttery aroma, enhanced by the irresistible combination of caramel and toasted pecans.
- Caramelized Pecan Topping: The topping is reminiscent of a sticky, caramelized pecan pie filling, adding a mouthwatering richness to every bite.
- Simplicity: Made with simple ingredients that you can easily find at any grocery store, this upside-down cake is as easy to make as it is delicious.
- Texture: The cake itself is moist and tender, melting in your mouth alongside the crunchy caramel pecan topping.
WHAT IS AN UPSIDE-DOWN CAKE?
An upside-down cake is a type of cake where the toppings, such as fruits or nuts, are placed at the bottom of the pan before the batter is poured on top. After baking, the cake is flipped upside down onto a serving plate, revealing a beautifully decorated top layer. This unique method results in a moist and flavorful cake with a visually stunning presentation.
INGREDIENTS Before starting this upside-down pecan cake recipe, make sure to measure and prepare all your ingredients for a smooth and easy cooking process.
For the Vanilla Cake:
- Butter (unsalted)
- Eggs (at room temperature)
- Flour (all-purpose or cake flour)
- Baking powder and baking soda
- Granulated sugar and brown sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Buttermilk (can be made by mixing milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice)
- Kosher salt
For the Pecan Topping:
- Corn syrup (prevents caramel crystallization)
- Butter (unsalted, at room temperature)
- Brown sugar (any type)
- Pecans (roughly chopped, preferably toasted)
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Prepare the Topping:
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- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a 9-inch cake pan with parchment paper. Grease the pan with room-temperature butter.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, kosher salt, butter, and corn syrup, stirring until nearly dissolved. Add the chopped pecans and mix until evenly coated. Set aside to cool.
2. Prepare the Cake Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Set aside.
- In another large bowl, use an electric hand mixer to cream the softened butter, sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract for 2-3 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Gradually add half of the dry ingredients and half of the buttermilk to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
3. Assemble and Bake:
- Pour the cooled pecan mixture into the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly. Pour the vanilla cake batter over the pecan layer and smooth the top with an offset spatula.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool to room temperature before flipping.
4. Flip and Serve:
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- Run a knife around the edges of the cake, place a plate on top of the pan, and carefully flip the cake onto the plate. Tap the pan to release the cake. Enjoy!
EXPERT TIPS:
- Toast Your Pecans: Toasting the pecans before adding them to the cake enhances their natural oils and brings out a richer, nuttier flavor.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh eggs, butter, and buttermilk make a big difference in the taste and texture of your cake.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that all your ingredients, especially eggs and butter, are at room temperature for a smoother, more homogenous batter.
- Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife to avoid overpacking, which can result in a dense cake.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter just until combined to avoid a tough, dense texture.
- Line Your Pan: Lining the baking pan with parchment paper ensures even baking and easy release.
FAQS:
- What Flour Should I Use? All-purpose flour works great, but self-rising or cake flour can also be used.
- When Should I Flip the Cake? Wait about 10 minutes after baking before flipping to ensure the toppings stay intact.
- Why Is It Called an Upside-Down Cake? The name comes from assembling the cake with the toppings at the bottom and then flipping it after baking.
STORING: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
FREEZING: Let the cake cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
SUBSTITUTIONS AND VARIATIONS:
- Gluten-Free: Substitute with gluten-free flour.
- Dairy-Free: Use vegan butter or plant-based alternatives.
- Spice: Add cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter.
- Chocolate: Incorporate chopped dark chocolate into the batter.
- Citrus: Add orange zest for a bright, fresh flavor.
- Bourbon: Soak pecans in bourbon for a rich, smoky taste.
SERVING TIPS:
- Whipped Cream and Caramel Drizzle: Top each slice with whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve warm slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast.
- Fresh Berries: Add fresh berries for a burst of color and freshness.
MORE CAKE RECIPES:
- Moist honey cake
- Fresh strawberry bread
- Marble loaf cake
If you try this recipe, please leave a rating and a comment below. We love hearing from you!
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The above recipe draws inspiration from the renowned culinary experts, Sally, Chris and Lindsay.
Ingredients
This pecan upside down cake is made with a moist and simple vanilla cake and topped with an easy caramel pecan topping.
Total Time: 1hour 10minutes
Ingredients for the Caramel Pecan Layer:
- 125g butter
- 45g maple syrup (¼ cup)
- 100g fine brown sugar (⅔ cup)
- 100g natural pecans (1 cup)
Ingredients for the Vanilla Cake:
- 200g very soft butter
- 250g sugar (1 cup)
- 4 large eggs
- 300g flour (2 cups)
- 6g baking powder (1½ tsp)
- 250ml sweet cream (32%)
- 1 tsp high-quality vanilla paste
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Caramel Pecan Layer:
- In a saucepan, melt the butter, brown sugar, and maple syrup. Stir in the chopped pecans and remove from heat.
- Grease and line a large 31cm English cake pan. Pour the pecan mixture into the bottom and set aside.
- Make the Vanilla Cake:
- In a bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla paste and salt.
- Gradually mix in the eggs, one at a time.
- Alternate adding half of the cream and half of the flour with baking powder, mixing gently after each addition. Finish with the remaining cream and flour until the batter is smooth.
- Pour the batter over the caramel pecan layer.
- Bake:
- Preheat the oven to 170°C (338°F). Bake the cake for about an hour, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Serve:
- Let the cake cool slightly, then carefully invert it onto a serving platter. Gently remove the pan to reveal the beautiful caramel pecan topping.
Notes
Before you begin mixing the cake batter, be sure to toast your pecans. This crucial step releases their natural oils, enhancing their rich, nutty flavor, which will elevate your cake.
For the best results, always use fresh ingredients like eggs, butter, and buttermilk. Fresh ingredients not only enhance the flavor of your cake but also ensure a better texture and overall quality.
Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature. Using room-temperature eggs and butter allows the batter to mix smoothly and bake evenly, preventing any issues that could arise from cold ingredients.
Accurate flour measurement is key! Instead of scooping directly from the bag, lightly stir the flour to create air pockets, spoon it into your measuring cup, and level it with the back of a knife. This method prevents adding too much flour, which can lead to a dense cake.
When mixing the batter, do so gently to avoid overdeveloping the gluten in the flour, which could result in a tough, dry cake.
Always line your baking pan with parchment paper. This step ensures even baking and makes it easy to release the cake from the pan without sticking.
Finally, once the cake is out of the oven, let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before flipping it onto a serving plate. This helps avoid any breakage or sticking, ensuring a beautifully presented cake.