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Irresistible Pecan Upside Down Cake Recipe

Irresistible Pecan Upside Down Cake Recipe to Impress Recipe

5 from 14 reviews

This Irresistible Pecan Upside Down Cake is a moist, buttery treat crowned with a caramelized pecan topping that delivers a perfect balance of sweetness and crunch. Ideal for impressing guests or enjoying a comforting dessert, this classic cake combines a tender crumb with a rich, nutty glaze, making every bite unforgettable.

Ingredients

Scale

Topping

  • ½ cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup light brown sugar
  • 1 cup chopped pecans

Cake Batter

  • ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 1 cup light brown sugar
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 3 large eggs

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare the pan. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a round cake pan thoroughly to ensure the cake releases easily after baking.
  2. Make the pecan topping. In a saucepan over low heat, melt ½ cup of butter with 1 cup of brown sugar, stirring until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth. Stir in the chopped pecans, then immediately pour this caramelized mixture into the bottom of the prepared cake pan and spread evenly.
  3. Cream butter and sugar. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the remaining ½ cup softened butter and 1 cup brown sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
  4. Add eggs and milk. Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the creamed butter and sugar, mixing well after each addition to maintain a smooth batter. Then add the whole milk and stir gently to combine.
  5. Combine dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder until evenly blended. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, folding carefully until just combined, avoiding overmixing which could toughen the cake.
  6. Pour batter and bake. Pour the prepared batter evenly over the pecan topping in the cake pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the cake is golden brown on top.
  7. Cool and invert. Allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully invert the cake onto a serving plate to reveal the glossy pecan topping, and serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, toast the pecans lightly before adding them to the topping.
  • Ensure the butter is softened, not melted, when creaming for the best cake texture.
  • Use a non-stick or well-greased pan to prevent sticking during inversion.
  • Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
  • Store leftovers tightly covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: pecan upside down cake, pecan cake, upside down cake, nutty dessert, caramelized pecan cake, baked pecan cake