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Gooey Pecan Upside Down Cake (Easy Method)

A slice cut from a rich pecan upside down cake, featuring a gooey caramel pecan topping.
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Make this rich, moist pecan upside down cake featuring a sweet, sticky, and caramelized pecan topping. This recipe delivers homemade flavor with simple steps, 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 and heavy cream until smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer for one minute, stirring constantly.
  3. Remove the caramel mixture from the heat. Stir in the pecan halves until they are coated.
  4. Pour the pecan mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared cake pan. Set the pan aside.
  5. Prepare the cake batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  6. In a large bowl, cream together the softened 1/2 cup butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
  7. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and the sour cream/milk mixture to the wet ingredients, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
  8. Carefully spoon the cake batter over the pecan layer in the pan, spreading it gently to cover the pecans completely.
  9. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  10. Remove the cake from the oven. Let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for only 5 to 10 minutes.
  11. Place a serving plate upside down over the cake pan. Carefully invert the pan and plate together. Lift the pan off slowly. If any pecans stick, gently place them back onto the cake top.
  12. Let the cake cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • For a pecan pie cake flavor, add 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the dry cake ingredients.
  • If you use a bundt pan, you may need to increase the baking time by 5 to 10 minutes.
  • Serve this cake warm with vanilla ice cream for the best gooey texture.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://dishicious.com/pecan-upside-down-cake-recipe-easy-method/