Description
This Pecan Upside Down Cake is a cozy, nostalgic dessert that combines a rich brown sugar pecan topping with a moist vanilla cake base. Flipped after baking, it’s as visually impressive as it is delicious—perfect for brunch, holidays, or a sweet Sunday treat.
Ingredients
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 cup packed dark brown sugar
1 1/2 cups pecan halves
1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup whole milk (room temperature)
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (or 325°F if using a glass pan). Grease a 9-inch round or square cake pan.
2. In a small saucepan, melt 1/2 cup butter. Stir in the dark brown sugar until combined and smooth. Pour this mixture into the bottom of the cake pan and spread evenly.
3. Arrange pecan halves in a single layer over the brown sugar mixture.
4. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
5. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
6. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
7. Gradually alternate adding the flour mixture and the milk to the butter mixture, mixing just until smooth.
8. Carefully spread the batter over the pecan topping in the pan.
9. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
10. Let the cake rest for 10 minutes. Place a plate over the pan and invert to flip the cake. Gently lift off the pan to reveal the pecan topping.
11. Let cool slightly and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
Letting the cake cool slightly in the pan before flipping helps the topping set just enough to stay in place.
If using a glass or ceramic baking dish, reduce baking temperature by 25°F to prevent overbrowning.
For extra flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon or a splash of bourbon to the brown sugar topping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 34 g
- Sodium: 160 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: Pecan upside down cake, southern desserts, caramel pecan cake