Delicious Pecan Upside Down Cake Recipe

Name: Pecan Upside Down Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 1 cup brown sugar; 1 cup pecans, chopped; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 tsp baking powder; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 cup whole milk

Published: March 24, 2025

by Amelia

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This easy-to-follow Pecan Upside Down Cake Recipe combines rich flavors and textures that will leave your guests wanting more
With minimal prep time, you can whip up this showstopper effortlessly
The stunning presentation of the caramelized tops makes it perfect for any occasion
It’s versatile enough to serve as a casual dessert or an elegant centerpiece for special gatherings

I’ll never forget the looks on my friends’ faces when they realized I had baked something so delightful. They even asked if I could bake it for every game night after that!

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Unsalted Butter: Choose high-quality butter for a rich flavor in both the topping and cake.
Brown Sugar: Light or dark brown sugar adds depth and sweetness to the caramel topping.
Pecans: Use fresh pecans for the best crunch; lightly toast them first for added flavor.
All-Purpose Flour: Standard flour works perfectly here; sift it before measuring for accuracy.
Baking Powder: Ensure it is fresh for optimal rising; check expiration dates regularly.
Granulated Sugar: Regular white sugar balances the richness of other ingredients.
Eggs: Use large eggs at room temperature for better incorporation into your batter.
Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract enhances the flavor profile beautifully; avoid imitation if possible.
Milk: Whole milk adds moisture; substitute with buttermilk for a tangy twist if desired.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prepare Your Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a round cake pan with butter and sprinkle brown sugar evenly on the bottom.

Add Pecans and Caramelize: Arrange pecans in a single layer atop the brown sugar. Melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat until bubbly; pour evenly over pecans.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. This step ensures an even rise when baking.

Create Your Batter: In another bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add dry ingredients to the creamed mixture while alternating with milk and vanilla extract. Stir just until combined for a tender texture.

Bake It Up!: Pour batter gently over the caramelized nuts in the pan. Bake in preheated oven for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Once out of the oven let it cool slightly before flipping onto a serving plate. The moment you flip that cake upside down reveals those gorgeous caramelized pecans glistening like jewels—it’s pure magic!

Enjoy this delightful Pecan Upside Down Cake warm or at room temperature! You can serve it plain or add whipped cream or vanilla ice cream on top for extra indulgence.

Now go ahead—you’ve got this! Bake away!

You Must Know

The secret to a perfect Pecan Upside Down Cake lies in using fresh pecans and ensuring your butter is at room temperature
The sweet aroma that fills your kitchen while baking is irresistible, inviting everyone to gather around for a slice