Pecan Upside Down Cake

This Pecan Upside Down Cake is a deliciously decadent dessert featuring a buttery, caramelized pecan topping, and a light, moist cake underneath. The cake is baked with a rich layer of toasted pecans, brown sugar, and butter on the bottom, which caramelizes as it bakes, creating a gooey, sweet topping when flipped over. It’s the perfect balance of textures—crunchy, nutty, and soft.

Here’s how to make this mouthwatering treat!

Ingredients:

For the Topping:

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1/4 cup heavy cream (or whole milk)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups pecan halves (lightly toasted if preferred)

For the Cake:

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup whole milk
1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional, for extra flavor)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pecan Topping:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a medium saucepan, melt 1/2 cup butter over medium heat.
Stir in the brown sugar and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture has thickened slightly.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Pour the caramel mixture into the bottom of a greased 9-inch round cake pan (or an 8-inch pan for a thicker cake).
Arrange the pecan halves evenly over the caramel. Set the pan aside to cool slightly while you prepare the cake batter.

2. Make the Cake Batter:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and almond extract (if using).
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; be careful not to overmix.

3. Assemble the Cake:

Carefully spoon the cake batter over the caramel-pecan topping, smoothing it out into an even layer. Don’t worry if the batter covers the pecans; they will rise up during baking.

4. Bake:

Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. The top should be golden brown and slightly firm to the touch.

5. Cool and Flip:

Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about 5-10 minutes. This allows the caramel topping to set slightly, making it easier to flip.
After cooling briefly, run a knife around the edges of the cake to loosen it from the pan. Then, place a large plate or cake stand on top of the pan, and carefully flip the pan over to release the cake onto the plate. The pecans and caramel sauce will be on top.

6. Serve:

Let the cake cool to room temperature or serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The caramel topping will be rich, gooey, and sticky!

Tips for Success:

Toasting the Pecans: Lightly toasting the pecans in a dry pan for 5-7 minutes before adding them to the cake pan will enhance their flavor and crunch. Just be sure not to burn them!
Cake Consistency: The batter should be thick but spreadable. If the batter seems too thin, you can add a bit more flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
Serving Suggestions: This cake is rich and sweet on its own, but you can dress it up with whipped cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.
Storage: The cake is best served the day it is made, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. Reheat it gently in the microwave or oven before serving.

This Pecan Upside Down Cake is a showstopper with its beautiful, caramelized topping and tender cake. It’s perfect for holiday gatherings, family dinners, or whenever you’re craving something truly special. Enjoy!