Description
Fluffy, buttery, and crowned with a rich caramelized pecan topping, this Pecan Upside Down Cake is a cozy classic you’ll want to make again and again. It’s a perfect choice whether you’re searching for easy dessert recipes, holiday baking ideas, or a quick cake for brunch. Sweet, sticky, and absolutely stunning when flipped, it fits the bill for everything from special occasion desserts to last-minute dinner ideas. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh whipped cream, and watch it disappear.
Ingredients
1 ½ cups pecan halves
½ cup unsalted butter (for topping)
½ cup brown sugar
½ cup unsalted butter (softened, for cake)
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup whole milk
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan generously.
2. In a saucepan, melt ½ cup butter with the brown sugar. Stir until smooth and bubbling. Pour into the bottom of the prepared pan and spread evenly.
3. Arrange the pecan halves over the caramel in a single layer, flat side down.
4. In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. In a separate large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
6. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla extract.
7. Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with dry. Mix until just combined.
8. Gently pour the batter over the pecan topping and smooth the top.
9. Bake for 35–40 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
10. Cool the cake in the pan for 10–15 minutes. Run a knife around the edge and invert onto a serving plate while still warm.
Notes
This cake flips best while still warm—wait no longer than 15 minutes.
Dark brown sugar makes for a deeper molasses flavor in the topping.
Room temperature ingredients make for a smoother, fluffier batter.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: pecan upside down cake, easy cake recipe, holiday dessert, caramel pecan cake, brunch cake, quick dessert