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Southern Pecan Upside Down Cake

Southern Pecan Upside Down Cake
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Southern Pecan Upside Down Cake is a rich, buttery dessert featuring toasted pecans caramelized with brown sugar atop a moist, tender cake. This classic Southern treat combines a crunchy, nutty topping with a soft, flavorful cake base, perfect for any occasion and easy enough for bakers of all levels.

Ingredients

Scale

Topping

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 cup fresh chopped pecans

Cake Batter

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup buttermilk

Instructions

  1. Prepare the pecan topping: Melt 1/2 cup unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in 3/4 cup packed brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and bubbly. Pour this caramel mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased 9-inch round cake pan. Sprinkle 1 cup chopped pecans evenly over the caramel to form the nutty topping layer.
  2. Mix the cake batter: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. In a separate bowl, cream 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter and 3/4 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add 2 eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and 1 cup buttermilk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined to ensure a tender crumb.
  3. Assemble and bake: Pour the prepared batter gently over the caramel-pecan topping in the cake pan, smoothing the surface evenly. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  4. Cool and invert: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, carefully invert the cake onto a serving plate so that the pecan topping becomes the attractive top layer. Let the cake cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Toast pecans first by heating them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant and lightly browned, to enhance flavor and crunch.
  • Use room temperature eggs and butter for better mixing and a fluffier cake texture.
  • Do not overmix the cake batter to avoid a dense cake; stir just until ingredients are combined.
  • Let the cake rest for 10 minutes before flipping to let the caramel set and prevent sticking.
  • Use a non-stick or well-greased pan to ensure easy release and preserve the topping’s integrity.

Nutrition

Keywords: pecan upside down cake, Southern dessert, caramel pecan cake, moist cake, buttery cake, upside down cake

Find it online: https://recipesbykaeli.com/southern-pecan-upside-down-cake/