Baked Goods

Pecan Upside Down Cake

This Pecan Upside Down Cake brings a unique spin to traditional cakes with its rich, caramelized pecan topping. Starting with a simple yellow cake mix, this recipe adds a layer of buttery, brown sugar-coated pecans that turn into a luscious topping when inverted. Perfect for holiday gatherings or special occasions, this cake combines the warmth of vanilla and the satisfying crunch of pecans for a delightful dessert that’s sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Pecan Upside Down Cake:

Decadent Caramelized Topping: The combination of melted butter, brown sugar, and pecans creates a rich, caramel layer that’s perfectly sweet and gooey.
Quick and Easy: Using boxed yellow cake mix and instant pudding makes this recipe simple enough for beginners without compromising on flavor.
Beautiful Presentation: The pecan layer makes for a stunning presentation when the cake is inverted—perfect for impressing guests.
Versatile: This cake works wonderfully in various types of pans, from bundt to square or oblong, allowing you to customize its look and serving size.

Key Ingredients:

Yellow Cake Mix: Any brand of yellow cake mix will work here. Choose one with a moist texture for the best results, as the added pudding and caramel topping add to its richness.
Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: This adds moisture, flavor, and a soft texture to the cake. Vanilla pudding works best, but you could also try butterscotch or caramel for an extra flavor twist.
Brown Sugar: Light brown sugar provides the best flavor balance for the caramelized topping, though dark brown sugar will work if you prefer a deeper, more intense molasses flavor.
Pecan Halves: Use fresh, high-quality pecan halves for the best texture and flavor. Arrange them decoratively in the pan for a visually appealing top layer once the cake is inverted.

Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below

 

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven

Set Temperature: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready to bake the cake as soon as the batter is prepared.

2. Prepare the Cake Batter

Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, instant vanilla pudding mix, eggs, oil, and water.
Beat Until Smooth: Use an electric mixer to beat the mixture for 2-3 minutes, or until smooth and well combined.
Set Aside: Once mixed, set the batter aside while you prepare the pecan topping.

3. Prepare the Pan

Choose Your Pan: Select a bundt pan, square pan, or oblong pan based on your preference.
Grease the Pan: Spray the pan generously with baking spray to prevent sticking.
Add Butter: Melt a stick of butter and pour it evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.

4. Create the Pecan Topping

Add Brown Sugar: Sprinkle a layer of light brown sugar over the melted butter in the pan, ensuring the bottom is well covered.
Arrange Pecans: Place pecan halves over the brown sugar layer, arranging them in a decorative pattern if desired.

5. Assemble the Cake

Pour Batter: Pour the prepared cake batter over the pecan and brown sugar layer in the pan.
Spread Evenly: Use a spatula to spread the batter so it covers the entire surface evenly.

6. Bake the Cake

Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven.
Bundt Pan: Bake for 45 minutes.
Square or Oblong Pan: Check the cake after 35 minutes.
Check Doneness: The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool Slightly: Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes to help set the caramel layer, making it easier to invert.

7. Invert and Serve

Invert Cake: Place a large plate or serving platter over the top of the pan, and carefully invert the cake onto the plate. Tap the bottom of the pan gently to release.
Cool Completely: Allow the cake to cool fully before serving to let the caramel topping set.

Serving Suggestions:

Pecan Upside Down Cake is delicious on its own, but here are a few ideas to make it extra special:

Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds a light, airy contrast to the richness of the cake.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve each slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to create a warm-and-cold dessert experience.
Caramel Drizzle: For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle caramel sauce over each slice before serving.
Fresh Fruit: A few fresh berries or a slice of orange adds color and a burst of flavor to each serving.

Storage and Reheating Tips:

Pecan Upside Down Cake stores well, making it a great option for make-ahead desserts.

Room Temperature: Store the cake at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Refrigeration: Keep the cake in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or place in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Freezing: This cake freezes well! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. To serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bring to room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating: To enjoy the cake warm, microwave individual slices for about 15-20 seconds.

Recipe Variations:

Chocolate Pecan Upside Down Cake: Use chocolate cake mix and instant chocolate pudding for a rich chocolate twist on the classic recipe.
Apple Pecan Upside Down Cake: Add thinly sliced apples on top of the brown sugar layer with the pecans for an extra fruity layer.
Rum-Infused Cake: Add a tablespoon of dark rum to the cake batter or the melted butter for a deliciously spiced flavor that pairs beautifully with pecans.
Maple Pecan Cake: Substitute maple syrup for part of the brown sugar in the topping for a sweet maple flavor.
Butterscotch Pecan Upside Down Cake: Use butterscotch pudding mix in place of the vanilla pudding for a butterscotch-flavored cake.

 

Conclusion:

This Pecan Upside Down Cake is a delightful dessert that’s as easy as it is impressive. The brown sugar and butter melt into a sticky-sweet caramel layer, while the pecans add a beautiful decorative touch and irresistible flavor. With the ease of boxed cake mix and a few extra ingredients, you can whip up a dessert that tastes homemade in no time. Whether it’s a holiday, a family gathering, or a casual treat, this cake is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the buttery caramelized goodness of Pecan Upside Down Cake!

Print

Pecan Upside Down Cake

This Pecan Upside Down Cake is a delightful twist on a classic, combining buttery caramelized pecans with a moist yellow cake base. Perfect for holidays or special occasions, this easy-to-make dessert will impress your guests with its flavor and beautiful presentation.
Course Baked Goods, Dessert, Holiday Treats
Cuisine American
Keyword caramel pecan, easy dessert, pecan cake, upside down cake, yellow cake mix
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 8 slices
Calories 430kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 box yellow cake mix
  • 1 package instant vanilla pudding
  • 3 eggs
  • 1/2 cup oil
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup butter melted
  • light brown sugar enough to cover bottom of pan
  • pecan halves arrange in a decorative pattern if desired

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine yellow cake mix, vanilla pudding mix, eggs, oil, and water. Beat with an electric mixer for 2-3 minutes until smooth.
  • Grease a bundt, square, or oblong pan with baking spray. Pour melted butter into the pan and spread evenly.
  • Sprinkle light brown sugar over the melted butter, then arrange pecan halves in a decorative pattern if desired.
  • Pour cake batter over the pecans and brown sugar layer in the pan, spreading evenly.
  • Bake in preheated oven for 45 minutes if using a bundt pan or check after 35 minutes for a square or oblong pan. Cake is done when a toothpick comes out clean.
  • Allow cake to cool in pan for 10-15 minutes, then invert onto a serving plate and tap gently to release. Cool completely before serving.

Notes

This Pecan Upside Down Cake is a great dessert for family gatherings. Serve with whipped cream or ice cream for added decadence!

Nutrition

Calories: 430kcal

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