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!

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.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Baked Goods, Dessert, Holiday Treats
Cuisine American
Servings 8 slices
Calories 430 kcal

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
Keyword caramel pecan, easy dessert, pecan cake, upside down cake, yellow cake mix
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