Description
If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that’s easier than it looks, this Pecan Upside Down Cake is your new go-to. With gooey caramel, toasty pecans, and moist vanilla cake, it hits every note: rich, comforting, and irresistibly delicious. Perfect for easy dinner parties, cozy holiday baking, or when you’re craving a quick dessert that looks impressive. Whether you’re in need of new breakfast ideas, simple food ideas for a gathering, or just an easy recipe to satisfy your sweet tooth—this one checks all the boxes.
Ingredients
0.75 cup unsalted butter (divided)
1 cup brown sugar
1.5 cups pecan halves
1.5 cups all-purpose flour
1.5 teaspoons baking powder
0.5 teaspoon salt
0.75 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
0.75 cup whole milk
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan generously.
2. In a saucepan, melt 0.25 cup butter with brown sugar over medium heat. Stir until smooth and bubbling.
3. Pour the caramel into the cake pan and arrange pecan halves evenly on top.
4. In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
5. In a large bowl, cream together remaining 0.5 cup butter and granulated sugar until fluffy.
6. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Stir in vanilla extract.
7. Alternate adding the flour mixture and milk to the batter, beginning and ending with flour. Mix just until combined.
8. Carefully spoon batter over the pecan layer and smooth the top.
9. Bake for 40–45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
10. Let cake rest for 5–10 minutes. Run a knife around the edge, invert onto a plate, and lift pan slowly.
Notes
Make sure to let the cake rest just 5–10 minutes before flipping—it helps the caramel set but not stick.
Use room temperature ingredients for the smoothest batter and even baking.
Don’t skimp on greasing the pan—caramel is sticky, and this helps with a clean release.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: pecan upside down cake, easy dessert, caramel cake, holiday cake, southern cake