Indulge your senses with a slice of heavenly Upside Down Pecan Cake, where rich caramel and crunchy pecans unite in a delightful symphony of flavors! This American classic is not just a dessert; it's a showstopper that will have your guests raving and coming back for seconds. Imagine the sweet aroma wafting through your kitchen as this cake bakes to perfection, transforming simple ingredients into a stunning masterpiece. Whether you're hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your repertoire. Ready to impress? Let’s dive into the magic of baking!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 60 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 100g unsalted butter
- 150g brown sugar
- 200g pecans
- 200g all-purpose flour
- 150g granulated sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan thoroughly with butter or cooking spray.
- In a saucepan, melt 50g of unsalted butter with brown sugar over medium heat. Stir continuously until the mixture becomes smooth and bubbling. This creates the caramel topping.
- Spread the prepared caramel evenly across the bottom of the cake pan. Arrange whole and chopped pecans in a decorative pattern over the caramel layer.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the remaining butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes using an electric mixer.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Carefully pour the cake batter over the pecan and caramel layer, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, carefully invert the cake onto a serving plate, allowing the caramel and pecans to create a beautiful topping.
- Allow cake to cool completely before serving. Serve at room temperature and optionally garnish with additional pecans or a dollop of whipped cream.
Tips
- Prep Your Pan: Ensure you grease your cake pan thoroughly to prevent sticking. Using parchment paper can also help make the cake easier to invert.
- Caramel Consistency: When melting the butter and brown sugar for the caramel, stir continuously to achieve a smooth texture. Watch closely to avoid burning!
- Pecan Placement: Get creative with your pecan arrangement! A decorative pattern not only adds visual appeal but also enhances the flavor profile of the cake.
- Egg Temperature: For the best results, use room temperature eggs. They mix more easily into the batter, resulting in a lighter cake.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry ingredients with the wet mixture, fold gently until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
- Cooling Time: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for a few minutes before inverting. This helps set the caramel topping and makes for a cleaner release.
- Serving Suggestions: For an extra touch, serve the cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to complement the rich flavors.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 54g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 60mg
