Description
A warm, gooey Upside-Down Caramel Pecan Cake featuring a rich caramel-pecan topping that melts into a moist vanilla cake. Perfect for fall or holiday gatherings, it’s an easy yet impressive dessert best served warm.
Ingredients
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (for topping)
1 1/2 cups pecan halves
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for batter)
2 large eggs
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup sour cream
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
- In the bottom of the pan, mix the brown sugar and melted butter to form the caramel layer, spreading it evenly.
- Arrange the pecan halves in a single layer over the caramel mixture and set aside.
- In a bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Alternate adding the dry ingredients with the milk and sour cream, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
- Gently spread the batter over the pecan layer in the prepared pan.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then invert it onto a serving plate. Let it sit a minute before removing the pan.
- Serve warm or let cool to room temperature.
Notes
Add a pinch of cinnamon to the caramel for a warmer flavor.
Swap pecans with walnuts or a pecan-almond mix for variety.
Use dark brown sugar for a deeper caramel taste.
Add a tablespoon of bourbon to the batter for a Southern twist.
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
Store covered at room temperature for 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 15–20 seconds, or larger portions in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
