Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Pecan Upside Down Cake Recipe

Pecan Upside Down Cake Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 18 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Pecan upside down cake delivers southern comfort with caramelized nutty richness, blending sweet maple undertones and tender cake layers. Indulgent dessert promises a delightful experience that connects heritage and delicious memories for passionate bakers.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 yellow cake mix
  • 1 pack instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 3 eggs
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) oil
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) water

Topping Ingredients:

  • 1 stick (1/2 cup or 113 grams) butter, melted
  • 1 cup (200 grams) light brown sugar
  • 1 cup (100 grams) pecans

Instructions

  1. Craft the cake foundation by whisking together yellow cake mix, vanilla pudding mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and water until achieving a silky, homogeneous texture.
  2. Heat the oven to a precise 350°F (175°C), preparing a bundt or rectangular baking vessel with cooking spray.
  3. Create a luscious caramel base by drizzling melted butter across the pan’s bottom, generously dusting brown sugar to cover the surface completely.
  4. Arrange pecan halves in an artistic, overlapping pattern atop the sugar-butter mixture, ensuring even distribution.
  5. Gently cascade the prepared cake batter over the pecan layer, using a spatula to spread the mixture uniformly and eliminate any air pockets.
  6. Transfer the pan to the preheated oven, allowing the cake to transform for 40-45 minutes, monitoring doneness by inserting a clean toothpick into the center.
  7. Once baked, extract the pan and permit the cake to rest and settle for 12-15 minutes, allowing caramel elements to stabilize.
  8. Confidently invert the cake onto a decorative serving plate, revealing the gleaming caramelized pecan landscape, and let cool completely before slicing.

Notes

  • Select a high-quality cake mix with rich vanilla flavor for better overall taste and texture.
  • Toast pecans briefly before adding to enhance their nutty, aromatic profile and create deeper caramelization.
  • Ensure melted butter and brown sugar are evenly distributed across pan bottom for consistent caramel layer.
  • Use room temperature eggs to help batter mix more smoothly and create a more uniform cake consistency.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 330
  • Sugar: 24 g
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 39 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg