Pecan Upside Down Cake: A Buttery, Caramelized Delight

If you love rich, nutty flavors and a soft, moist cake, this Pecan Upside Down Cake is about to become your new favorite dessert! With buttery caramelized pecans on top and a tender cake underneath, every bite is pure heaven. Perfect for holiday gatherings, family dinners, or just a cozy night in, this cake is surprisingly easy to make but tastes like it came from a bakery.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to make the best Pecan Upside Down Cake, along with pro tips to ensure it turns out perfect every time.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Caramelized pecans create an irresistible topping.
✔ Super moist cake with a buttery, soft texture.
✔ Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients.
✔ Perfect for any occasion—holidays, birthdays, or a weeknight treat!
✔ Customizable—add cinnamon, bourbon, or chocolate chips for a twist.

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Ingredients You'll Need

For the Pecan Topping:

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• ¾ cup light brown sugar (packed)
• ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups pecans (chopped or whole)
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

For the Cake Batter:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 teaspoon vinegar)

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How to Make Pecan Upside Down Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Pecan Topping

1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
2️⃣ In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and brown sugar, stirring until smooth. Add honey (or maple syrup), vanilla, and cinnamon.
3️⃣ Pour the caramel mixture into the bottom of the cake pan and evenly spread the pecans over the top. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

1️⃣ In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
2️⃣ In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla, mixing until combined.

3️⃣ Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with buttermilk, until a smooth batter forms.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

1️⃣ Carefully pour the cake batter over the pecan topping, spreading it evenly.
2️⃣ Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 4: Flip and Serve

1️⃣ Let the cake cool for 10 minutes in the pan.
2️⃣ Place a serving plate on top of the pan, then carefully flip the cake over so the pecan topping is on top.
3️⃣ Let it cool slightly before slicing and serving.

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Pro Tips for the Best Pecan Upside Down Cake

✔ Use fresh pecans for the best flavor and crunch.
✔ Let the cake cool for 10 minutes before flipping—this helps the caramel set but keeps it soft.
✔ For extra flavor, add a splash of bourbon or rum to the pecan topping.
✔ Want a shortcut? Use a cake mix instead of homemade batter! Just prepare the pecan topping and pour in the mix.

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Serving Suggestions

🍦 Serve warm with vanilla ice cream—the contrast of warm cake and cold ice cream is incredible!
☕ Pair with a cup of coffee for a cozy afternoon treat.
🍫 Drizzle with chocolate or caramel sauce for an extra indulgent twist.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I Make This Cake Ahead of Time?

Yes! Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Can I Use Walnuts Instead of Pecans?

Absolutely! Walnuts or even almonds can work well in this recipe.

Can I Freeze This Cake?

Yes! Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

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Final Thoughts: A Simple Yet Elegant Dessert

This Pecan Upside Down Cake is a show-stopper with its buttery, caramelized pecan topping and soft, moist cake underneath. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just because, it’s guaranteed to be a hit.

Try this recipe today, and enjoy a slice of sweet, nutty perfection! 🍰🥜