Name: Pecan Upside Down Cake: 5 Steps to Pure Bliss
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup pecans; 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 1 cup brown sugar; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup buttermilk

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Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite dessert: pecan upside down cake! It’s this glorious, moist cake topped with a rich, caramelized layer of pecans that just takes your taste buds on a joyride. The first time I made it, I was at a family gathering, and I could hardly wait to serve it. The moment I flipped the cake onto the platter and saw that golden, glossy topping glisten, I knew it was going to be a hit. Trust me, when the warm aroma fills your kitchen, everyone will come running! It’s the kind of dessert that brings people together, creating sweet memories with every slice. Perfect for any occasion, this cake is a must-try for anyone who loves a little nutty sweetness in their life!

Ingredients List

To whip up this delightful pecan upside down cake, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll gather:

1 cup whole pecans
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk

Make sure your butter is soft for easy mixing, and if you can, use fresh pecans for that unbeatable crunch and flavor!

How to Prepare Instructions

Now that you’ve gathered all your ingredients, let’s dive into making this delicious pecan upside down cake! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a beautiful dessert in no time.

Preheat and Prepare the Pan

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important, as it ensures your cake bakes evenly. While that’s heating up, grab a 9-inch round cake pan and grease it generously with butter or non-stick spray. This will help your cake release smoothly!

Create the Caramelized Topping

In a skillet over low heat, combine the unsalted butter and brown sugar. Stir it gently until the mixture is smooth and bubbly—this takes about 2-3 minutes. Once it’s ready, pour this heavenly concoction into your prepared cake pan. Then, arrange the pecans in a single layer right on top of that gooey goodness. Trust me, this is the best part!

Make the Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix to the egg mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, and stir just until combined. Don’t overmix—it’ll be perfectly fluffy if you keep it gentle!

Bake and Cool

Now, pour that luscious batter over the pecans in the cake pan, smoothing it out to cover them. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once it’s done, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then carefully invert it onto a serving plate. The anticipation is real at this moment—just wait until you see that gooey topping!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy preparation—perfect for busy days!
Rich, buttery flavor with a delightful nutty crunch.
Stunning presentation that’s sure to impress guests.
Warm, gooey caramel topping that’s simply irresistible.
Perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to special celebrations.

Tips for Success

For the best pecan upside down cake, here are my top tips! First, make sure to store any leftovers in an airtight container to keep it fresh for up to three days. If you really want to elevate your slice, serve it warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream—trust me, it’s heavenly! You can also sprinkle a bit of sea salt on top for that sweet and salty contrast. Enjoy sharing this deliciousness with friends and family!

Nutritional Information

Each slice of this delectable pecan upside down cake is approximately 350 calories. It contains about 15g of fat, 4g of protein, and 50g of carbohydrates. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes. It’s a treat worth every bite!

FAQ Section

Got questions about this delightful pecan upside down cake? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered!

How should I store leftovers? Keep any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for about a week.

What can I use instead of buttermilk? If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a quick substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to a cup of milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using.

What should I serve with it? This cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. It’s also lovely with a cup of coffee or tea!

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your pecan upside down cake experience, consider serving it warm alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a generous dollop of whipped cream. It’s also delightful with a steaming cup of coffee or a refreshing cup of tea. Trust me, these pairings will make each bite even more unforgettable!

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