Description
This Pecan Upside Down Cake is a delightful blend of buttery brown sugar, crunchy pecans, and moist yellow cake. Perfect for holiday gatherings or any dessert craving, it offers a rich and nutty flavor with a beautiful caramelized top.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Topping
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
For the Cake
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
- Make the Topping: In a medium bowl, mix the melted butter and brown sugar until well combined. Spread this mixture evenly on the bottom of the prepared pan. Sprinkle the chopped pecans evenly over the brown sugar mixture to create the topping layer.
- Prepare the Cake Batter: In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, eggs, water, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes or until the batter is smooth and well blended.
- Assemble and Bake: Carefully pour the cake batter over the pecan topping layer in the pan, spreading evenly. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Invert: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 5 to 10 minutes. Run a knife around the edges if needed, then carefully invert the cake onto a large serving platter so the pecan topping is on top. Let the cake cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Grease the pan thoroughly to prevent sticking when inverting the cake.
- Substitute water with buttermilk for a richer flavor and moist texture.
- Serve warm topped with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 34g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
