Pecan Pie Upside Down Cake Recipe

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Cook Time: 45 minutes

This indulgent sticky pecan cake is perfect for any occasion. The moist cake batter sits on a luscious pecan topping that will have everyone coming back for more. Follow the simple steps below for a delicious treat!

Ingredients

• Nonstick cooking spray
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/3 cup light corn syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla paste
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups pecan halves
• 1 (15.5 ounce) box butter golden cake mix (such as Duncan Hines)
• 1 (3.5 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding
• 3 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 cup milk, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup oil
• 1/4 cup sour cream

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350F (175C). Prepare a 10-inch cake pan by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray. Then, line the bottom with parchment paper and spray it again. Set the pan aside.

Step 2: In a saucepan, combine the butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, vanilla paste, ground cinnamon, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Once the mixture is boiling, add the pecan halves and stir until they are evenly coated with the caramel-like mixture.

Step 3: Pour the pecan mixture into the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly to cover the bottom. Set the pan aside.

Step 4: In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, instant vanilla pudding, eggs, milk, oil, sour cream, and vanilla extract. Using an electric mixer, beat the ingredients on medium speed for about 3 minutes, until the batter is smooth and well combined.

Step 5: Pour the cake batter over the pecan mixture in the cake pan. Use a spatula to spread the batter evenly.

Step 6: Place the cake pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 50 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick or skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and run a butter knife around the edges to loosen it from the sides of the pan. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before flipping it onto a wire rack or serving platter.

Step 8: Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing and serving. The sticky pecan topping will remain in place, creating a delicious glaze over each slice.

Nutrition Facts

Servings per Recipe: 12

Calories per Serving: 426

• Total Fat: 28g (36% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 7g (36% DV)
• Cholesterol: 40mg (13% DV)
• Sodium: 504mg (22% DV)
• Total Carbohydrate: 43g (16% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 1g (5% DV)
• Total Sugars: 40g
• Protein: 3g (5% DV)
• Calcium: 60mg (5% DV)
• Iron: 1mg (3% DV)
• Potassium: 112mg (2% DV)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

The Story Behind Pecan Pie Upside Down Cake

The Pecan Pie Upside Down Cake is a delightful twist on two classic American desserts: the rich, nutty pecan pie and the timeless upside-down cake. Its roots trace back to the Southern United States, where pecans were abundant and sugarcane plantations made caramel a staple in desserts. Combining the caramelized nut topping of pecan pie with a buttery, soft cake was a natural evolution, offering a simplified version of the pie in a single, elegant cake form. This adaptation became popular in home kitchens during the mid-20th century as convenience baking mixes became widely available, making it easier for families to enjoy the flavors of pecan pie without the labor-intensive preparation.

Regional Characteristics

The Southern United States is the heartland of this dessert, particularly in states like Georgia, Texas, and Louisiana. Each region may have subtle variations: some bakers emphasize a thicker caramel glaze, while others add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance the warm, cozy flavor profile. In Texas, for instance, pecans are often roasted slightly before being incorporated, which intensifies their flavor, while in Georgia, the focus tends to be on a soft, cake-like texture that balances the rich topping. The choice of cake base can also vary, with butter cake being most common due to its ability to soak up the caramel while remaining tender.

How It Differs from Similar Desserts

While it shares similarities with traditional pecan pie and other upside-down cakes like pineapple upside-down cake, the Pecan Pie Upside Down Cake is unique in its combination of textures and flavors. Unlike pecan pie, it incorporates a light, spongy cake rather than a dense filling. Compared to a pineapple upside-down cake, its caramel topping is richer and more complex due to the natural oils and flavor of pecans. This hybrid dessert bridges the gap between a pie and a cake, offering the sweetness and crunch of pecans without the challenge of a pie crust.

Typical Serving Occasions

Pecan Pie Upside Down Cake is often served during festive occasions and holidays, especially Thanksgiving and Christmas in the United States. It is also popular at Southern family gatherings, potlucks, and church events. The dessert is usually presented as a centerpiece due to its glossy caramelized nut topping and appealing presentation once inverted. It pairs well with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or even a drizzle of bourbon caramel sauce for an extra touch of indulgence.

Interesting Facts

• Pecans are native to North America and were highly valued by Native American tribes for both culinary and medicinal uses.
• The tradition of upside-down cakes originated in the early 1900s when cooks discovered that caramelizing fruit or nuts at the bottom of a pan before adding cake batter resulted in a visually striking and flavorful dessert.
• This cakes rise in popularity coincided with the mid-20th century boom of boxed cake mixes, which made it accessible to home bakers nationwide.
• Though commonly made with pecans, some modern variations experiment with walnuts, almonds, or even a mix of seasonal nuts, giving each cake a unique texture and flavor profile.
• The act of flipping the cake to reveal the glossy topping is considered a grand finale in many Southern kitchens, making the dessert as theatrical as it is delicious.

FAQ about Pecan Pie Upside Down Cake Recipe