Description
Pecan upside down cake brings Southern charm to dessert tables with its caramelized nutty base and rich, tender crumb. Sweet pecans nestled in buttery caramel create a luxurious topping that melts in your mouth, making you crave another slice.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup oil
- 1 package instant vanilla pudding
Topping Ingredients:
- ½ cup butter (melted)
- Light brown sugar (enough to cover the bottom of the pan)
- Pecan halves (arrange in a pretty pattern if you want)
Conversion Notes:
- ½ cup = 120 milliliters
- ½ cup butter = 113 grams
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and position the rack in the center of the oven.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine yellow cake mix, vanilla pudding mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and water. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until the batter becomes smooth and fully incorporated.
- Generously coat a 9-inch bundt pan or 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick baking spray, ensuring complete coverage.
- Melt unsalted butter and pour it evenly across the bottom of the prepared pan, creating a rich base layer.
- Evenly distribute light brown sugar over the melted butter, creating a caramel-like foundation.
- Carefully arrange pecan halves in a decorative pattern across the sugar-butter layer, covering the entire surface.
- Gently pour the prepared cake batter over the pecan and sugar layer, using a spatula to spread it evenly and prevent disturbing the bottom layer.
- Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes for a bundt pan, or 35-40 minutes for a rectangular dish. Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean with just a few moist crumbs.
- Remove from the oven and allow the cake to rest in the pan for 10-15 minutes, which helps the caramel layer set slightly.
- Carefully invert the cake onto a serving plate, tapping the pan gently to release any stuck pecans. Let the cake cool completely for about 1 hour before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Capture the essence of Southern baking with this showstopping dessert that transforms a simple cake mix into a decadent treat.
- Melted butter creates a caramelized foundation that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience.
- Carefully arranged pecans add a delightful crunch and nutty richness that elevates the entire dessert from good to absolutely irresistible.
- Brown sugar melds with butter to create a sticky, gooey topping that becomes a magical caramel-like coating when the cake is flipped.
- Electric mixer ensures a smooth, lump-free batter that guarantees a tender and moist cake every single time.
- Cooling in the pan allows the caramel topping to set perfectly, ensuring each slice releases cleanly and looks picture-perfect.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 70mg