Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite dessert: pecan upside down cake! This cake is not just any cake; it’s a sweet, caramel-scented delight that makes my heart sing every time I bake it. I first discovered this recipe at a family gathering, and it was love at first bite! The way the warm, gooey caramel melds with the crunchy pecans is simply heavenly. Plus, flipping it upside down reveals this gorgeous, glossy topping that will wow your guests. Trust me, if you want a showstopper dessert with incredible flavor, this pecan upside down cake is going to be your new go-to! It’s easy, impressive, and downright delicious!
Ingredients List
Gather these simple yet essential ingredients to make your pecan upside down cake shine:
- 1 cup pecans, chopped or halved
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk, warmed
Trust me, having these ingredients on hand will set you up for success in creating this delectable dessert!
How to Prepare Pecan Upside Down Cake
Now, let’s dive into the delicious process of making this pecan upside down cake! It’s really quite simple, and I promise you’ll be thrilled with the results. So, grab your apron and let’s get started!
Prepping the Base
First things first, we need to create that luscious caramel base! In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, then stir in the brown sugar until it’s completely dissolved—this should take just a couple of minutes. Once that gooey goodness is ready, pour the mixture into a greased 9-inch round cake pan. Now, here’s the fun part: sprinkle the pecans evenly over the caramel. This is going to be the beautiful topping once we flip the cake over, so make sure they’re nicely arranged!
Making the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, it’s time to cream together the granulated sugar and eggs. Use an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy—this should take about 3 minutes. Then, add in the vanilla extract and mix it all together. Now, in another bowl, whisk together the sifted flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the egg mixture, alternating with the warmed milk. Make sure to mix until just combined—overmixing can lead to a dense cake, and we want it fluffy and light!
Baking the Cake
Once your batter is ready, pour it gently over the pecans in the pan, spreading it out evenly. Now, it’s time to bake! Pop the pan into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and let it bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The smell wafting through your kitchen will be absolutely irresistible!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’re going to fall head over heels for this pecan upside down cake, and here’s why:
- It’s a delightful blend of caramel sweetness and crunchy pecans that will make your taste buds dance.
- The recipe is super easy to follow—perfect for both seasoned bakers and beginners alike!
- It makes for a stunning presentation that’s sure to impress your friends and family.
- Leftovers (if there are any!) taste just as good the next day, making it a great make-ahead dessert.
- It’s versatile! You can serve it warm, with whipped cream, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for that extra indulgence.
Tips for Success
To ensure your pecan upside down cake turns out perfectly, here are a few pro tips that I swear by! First, make sure your ingredients are at room temperature—this helps create a smoother batter. When melting the butter and brown sugar, stir gently to avoid burning; it should be bubbly but not dark. Also, don’t skimp on greasing the pan—this cake is meant to come out beautifully! Lastly, keep an eye on the baking time; every oven is different. If you see the edges pulling away from the pan, it’s a good sign that your cake is ready to flip!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making this scrumptious pecan upside down cake? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I hear, along with my best answers.
Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?
Absolutely! While pecans are traditional, you can swap them with walnuts or even almonds for a different flavor and texture. Just make sure to toast them slightly for extra crunch!
What should I do if my cake sticks to the pan?
If that happens, don’t panic! Make sure you grease your pan really well before pouring in the caramel and nuts. If it still sticks, gently run a knife around the edges to loosen it before inverting.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
You sure can! This pecan upside down cake actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld. Just store it covered at room temperature and reheat a slice in the microwave for a warm treat!
What’s the best way to serve it?
Serve it warm, topped with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for that extra indulgence. The warm cake paired with the cold cream is simply divine!
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can! Just wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container. Thaw overnight in the fridge and enjoy whenever the craving hits!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each slice of this delightful pecan upside down cake:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 200mg
Keep in mind, these values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients used. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your pecan upside down cake fresh and delicious, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it, but make sure to cover it well to prevent it from drying out. When it’s time to enjoy a slice, just pop it in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds to warm it up. Trust me, a warm piece of this cake, with its gooey caramel and crunchy pecans, is pure bliss! You can also enjoy it cold, but warming it brings out all those lovely flavors.
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your pecan upside down cake experience, consider serving it warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The creaminess perfectly complements the caramel and nutty flavors! For a bit of zest, drizzle it with a homemade caramel sauce or even a sprinkle of sea salt to enhance those sweet notes. Trust me, these pairings will take your dessert to the next level!
For more delicious dessert ideas, check out this cheesecake recipe or this carrot cake recipe.
Z nadrukami
Pecan Upside Down Cake: 5 Ways to Create Pure Bliss
- Całkowity Czas: 50 minutes
- Ustępować: 8 servings 1x
- Dieta: Wegańskie
Opis
A delicious pecan upside down cake with caramel flavor.
Składniki
- 1 cup pecans
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk
Instrukcje
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Melt butter and brown sugar in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Pour the mixture into a greased pan and sprinkle pecans on top.
- In a bowl, cream together granulated sugar and eggs.
- Add vanilla extract and mix well.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the dry ingredients to the egg mixture, alternating with milk.
- Pour the batter over the pecans in the pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool for a few minutes, then invert onto a serving plate.
Uwagi
- Serve warm for best taste.
- Can be topped with whipped cream.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Czas Przygotowania: 15 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 35 minutes
- Kategoria: Dessert
- Sposób: Baking
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 slice
- Kalorie: 350
- Cukier: 25g
- Sód: 200mg
- Kwasy: 15g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 8g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 6g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 45g
- Włókno: 1g
- Białko: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Słowa kluczowe: pecan upside down cake, dessert, cake, pecan
