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Pecan Upside Down Cake

A decadent dessert featuring a rich buttery topping made from pecan halves, brown sugar, and maple syrup atop a moist cake.

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (½ stick) + ½ cup (1 stick) softened, room temperature
  • ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1 cup pecan halves
  • 1½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ¼ cup milk

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
  2. Make the pecan layer by melting 4 tablespoons of butter, brown sugar, and maple syrup in a small saucepan over medium heat until smooth and bubbling.
  3. Pour this mixture into the prepared pan and arrange the pecan halves evenly on top.
  4. Mix the dry ingredients by whisking together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
  5. Cream ½ cup of softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy in another bowl. Add the eggs one at a time, beating after each addition, and mix in the vanilla.
  6. Combine half of the dry ingredients with the butter mixture and mix gently. Then add the sour cream and milk, mixing until just combined. Stir in the remaining dry ingredients carefully.
  7. Assemble the batter over the pecan layer, smoothing the top as you go.
  8. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  9. Invert the cake onto a serving plate after letting it rest for 10 minutes, carefully peeling off the parchment.

Notes

Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for a smoother batter. Do not overmix and let the cake cool slightly before inverting.

  • Author: jayne
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 30g
  • Sodium: 160mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: pecan cake, upside down cake, dessert, autumn recipes, American dessert