Why You’ll Love This Pecan Upside Down Cake
This pecan upside down cake is a total game-changer for your dessert repertoire.
I’m obsessed with how the caramelized pecans create that gorgeous, glossy top that becomes the bottom when you flip it. Unlike traditional pineapple versions, this nutty masterpiece offers rich, buttery flavor with maple undertones.
What I adore most? The contrast between the sticky-sweet pecan topping and that tender, moist cake beneath.
No frosting needed. Plus, it looks absolutely stunning with minimal effort—perfect for those times when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
The warm spices and toasty pecans? Pure comfort on a plate.
What Ingredients are in Pecan Upside Down Cake?
Creating this pecan upside down cake is all about balancing rich, caramelized flavors with a moist, tender cake. The magic happens when those pecans get all glossy and candied on top (well, technically the bottom until you flip it).
I’m particularly fond of how the maple syrup adds depth to the traditional brown sugar topping—it’s that little something extra that makes people ask for your recipe.
For the Pecan Topping:
- 4 tablespoons (½ stick) unsalted butter
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 cup pecan halves
For the Cake Batter:
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream or plain yogurt
- ¼ cup milk
When shopping for ingredients, quality matters—especially for the pecans and maple syrup since they’re the stars of the show.
Room temperature ingredients (butter, eggs, sour cream) will blend more easily for a better textured cake.
And don’t substitute the sour cream with just milk; that tanginess and fat content is key for keeping the cake moist.
Can’t find pecans? Walnuts could work in a pinch, but honestly, why mess with perfection?
How to Make This Pecan Upside Down Cake
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and preparing your canvas—a 9-inch round cake pan greased and lined with parchment paper on the bottom. This parchment step isn’t optional, trust me; it’s your insurance policy against pecans stubbornly sticking when it’s time for the big reveal.
For the gloriously gooey topping, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter with ½ cup packed light brown sugar and 2 tablespoons maple syrup in a small saucepan. Let this mixture bubble away for about 2 minutes until it transforms into a smooth, caramel-like consistency.
Pour this liquid gold into your prepared pan, then arrange 1 cup of pecan halves in an even layer—get creative with a pattern if you’re feeling fancy!
While the topping sets, prepare your cake batter. Whisk together 1½ cups all-purpose flour, 1½ teaspoons baking powder, ¼ teaspoon baking soda, and ¼ teaspoon salt in a bowl.
In a separate bowl, cream ½ cup softened unsalted butter with ¾ cup granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy—about 3 minutes with an electric mixer, a bit longer if you’re working those arm muscles by hand. Add 2 large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. The mixture might look a little curdled, but don’t panic, that’s normal.
Now comes the delicate dance of incorporating wet and dry ingredients. Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture in three batches, alternating with a blend of ½ cup sour cream and ¼ cup milk. Start and end with the flour (flour-dairy-flour-dairy-flour) and mix just until combined—overmixing is the enemy of tender cake.
Pour this batter over your pecan arrangement, spreading it gently so you don’t disturb your beautiful design. Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes—not too long or the topping might stick—then place a serving plate over the pan and, with a confident flip, turn the cake out. Remove the parchment and marvel at your upside-down masterpiece.
Pecan Upside Down Cake Substitutions and Variations
Now that you’ve mastered the classic version, let’s explore the wonderful world of adaptations for this buttery, nutty delight.
I often swap pecans for walnuts or almonds when my pantry demands improvisation. The results? Still divine.
For a tropical twist, try pineapple chunks alongside the pecans. Coconut sugar can replace brown sugar, offering a deeper caramel flavor. Not feeling maple syrup? Honey works beautifully.
The cake itself welcomes additions like cinnamon, cardamom, or even a splash of bourbon.
And for dietary needs, gluten-free flour blends substitute nicely, though I recommend adding a touch more moisture.
What to Serve with Pecan Upside Down Cake
What could possibly elevate a warm slice of pecan upside down cake? I’m convinced that a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream is the ultimate companion, melting slowly into those caramelized pecans. Heavenly.
For something less expected, try a dollop of lightly sweetened mascarpone or crème fraîche. The tanginess cuts through the cake’s richness in the most delightful way.
On chilly evenings, I serve mine with a steaming mug of coffee or spiced chai. The warm spices complement the maple-pecan flavors beautifully.
And for special occasions? A drizzle of bourbon caramel sauce. Trust me on this one.
Final Thoughts
While I’ve shared many cakes through the years, this pecan upside-down cake remains one of my absolute favorites for its stunning presentation and rich flavor profile.
There’s something magical about that moment when you flip the cake, revealing those perfectly caramelized pecans nestled in buttery, maple goodness.
Truth be told, I’ve made this recipe more times than I can count, and it never disappoints. It’s rustic yet elegant, simple yet impressive.
Whether for a holiday gathering or just because it’s Tuesday, this cake strikes that perfect balance between special-occasion worthy and everyday accessible.
Why not bake one tonight?
Pecan Upside Down Cake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
- In a small saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons butter with brown sugar and maple syrup. Let bubble for about 2 minutes until smooth and caramel-like.
- Pour the caramel mixture into the prepared pan and arrange pecan halves in an even layer.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream softened butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.
- Alternately add flour mixture and combined sour cream/milk to the butter mixture in three batches, starting and ending with flour. Mix just until combined.
- Pour batter over the pecan arrangement and spread evenly.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then invert onto a serving plate and remove parchment paper.
