Elevate your dessert game with the delightful fusion of pecans, caramel, and moist cake in this Pecan Upside-Down Cake. This twist on the classic upside-down cake showcases the rich flavors of pecans and the indulgent sweetness of caramel. With a buttery, tender crumb, each bite is a journey into a world of nutty elegance. Let’s dive into creating this stunning and delicious dessert.
Ingredients:
For the Pecan Topping:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 1/2 cups pecan halves
For the Cake Batter:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
- Prepare the Pecan Topping:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 1/2 cup of butter. Add brown sugar and stir until well combined and smooth. Pour the mixture into the bottom of the prepared cake pan.
- Arrange Pecans:
- Arrange the pecan halves evenly over the brown sugar mixture in the cake pan. Ensure a beautiful and even layer of pecans.
- Prepare the Cake Batter:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together 1/2 cup of softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Pour Batter Over Pecans:
- Gently pour the cake batter over the arranged pecans and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Cool and Invert:
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. Then, invert it onto a serving plate. Be cautious as the pan will have hot caramel.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the Pecan Upside-Down Cake warm, allowing the caramel and pecans to create a luscious topping for each slice.
Optional Serving Suggestions:
- Top slices with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence.
- Drizzle with additional caramel sauce for an extra touch of sweetness.
Enjoy this Pecan Upside-Down Cake’s magnificent presentation and its abundance of flavor. This dessert, with its moist crumb and nutty caramel topping, is a celebration of flavor and elegance. Enjoy it as a delicious treat that elevates any occasion, or share it with loved ones and friends. 🍰🍯🌰✪