A Deliciously Nutty Dessert for Fall and Thanksgiving

Looking for a dessert that’s simple yet impressive? This Easy Pecan Upside Down Cake is perfect. It combines buttery pecans, a fluffy yellow cake, and a sweet caramelized topping. Ideal for Thanksgiving, fall gatherings, or anytime you crave a rich, nutty dessert.
This cake is vegetarian-friendly, easy to prepare, and makes a beautiful centerpiece for any dessert table.
Ingredients
Topping:
- ½ cup Butter
- 1 cup Light brown sugar
- 1 ½ cups Pecan halves
Cake:
- 1 box Yellow cake mix
- 1 package Instant vanilla pudding mix (3.4 oz)
- 3 Large eggs
- ½ cup Vegetable oil
- 1 cup Water
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. - Make Caramelized Topping:
Melt butter and brown sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat until smooth and bubbly.
Pour mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan.
Arrange pecan halves evenly on top. - Prepare Cake Batter:
In a large bowl, mix yellow cake mix, instant pudding mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and water.
Beat with an electric mixer for 2 minutes until smooth. - Assemble Cake:
Pour cake batter over the pecan topping, spreading evenly. - Bake:
Bake for 40–45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. - Cool and Invert:
Let the cake cool for 5 minutes. Place a serving platter on top and carefully flip the pan.
Serve warm with optional whipped cream or ice cream.
Tips for Best Results
- Use fresh pecans for a crunchy texture.
- Replace water with milk for a richer cake.
- Let the cake cool slightly before flipping to prevent sticking.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 26g
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Protein: 4g
- Sodium: 270mg
- Fiber: 1g
Perfect for Any Occasion
This Easy Pecan Upside Down Cake is moist, nutty, and caramel-rich. It’s perfect for Thanksgiving, fall gatherings, or cozy family dinners. Its beautiful topping and rich flavor make it a dessert that’s both impressive and effortless.
Serve warm for the best experience, and watch it disappear quickly!
Print
easy pecan upside down cake
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This easy pecan upside down cake features a caramelized pecan topping over a soft, buttery yellow cake. A perfect fall dessert that’s sweet, nutty, and ideal for Thanksgiving.
Ingredients
½ cup butter
1 cup light brown sugar
1 ½ cups pecan halves
1 box yellow cake mix
1 package instant vanilla pudding mix (3.4 oz)
3 large eggs
½ cup vegetable oil
1 cup water
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch pan.
2. Melt butter and brown sugar in a saucepan until smooth. Pour into the bottom of the pan.
3. Arrange pecan halves over the caramel mixture.
4. In a bowl, combine cake mix, pudding mix, eggs, oil, and water. Beat for 2 minutes.
5. Pour batter evenly over the pecan layer.
6. Bake for 40–45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Cool for 5 minutes, then invert onto a serving platter.
8. Serve warm with whipped cream or ice cream.
Notes
Replace water with milk for extra richness.
Use fresh pecans for best flavor.
Store covered for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 270mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: pecan upside down cake, caramel pecan dessert, fall cake recipe, thanksgiving dessert