Easy Pecan Upside Down Cake Recipe with Caramelized Topping

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

  1. Preheat Oven:
    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Assemble Cake:
    Pour cake batter over the pecan topping, spreading evenly.
  5. Bake:
    Bake for 40–45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  6. 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
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easy pecan upside down cake


  • Author: By Cora
  • 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

Scale

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

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