Pecan Upside Down Cake

Looking for a delectable dessert to impress your guests? Try our irresistible Pecan Upside Down Cake recipe! With its rich caramel sauce, crunchy pecans, and moist cake, this dessert is sure to be a hit at any gathering. Plus, it’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Serve it warm or cold with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra special treat. Get ready to elevate your dessert game with this mouthwatering recipe!

Who doesn’t love a good old-fashioned dessert that tantalizes the taste buds and brings a smile to your face with every bite? If you’re a fan of indulgent treats, then you’re in for a real treat with this Pecan Upside Down Cake recipe. With its rich caramel sauce and nutty pecan topping, this cake is sure to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire.

What Makes Pecan Upside Down Cake Special?

Decadent Flavor: The combination of buttery caramel, toasted pecans, and moist cake creates a flavor profile that’s hard to resist.
Visual Appeal: The upside-down presentation of the pecans atop a golden caramel base makes for a stunning presentation that’s perfect for any occasion.
Easy Preparation: Despite its impressive appearance, this cake is surprisingly easy to make, making it ideal for both novice and experienced bakers alike.

Ingredients

Before we dive into the baking process, let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need to create this mouthwatering dessert:

For the Butterscotch Caramel Sauce:

310 ml sugar
60 ml (1/4 c) Scotch (whiskey or bourbon)
60 ml (1/4 c) water
30 ml (2 tbsp.) light corn syrup
250 ml (1 c) hot cream
60 ml (1/4 cup) salted butter
375 ml (1 1/2 c) pecan halves

For the Cake:

500 ml (2 c) all-purpose flour
180 ml (3/4 cup) pecans, finely chopped
5 ml (1 tsp) baking soda
1 ml (1/4 tsp) salt
125 ml (1/2 c) unsalted butter
60 ml (1/4 c) canola oil
375 ml (1 1/2 c) brown sugar
5 ml (1 tsp) vanilla extract
3 eggs
250 ml (1 c) buttermilk

How to Make Pecan Upside Down Cake

Now that we have our ingredients assembled, let’s get started on baking this delectable dessert:

Step 1: Prepare the Butterscotch Caramel Sauce

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Butter and line the bottom of two 20-cm (8-inch) square baking dishes with parchment paper, allowing it to hang over two sides. Place the dishes on a cookie sheet for easy handling.
Make the Caramel: In a saucepan, combine the sugar, Scotch, water, and corn syrup. Bring the mixture to a boil, cooking without stirring until it turns a golden color. Remove from heat and gradually add the hot cream and butter, stirring until smooth. Divide the caramel evenly between the prepared baking dishes and sprinkle half of the pecans over the caramel in each dish.

Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, mix together the flour, chopped pecans, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In another bowl, cream together the butter, canola oil, brown sugar, and vanilla extract using an electric mixer until smooth.
Incorporate Eggs and Buttermilk: Add the eggs to the butter mixture one at a time, beating well after each addition. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients alternately with the buttermilk, mixing until just combined.

Step 3: Bake and Serve

Bake: Carefully divide the cake batter between the two prepared baking dishes, spreading it evenly over the caramel and pecans. Bake for approximately 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
Cool and Serve: Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for about 30 minutes. Once cooled, invert one cake onto a serving platter and then invert the second cake onto a baking sheet and slide it onto the first cake. Let the assembled cake cool completely before serving.
Enjoy: Serve the Pecan Upside Down Cake warm or cold, and top with whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this Pecan Upside Down Cake is a true delight for dessert lovers everywhere. With its irresistible combination of caramel, pecans, and moist cake, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a sweet treat, this cake is guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Can I use different nuts in this recipe instead of pecans?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, to create a unique twist on this classic recipe.

Can I make this cake in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the cake ahead of time and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Simply reheat slices in the microwave or oven before serving, if desired.

Can I freeze leftover cake?

Yes, you can freeze leftover cake for up to three months. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw slices in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Can I use a different type of alcohol in the caramel sauce?

Certainly! While Scotch, whiskey, or bourbon are traditional choices, you can experiment with other spirits such as rum or brandy to add your own unique flavor to the sauce.

How can I prevent the caramel from sticking to the bottom of the baking dishes?

To prevent the caramel from sticking, make sure to generously butter the bottom of the baking dishes and line them with parchment paper before adding the caramel and pecans.

Get ready to impress your friends and family with this irresistible Pecan Upside Down Cake recipe. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this dessert is sure to earn you rave reviews. So roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a storm!