Name: Upside-Down Caramel Pecan Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter; ¾ cup (150 g) brown sugar; 1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional); 1½ cups (160 g) chopped pecans; 1½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour; 1½ teaspoons baking powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; ½ cup (120 ml) milk or buttermilk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, melted

If you’re looking for a luscious dessert that combines buttery caramel, crunchy pecans, and a moist, fluffy cake, you absolutely need to try this Upside-Down Caramel Pecan Cake Recipe. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and nutty flavors, finished with that delightful caramel glaze right on top. Baking this cake feels like a warm hug on a plate, and trust me, once you make it, it will quickly become your favorite way to impress friends and family with minimal fuss but maximum flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows eight small white bowls and two eggs arranged in two rows on a white marbled surface. The top row, from left to right, has a bowl full of whole pecans, a bowl of brown sugar, a bowl with four small blocks of butter, and two brown eggs placed directly on the surface. The bottom row has four white bowls containing milk, dark liquid vanilla extract, white flour, and granulated sugar, all neatly spaced in a straight line. The image is clean, with bright lighting and a clear view of all ingredients. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Upside-Down Caramel Pecan Cake Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a big role—brown sugar and butter create that rich caramel base, pecans add crunch and nuttiness, and the vanilla and milk keep the cake tender and flavorful.

Unsalted butter (½ cup + ½ cup melted): Adds richness and helps create that golden caramel topping as well as moist cake texture.
Brown sugar (¾ cup): The key to that deep, buttery caramel flavor in the topping layer.
Maple syrup (1 tablespoon, optional): Enhances the caramel’s complexity with subtle maple notes.
Chopped pecans (1½ cups): Gives the cake its signature crunch and earthy flavor that perfectly balances the sweetness.
All-purpose flour (1½ cups): The sturdy foundation for the tender cake crumb.
Baking powder (1½ teaspoons): Ensures the cake rises beautifully and stays fluffy.
Salt (¼ teaspoon): Elevates all the flavors without overpowering the sweetness.
Granulated sugar (¾ cup): Sweetens the cake batter just right.
Large eggs (2): Provide structure and keep the cake moist.
Milk or buttermilk (½ cup): Adds moisture and tenderness, especially if you opt for buttermilk for a slightly tangy touch.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and an inviting aroma that’s hard to resist.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Upside-Down Caramel Pecan Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Make sure to grease a 9-inch cake pan well and line it with parchment paper. This setup makes flipping the cake over a breeze later, preserving that beautiful caramel pecan topping.

Step 2: Make the Caramel Pecan Layer

In a saucepan, melt ½ cup of unsalted butter together with ¾ cup of brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and bubbly. Stir in the optional tablespoon of maple syrup to add complexity to that luscious caramel. Pour this heavenly caramel into your prepared pan, then scatter the chopped pecans evenly over the top. This will become that irresistible upside-down topping.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This dry mix is the backbone of your cake batter, ensuring it rises well and has just the right texture.

Step 4: Whip Up the Wet Batter

In a separate large bowl, beat the two eggs with granulated sugar until creamy and light. Then add the milk (or buttermilk if you’re feeling adventurous), vanilla extract, and the remaining ½ cup of melted unsalted butter. Give it a good stir to blend the flavors beautifully.

Step 5: Combine, But Don’t Overmix

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overwork the batter—this keeps your cake tender and fluffy, which is exactly what you want in this Upside-Down Caramel Pecan Cake Recipe.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter over the pecan-caramel layer in the pan, spreading it out evenly. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until the cake turns golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 7: The Grand Flip

Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 to 15 minutes. Then place a serving plate on top, carefully flip it over, and peel off the parchment paper. Serve your creation warm or at room temperature and watch everyone’s faces light up with delicious surprise.

How to Serve Upside-Down Caramel Pecan Cake Recipe

The image shows a two-layer cake on a round white plate set on a white marbled surface. The top layer is thick and covered with glossy, dark brown glazed pecans arranged tightly together, giving a rich, textured look. The bottom layer is a light golden-yellow cake with a smooth, soft texture, making a clear contrast with the darker top. One slice is cut and placed in front of the main cake, showing the clean, even layers. The lighting highlights the shiny glaze and soft cake, making the dessert look fresh and inviting photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While this cake is stunning on its own, a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream takes it to another level of indulgence. Sprinkle a few toasted pecans on top for extra texture and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a robust black tea. The bitterness of the drinks beautifully balances the sweetness of the cake, making every bite even more delightful. For celebrations, a glass of dessert wine pairs wonderfully too.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving individual slices on pretty dessert plates with a drizzle of caramel sauce artistically swirled around. You can also cut the cake into small squares, skewer them for cake pops, and garnish with a pecan half for a fun party treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Upside-Down Caramel Pecan Cake Recipe keeps well at room temperature for up to two days when covered tightly with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. The caramel topping stays glossy and moist, so every slice tastes as fresh as the first.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. It freezes beautifully for up to three months, making it easy to enjoy this treat anytime you crave something special.

Reheating

To warm up refrigerated or frozen slices, gently microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or heat in a low oven until just warmed through. This revives that gooey caramel texture and makes the cake taste like freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use walnuts instead of pecans?

Absolutely! Walnuts provide a slightly different, but equally delicious, earthy crunch. Feel free to swap pecans with walnuts based on your preference or what you have on hand.

Is maple syrup necessary in the caramel?

The maple syrup is optional, but it adds a lovely depth of flavor and complexity. If you don’t have it, the caramel will still be beautifully sweet and buttery without it.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Just make sure it’s a blend intended for baking to maintain the structure and texture of the cake.

How can I tell when the cake is done?

Look for a golden top, and test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your cake is perfectly baked.

Can I use a different size pan?

A 9-inch pan works best for this recipe to get the right thickness. If you use a larger pan, the cake will be thinner and may bake faster, so keep an eye on it to avoid overbaking.

Final Thoughts

This Upside-Down Caramel Pecan Cake Recipe is truly a crowd-pleaser that brings warmth, sweetness, and a touch of elegance to any occasion. Whether you bake it for a special celebration or a cozy weekend treat, it’s guaranteed to fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas and your heart with joy. Get your ingredients ready and dive into this delightful baking adventure—you won’t regret it!