Upside Down Pecan Cake

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Savor the delectable blend of toasted pecans, shredded coconut, and decadent brown sugar with our Upside Down Pecan Cake. This delightful dessert boasts a moist and fluffy cake base topped with a luscious pecan and coconut mixture, creating a symphony of flavors and textures that’s guaranteed to please your palate. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving a sweet treat, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Ingredients:

  • 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 1 cup whole milk

Topping Ingredients:

  • 2 cups toasted pecans, chopped
  • ¾ cup shredded coconut
  • ⅔ cup brown sugar, packed
  • 6 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Directions:

  1. Preheat and Prepare:
    • Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a 12×17-inch jelly roll pan with aluminum foil, leaving some overhang on the sides, and grease it with non-stick spray.
  2. Prepare the Topping:
    • In a small bowl, combine the toasted pecans, shredded coconut, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt. Spread this mixture evenly in the lined pan. Drizzle with melted butter and vanilla extract.
  3. Mix Dry Ingredients:
    • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
  4. Cream Butter and Sugars:
    • In another bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy. Add the granulated sugar and brown sugar, beating on high speed for 3 minutes until well combined.
  5. Incorporate Wet Ingredients:
    • Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract and sour cream until incorporated.
  6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
    • With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
  7. Spread Batter and Bake:
    • Spread the cake batter evenly over the pecan mixture in the pan. Bake for 20-22 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Cool and Invert:
    • Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes, then run a knife around the edges to loosen. Invert the cake onto a platter, using the foil overhang as needed. Let it cool for an additional 10-20 minutes before serving.
  9. Serve and Enjoy:
    • Slice and serve this heavenly Upside Down Pecan Cake to your guests and watch them delight in every bite!

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 20-22 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 25 | Calories: (Calories per serving may vary based on specific ingredients used.)

Serving and Storage Tips:

  1. Serve Warm or at Room Temperature:
    • For the best flavor and texture, serve the Upside Down Pecan Cake warm or at room temperature. The warmth enhances the aroma and allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
  2. Garnish Before Serving:
    • For an elegant presentation, garnish the cake with additional toasted pecans or a sprinkle of powdered sugar just before serving. This adds a decorative touch and enhances the visual appeal.
  3. Pair with Whipped Cream or Ice Cream:
    • Elevate the dessert experience by serving the cake with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creamy accompaniment balances the richness of the cake and adds a delightful contrast of temperatures.
  4. Store in an Airtight Container:
    • Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. Ensure that the container is tightly sealed to prevent the cake from drying out.
  5. Reheat Before Serving:
    • If serving leftover cake, consider reheating it in the microwave for a few seconds or in a low oven (covered with foil) to restore its warmth and freshness. This revitalizes the flavors and makes the cake taste freshly baked.
  6. Freeze for Extended Storage:
    • If you have surplus cake or wish to save some for later, you can freeze individual slices or the entire cake. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before placing it in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 1-2 months.
  7. Thaw Before Enjoying:
    • When ready to enjoy frozen cake, transfer it to the refrigerator to thaw overnight. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving to ensure a soft and moist texture.
  8. Refresh with a Dusting of Powdered Sugar:
    • Before serving leftover cake, consider refreshing it with a light dusting of powdered sugar. This not only adds a touch of sweetness but also revives the cake’s appearance.
  9. Share with Loved Ones:
    • Share the joy of this delectable Upside Down Pecan Cake with family and friends. Whether it’s a casual gathering or a special occasion, serving this homemade dessert is a delightful way to spread happiness.
  10. Enjoy Every Bite:
    • Above all, savor each delicious bite of this Upside Down Pecan Cake. Let its rich flavors and moist texture transport you to dessert bliss with every mouthful.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your Upside Down Pecan Cake remains fresh, flavorful, and utterly irresistible, whether served for dessert or enjoyed as a delightful treat any time of day.

Variations:

  1. Pineapple Upside Down Pecan Cake:
    • Incorporate pineapple slices and maraschino cherries into the topping mixture for a tropical twist on the classic recipe. The sweet tanginess of pineapple complements the nutty flavor of pecans perfectly.
  2. Apple Cinnamon Upside Down Pecan Cake:
    • Add thinly sliced apples tossed in cinnamon and sugar to the topping mixture for a cozy autumn-inspired variation. The combination of apples and cinnamon adds warmth and depth of flavor to the cake.
  3. Maple Bourbon Upside Down Pecan Cake:
    • Drizzle the topping mixture with a mixture of maple syrup and bourbon before baking for a rich and indulgent flavor profile. The hint of bourbon adds complexity while the maple syrup lends a subtle sweetness.
  4. Chocolate Chip Pecan Upside Down Cake:
    • Sprinkle chocolate chips over the topping mixture for a decadent chocolatey twist. The melted chocolate adds gooey pockets of sweetness to each bite, complementing the crunchy pecans.
  5. Coconut Rum Upside Down Pecan Cake:
    • Infuse the topping mixture with coconut rum for a tropical and boozy variation. The coconut rum adds a subtle coconut flavor and enhances the richness of the pecans, creating a delightful dessert reminiscent of a beach vacation.
  6. Cranberry Orange Upside Down Pecan Cake:
    • Fold dried cranberries and orange zest into the topping mixture for a festive and tangy variation. The combination of tart cranberries and citrusy orange adds brightness and zing to the cake.
  7. Banana Upside Down Pecan Cake:
    • Layer sliced bananas over the topping mixture before pouring the cake batter, creating a delightful banana-infused variation. The bananas add natural sweetness and moistness to the cake, complementing the nutty pecans.
  8. Gingerbread Upside Down Pecan Cake:
    • Add ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to the topping mixture for a warmly spiced variation reminiscent of gingerbread. The aromatic spices pair beautifully with the sweetness of the pecans.
  9. Blueberry Lemon Upside Down Pecan Cake:
    • Scatter fresh blueberries over the topping mixture for a burst of fruity flavor. The tartness of the blueberries balances the sweetness of the pecans and adds vibrant color to the cake.
  10. Hazelnut Espresso Upside Down Pecan Cake:
    • Incorporate finely chopped hazelnuts and instant espresso powder into the topping mixture for a sophisticated and indulgent variation. The rich espresso flavor complements the nuttiness of the pecans, creating a decadent dessert perfect for coffee lovers.

FAQs:

  1. Can I use a different type of nuts instead of pecans?
    • Yes, you can substitute pecans with other nuts such as walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts to customize the cake according to your preference.
  2. Can I make this cake gluten-free?
    • Yes, you can use gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour to make a gluten-free version of this cake. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
  3. Can I omit the shredded coconut?
    • Yes, if you’re not a fan of coconut, you can omit it from the topping mixture without significantly affecting the overall taste and texture of the cake.
  4. Can I use frozen pecans instead of toasted pecans?
    • Yes, you can use frozen pecans, but it’s recommended to thaw them and toast them lightly before using to enhance their flavor and crunchiness.
  5. Can I use a different type of milk instead of whole milk?
    • Yes, you can use alternative milk such as almond milk, coconut milk, or soy milk if preferred. Keep in mind that the choice of milk may slightly alter the flavor and texture of the cake.

Elevate your dessert game with our Upside Down Pecan Cake recipe. With its irresistible combination of flavors and moist cake base, this dessert is a true crowd-pleaser. Whether enjoyed as a sweet ending to a meal or as a special treat for any occasion, this cake is bound to leave a lasting impression. Try it today and treat yourself to a slice of pure indulgence!