Pecan Upside-Down Bundt Cake Recipe

This Pecan Upside-Down Bundt Cake is a decadent dessert with a sweet, gooey caramelized pecan topping and a moist vanilla cake base. Made with simple ingredients like brown sugar, corn syrup, and chopped pecans, this cake is easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner, holiday gathering, or looking for an impressive dessert to serve at a party, this upside-down cake is sure to impress. Drizzled with a light glaze or served warm with ice cream, this dessert is a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love!

This Pecan Upside-Down Bundt Cake features a rich and gooey caramelized pecan topping with a soft, moist vanilla cake base. It’s the perfect dessert for any occasion, offering a decadent combination of textures and flavors that will have everyone asking for the recipe.

Ingredients

For the Pecan Topping:

• ½ cup packed light or dark brown sugar
• ¼ cup corn syrup
• ½ cup melted butter
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• ¼ tsp salt

For the Cake Batter:

• 1 box vanilla cake mix (such as Betty Crocker Super Moist Vanilla)
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs
• 3 tbsp sour cream
• 1 cup water

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously spray a 10-inch Bundt pan with non-stick cooking spray, then set aside.
2. Prepare the Pecan Topping:
   • In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt. Use a hand mixer or whisk to mix until the brown sugar is almost fully dissolved.
   • Stir in the chopped pecans and mix until well combined.
   • Pour the pecan mixture into the prepared Bundt pan. Use a spatula to evenly spread the mixture across the bottom of the pan. Set aside.
3. Make the Cake Batter:
   • In a large bowl, combine the vanilla cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, water, and sour cream. Use a hand mixer or whisk to mix until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.
   • Carefully pour the batter over the pecan topping in the Bundt pan. Use a spatula to spread the batter evenly and ensure it completely covers the pecan mixture.
4. Bake the Cake:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
5. Cool and Invert the Cake:
   • Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan on a cooling rack for about 10 minutes. Do not try to flip the pan before this time.
   • After 10 minutes, place a large plate over the top of the Bundt pan. Gently invert the cake onto the plate. Tap the top of the pan a few times to help release any stuck pecans before lifting the pan.
6. Serve:
   • Serve warm with a scoop of your favorite ice cream, or let the cake cool completely and serve at room temperature.

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Tips

• Let the cake cool slightly: Be patient and let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before flipping. This ensures the pecans and caramelized topping stay intact.
• Use a spatula to spread: When spreading the pecan topping and cake batter, a spatula works best to ensure an even layer that won’t affect the cake’s texture.
• Don’t skip the cooling rack: Let the cake cool on a rack to prevent it from becoming soggy.

Variations and Substitutions

• Nuts: If you prefer a different type of nut, feel free to swap the pecans with walnuts or almonds.
• Cake flavor: Try using a chocolate cake mix or a spiced cake mix for a twist on this classic dessert.
• Glaze: Drizzle with a cream cheese glaze or chocolate ganache for extra indulgence.

FAQs

Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes, you can make this cake a day ahead and store it in an airtight container at room temperature. The cake tastes great warm, but it’s also delicious at room temperature.

Can I freeze this cake? Yes, you can freeze the cake before inverting it. Wrap the Bundt pan tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Let it thaw before flipping and serving.

How do I prevent the pecans from sticking to the pan? Generously greasing the Bundt pan and allowing the cake to cool for 10 minutes will help the pecans release easily. Tapping the pan also helps.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve this cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence.
• Pair it with a cup of coffee or hot tea for a delightful dessert experience after dinner.
• It’s a great addition to a holiday table, and can also be served at potlucks, family gatherings, or brunch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Pecan Upside-Down Bundt Cake is everything you want in a dessert: rich, sweet, and indulgent. The gooey caramelized pecan topping combined with the soft, moist vanilla cake creates the perfect balance of textures and flavors. It’s simple to make, yet looks impressive enough to serve at any gathering. Whether you’re enjoying it for a special occasion or a cozy treat, this cake will quickly become a family favorite!