Fluffy Pecan Upside Down Bundt Cake Recipe: A Nutty Delight

Crafting a delectable pecan upside down bundt cake can turn an ordinary afternoon into a sweet celebration of flavor and texture.

Nutty aromas will drift through your kitchen, promising a dessert that’s both comforting and impressive.

Southern baking traditions inspire this stunning cake, where caramelized pecans create a stunning golden crown.

Warm brown sugar transforms ordinary ingredients into something magical and irresistible.

Each slice reveals layers of rich, moist cake crowned with glistening nuts that add crunch and depth.

Decadent yet surprisingly simple, this recipe might become your new go-to dessert for special moments.

FAQs

• How do I prevent the pecan topping from sticking to the pan?

Thoroughly spray the bundt pan with non-stick cooking spray and ensure an even coating. After baking, let the cake cool for 10 minutes before inverting, which helps the topping release smoothly.

• Can I use a different type of nuts instead of pecans?

Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds. Just chop them to a similar size to ensure even distribution and consistent texture in the topping.

• What makes the cake's texture moist?

The addition of sour cream to the cake batter helps create a rich, tender crumb. Sour cream adds moisture and helps create a softer, more delicate cake texture compared to using just water.

Pecan Upside Down Bundt Cake Nutty and Sweet Perfection

• Simplify Baking: Combine store-bought vanilla cake mix with homemade caramel-like pecan topping for a stunning dessert that looks professionally crafted.
• Create Stunning Texture: Chopped pecans create a rich, crunchy caramelized bottom that transforms into a delectable top when the cake is inverted, delivering incredible visual and taste appeal.
• Perfect Party Pleaser: Versatile cake suits multiple occasions like family gatherings, potlucks, holiday celebrations, and casual weekend desserts with its impressive presentation and crowd-pleasing flavor profile.
• Minimal Skill Required: Minimal baking expertise needed – just mix ingredients, pour into pan, and bake, making this recipe accessible for novice and experienced bakers alike.

Ingredients Needed to Bake Pecan Upside Down Bundt Cake

• Butter: Provides a rich and smooth base for the caramel-like topping.
• Brown Sugar: Adds deep sweetness and creates a delicious caramel layer.
• Corn Syrup: Helps create a smooth and glossy pecan coating.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
• Pecans: Adds a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to the cake's base.

• Vanilla Cake Mix: Serves as the primary foundation for the cake's structure.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients and provide moisture and structure.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures a moist and tender cake texture.
• Water: Helps to hydrate and blend the cake mix ingredients.
• Sour Cream: Adds richness and creates a tender, soft cake crumb.

• Non-Stick Cooking Spray: Prevents the cake from sticking to the bundt pan.
• Toothpick or Cake Tester: Helps determine the cake's doneness.

Stepwise Guide to Prepare Pecan Upside Down Bundt Cake

Step 1: Prepare The Oven

Get your oven ready by heating it to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures the perfect baking environment for your delicious cake.

Step 2: Prepare The Bundt Pan

Grab a 10-inch bundt pan and generously spray it with non-stick cooking spray. Make sure every nook and cranny is covered to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Create The Pecan Topping

• Melted butter
• Brown sugar
• Corn syrup
• Salt

Use a hand mixer or whisk until the brown sugar nearly dissolves completely.

Step 4: Add Crunchy Pecans

Toss in chopped pecans and stir until they’re evenly distributed throughout the sweet mixture.

Step 5: Spread The Pecan Layer

Pour the pecan mixture into the prepared bundt pan. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly across the bottom.

Step 6: Mix The Cake Batter

• Vanilla cake mix
• Eggs
• Vegetable oil
• Water
• Sour cream

Blend everything together until the batter is smooth and lump-free.

Step 7: Layer The Batter

Carefully pour the cake batter over the pecan layer, making sure it completely covers the bottom layer.

Step 8: Bake To Perfection

Place the bundt pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean when the cake is ready.

Step 9: Initial Cooling

Remove the cake from the oven and let it sit on a cooling rack for 10 minutes. Resist the urge to flip it immediately!

Step 10: Flip And Reveal

Place a large plate over the bundt pan and quickly invert it. Give the pan a gentle tap to help the cake release smoothly.

Step 11: Serve And Enjoy

Slice the cake and serve it warm or at room temperature. Watch as your guests marvel at the beautiful pecan topping and delicious flavor!

Tips to Nail Pecan Upside Down Bundt Cake Every Time

• Swap vanilla cake mix with gluten-free alternatives for those with dietary restrictions, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delectable dessert.
• Enhance the pecan flavor by lightly toasting nuts before adding them to the brown sugar mixture, creating a deeper, more complex taste profile.
• Control the sweetness by reducing corn syrup or substituting with honey for a more nuanced caramel-like coating.
• Prevent cake sticking by thoroughly greasing the bundt pan, paying extra attention to intricate design areas with a pastry brush.
• Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top after inverting the cake to balance the sweetness and create a gourmet touch.

Flavor Twists That Change Up Pecan Upside Down Bundt Cake

• Gluten-Free Pecan Paradise: Replace vanilla cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Maple Walnut Wonder: Swap pecans with chopped walnuts and substitute corn syrup with pure maple syrup for a rich, woodsy flavor profile.
• Vegan Caramel Nut Cake: Use plant-based butter, egg replacer, vegan cake mix, and coconut oil instead of traditional ingredients to create a dairy-free and egg-free version of the cake.
• Almond Crunch Variation: Replace pecans with sliced almonds and add almond extract to the cake batter for a nutty, aromatic dessert that offers a different textural experience.

Pairing Suggestions That Complement Pecan Upside Down Cake

• Creamy, smooth vanilla ice cream with a hint of bourbon perfectly complements the rich, nutty caramel notes of the pecan bundt cake, creating a luxurious dessert experience.
• A warm caramel latte enhances the cake's sweet, toasty pecan flavors, with its smooth espresso undertones cutting through the cake's richness and providing a delightful contrast.
• Warm, aromatic spiced apple cider brings out the cake's caramel undertones, adding a cozy autumn-like dimension that highlights the pecans' natural sweetness and depth.

Storage Guidelines to Keep Pecan Upside Down Cake Fresh

• Refrigerate: Store leftover cake in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap to prevent moisture loss and protect from absorbing other refrigerator odors.
• Freeze: Carefully wrap individual slices or the entire cake in plastic wrap, then place inside a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.
• Room Temperature: Keep cake covered with a cake dome or plastic wrap at room temperature for 1-2 days. Ensure the area is cool and dry to maintain freshness and prevent spoiling.
• Reheating: Warm individual slices in microwave for 15-20 seconds. Alternatively, place slices in oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes to restore original soft texture and enhance pecan caramelization.

Pecan Upside Down Bundt Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Pecan upside down bundt cake delivers a Southern classic with caramelized nutty richness. Maple-glazed pecans crown this moist, buttery dessert that connects family traditions and sweet memories.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup pecans (finely chopped)
• 1/2 cup butter (melted)
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
• 1/4 cup corn syrup
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 box vanilla cake mix (Betty Crocker Super Moist Vanilla)
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs
• 3 tbsp sour cream
• 1 cup water (236 ml)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F, ensuring optimal baking conditions for the pecan upside-down bundt cake.
2. Generously coat a 10-inch bundt pan with non-stick cooking spray, creating a smooth surface for easy cake removal.
3. Craft the pecan topping by whisking melted butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt until the sugar nearly dissolves completely.
4. Fold chopped pecans into the brown sugar mixture, distributing them evenly throughout the base layer.
5. Spread the pecan mixture across the bottom of the prepared bundt pan, creating a uniform foundation for the cake.
6. Blend the cake batter by combining vanilla cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, water, and sour cream until a smooth, lump-free consistency is achieved.
7. Gently pour the cake batter over the pecan layer, ensuring complete coverage of the nutty base.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, checking for doneness by inserting a toothpick that comes out clean.
9. Remove the cake from the oven and let it rest on a cooling rack for exactly 10 minutes without inverting the pan.
10. Place a large serving plate over the bundt pan and swiftly flip the cake, allowing the pecan topping to release naturally with a gentle tap.
11. Serve the cake warm or at room temperature, revealing the beautifully caramelized pecan layer when sliced.

Notes

• Check pecan freshness by toasting them lightly before mixing to enhance their rich, nutty flavor and ensure maximum crunchiness.
• Swap regular cake mix with gluten-free alternatives for those with dietary restrictions, maintaining the cake’s delightful texture.
• Use room temperature ingredients like eggs and sour cream to create a smoother, more evenly mixed batter that rises beautifully.
• Line the bundt pan’s bottom with parchment paper for easier cake release and to prevent any potential sticking of the pecan topping.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 370
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 220 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg