There’s something truly magical about the combination of sweet caramel and toasted pecans nestled beneath a moist, tender cake. Pecan Upside-Down Cake is a delightful dessert that embodies comfort and indulgence, perfect for special occasions or a well-deserved treat. This cake brings a unique twist to the classic upside-down cake with its rich caramel sauce and crunchy pecan topping. It’s a dish that creates lasting memories, just like the ones I have from baking it with my family.
I recall the first time I made this cake for a family gathering. I was inspired by the traditional upside-down pineapple cake but wanted to bring a nutty, caramel-infused twist to the table. The result was a cake that not only looked stunning with its glossy caramel and pecan topping but also tasted like a slice of heaven. The experience of seeing everyone’s delighted faces as they enjoyed the cake was priceless. This recipe for Pecan Upside-Down Cake is designed to bring the same joy and satisfaction to your kitchen.
Ingredients
For the Caramel Sauce
310 ml sugar
60 ml (1/4 cup) Scotch (whiskey or bourbon)
60 ml (1/4 cup) water
30 ml (2 tablespoons) light corn syrup (preferably)
250 ml (1 cup) hot cream
60 ml (1/4 cup) salted butter
375 ml (1 1/2 cups) pecan halves
For the Cake
500 ml (2 cups) all-purpose flour
180 ml (3/4 cup) pecans, finely chopped in a food processor
5 ml (1 teaspoon) baking soda
1 ml (1/4 teaspoon) salt
125 ml (1/2 cup) unsalted butter
60 ml (1/4 cup) canola oil
375 ml (1 1/2 cups) brown sugar
5 ml (1 teaspoon) vanilla extract
3 eggs
250 ml (1 cup) buttermilk
Directions
Preparing for Baking
Preheat the Oven:
Place the oven rack in the center and preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). This ensures that your cake will bake evenly and develop a perfect golden-brown crust.
Prepare the Baking Dishes:
Butter and line the bottoms of two 8-inch square baking dishes with parchment paper. Make sure the parchment paper hangs over two sides of the dishes; this will make it easier to remove the cakes later. Place the lined dishes on a cookie sheet to catch any drips from the caramel.
Making the Caramel Sauce
Cook the Caramel:
In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, Scotch, water, and light corn syrup. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Avoid stirring; instead, let the mixture cook undisturbed until it takes on a golden color. This can take about 8-10 minutes, so keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
Add Cream and Butter:
Once the caramel has reached the desired color, remove the saucepan from the heat. Gradually add the hot cream and salted butter to the caramel, stirring constantly. The mixture will bubble up vigorously, so be careful. Stir until the caramel is smooth and well combined.
Divide and Add Pecans:
Divide the caramel sauce evenly between the prepared baking dishes. Sprinkle half of the pecan halves over the caramel in each dish. Set aside while you prepare the cake batter.
Preparing the Cake Batter
Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, finely chopped pecans, baking soda, and salt. This mixture will be used to add structure and flavor to the cake.
Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the unsalted butter, canola oil, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This process usually takes about 3-4 minutes.
Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Add the eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. This helps to create a smooth and homogenous batter.
Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk:
With the mixer on low speed, add the dry flour mixture alternately with the buttermilk to the creamed butter mixture. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense.
Pour Batter into Dishes:
Carefully divide the cake batter evenly between the two baking dishes, pouring it over the caramel and pecans. Smooth the tops with a spatula to ensure even baking.
Baking and Inverting the Cake
Bake the Cake:
Place the baking dishes in the preheated oven and bake for about 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. The cakes should be golden brown and the edges should start to pull away from the sides of the dishes.
Cool the Cakes:
Allow the cakes to cool in the dishes for about 30 minutes. This cooling period helps the caramel to set and makes the cakes easier to remove.
Invert the Cakes:
Carefully invert the first cake onto a serving platter. To do this, place the platter over the top of the cake dish, and then flip the dish over. Remove the baking dish and parchment paper. Repeat this process with the second cake, placing it on top of the first.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Warm or Cold:
The Pecan Upside-Down Cake can be served either warm or cold. For a delightful touch, top each slice with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Garnish:
If desired, garnish with extra pecan halves or a light drizzle of additional caramel sauce for an extra touch of elegance.
Variations and Substitutions
Different Nuts: While pecans are traditional, you can substitute with walnuts or almonds for a different flavor profile.
Flavored Liquor: Experiment with different flavored liquors like bourbon or dark rum to give the caramel sauce a unique twist.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make this cake suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Reduced Sugar: If you prefer a less sweet cake, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the caramel sauce or use a sugar substitute.
Conclusion
Pecan Upside-Down Cake is a dessert that combines rich flavors and textures into one irresistible treat. The caramel sauce, with its glossy finish and deep flavor, pairs beautifully with the crunchy pecans and soft, moist cake. This recipe not only brings a touch of sophistication to your dessert table but also creates a comforting and nostalgic experience for those who enjoy classic flavors with a modern twist.
Making this cake is more than just baking; it’s about creating a memorable experience for yourself and your loved ones. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a sweet treat, this Pecan Upside-Down Cake is sure to impress and satisfy. Enjoy the process of baking and the delightful results that follow!
