Caramel Pecan Upside-Down Cake with Cinnamon Recipe for Dreamiest Dessert

Sweet aromas of buttery caramel and warm cinnamon dance through my kitchen whenever I prepare this delectable caramel pecan upside-down cake with cinnamon.

Nutty pecans nestle into a golden-brown caramel base, creating a stunning visual feast.

Memories of grandmother’s rustic baking inspire this delightful dessert that feels both nostalgic and elegant.

Southern baking traditions shine through each carefully crafted layer of this spectacular treat.

Every slice promises a perfect balance between rich caramel and fragrant spices.

Soft, tender cake meets crunchy pecans in a symphony of textures that will captivate you.

Prepare to experience a dessert that turns an ordinary moment into something magical.

Tips for a Perfect Caramel Pecan Upside-Down Cake

• Prevent Caramel Burning: Watch the caramel mixture closely while cooking to avoid scorching, stirring constantly and removing from heat the moment it becomes smooth and bubbly.
• Ensure Perfect Pecan Placement: Arrange pecan halves in a neat, single layer before pouring batter, creating an attractive design when the cake is flipped.
• Room Temperature Ingredients Matter: Bring butter, eggs, and buttermilk to room temperature before mixing to create a smoother, more evenly textured cake batter.
• Avoid Overmixing Batter: Gently fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients just until combined, preventing a tough cake texture and maintaining a light, tender crumb.
• Check Cake Doneness Accurately: Use the toothpick test by inserting it into the cake's center- if it comes out clean with a few moist crumbs, the cake is perfectly baked.

Best Way to Store and Reheat the Cake

• Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover the cake with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
• Leave the cake at room temperature for 2 hours maximum to maintain its soft texture and prevent bacterial growth.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Alternatively, place slices in a preheated oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes to restore moisture and warmth.
• Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Serve Caramel Pecan Upside-Down Cake with These

• Pair the cake with a smooth, aged bourbon that echoes the warm cinnamon and rich caramel undertones. The whiskey's oak and vanilla hints will beautifully complement the pecan's nutty depth.
• Top each slice with a scoop of premium vanilla bean ice cream. Its cool, silky texture provides a delightful contrast to the cake's warm, sticky caramel and adds a luxurious extra layer of sweetness.
• Serve alongside a fragrant chai tea that mirrors the cake's cinnamon profile. The tea's cardamom, ginger, and black pepper notes will dance perfectly with the dessert's complex flavor spectrum.
• Offer a robust medium-roast coffee with caramel undertones. The coffee's slight bitterness will balance the cake's sweetness while enhancing the pecan and cinnamon characteristics.

Why Caramel Pecan Upside-Down Cake with Cinnamon Works

• Prepare this cake in under an hour from start to finish. The simple one-bowl method and straightforward ingredients make it a perfect last-minute dessert for unexpected guests or sudden sweet cravings.
• Combines the rich, warm flavors of caramel, pecans, and cinnamon that appeal to all ages. The beautiful upside-down presentation creates a stunning centerpiece for gatherings, holidays, or special weekend treats.
• Works beautifully as a cozy autumn dessert or a year-round comfort food. Perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or as a delightful accompaniment to afternoon coffee or tea.

Ingredients Breakdown for Caramel Pecan Upside-Down Cake

• Flour: Foundation of the cake, providing structure and texture.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents for cake's rise.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.

• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provide sweetness and depth of flavor.
• Cinnamon: Warm spice that adds aromatic complexity.

• Eggs: Bind ingredients and add richness to the cake.
• Buttermilk: Adds moisture and creates tender crumb.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides classic bakery flavor.

• Butter, Brown Sugar, Heavy Cream: Create luxurious caramel base.
• Pecan Halves: Adds crunch and nutty flavor, best when fresh and whole.

Baking Caramel Pecan Upside-Down Cake Easily

Step 1: Create Gooey Caramel Base

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat

Add brown sugar and heavy cream

Stir until mixture becomes smooth and bubbly

Pour caramel into a greased 9-inch round cake pan

Arrange pecan halves in a single beautiful layer

Step 2: Mix Magical Cake Batter

Warm oven to 350°F (175°C)

• Flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Cinnamon

• Softened butter
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar

Beat in eggs one at a time

Add vanilla extract

Slowly mix dry ingredients with buttermilk

Blend until ingredients are just incorporated

Step 3: Bake to Golden Perfection

Gently spoon batter over pecan caramel base

Smooth top with spatula

Slide into preheated oven

Bake until toothpick comes out clean (35-40 minutes)

Step 4: Reveal and Serve

Cool cake in pan for 10 minutes

Run knife around edges

Flip onto serving plate

Let cake cool completely

Slice and enjoy decadent dessert

New Ideas for Caramel Pecan Upside-Down Cake

• Gluten-Free Pecan Caramel Cake: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for sensitive individuals.
• Dairy-Free Variation: Substitute butter with coconut oil, heavy cream with coconut cream, and buttermilk with almond milk mixed with apple cider vinegar. Use plant-based margarine for greasing the pan.
• Vegan Caramel Pecan Cake: Replace eggs with mashed banana or commercial egg replacer. Use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar. Select vegan butter alternatives and plant-based milk options.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Swap granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Reduce caramel topping sweetness by using less brown sugar and adding a touch of sea salt for balanced flavor.

Questions About Caramel Pecan Cake? Get Answers

• Why use buttermilk in this cake recipe?

Buttermilk adds moisture and creates a tender, soft texture by breaking down the gluten in the flour, resulting in a lighter and more delicate cake crumb.

• Can I substitute pecans with another nut?

Walnuts work perfectly as an alternative to pecans, offering a similar rich, nutty flavor and crunchy texture in the caramel topping.

• How do I know if the caramel is ready before adding pecans?

The caramel is ready when it turns a golden brown color and becomes smooth and bubbly, with a slightly thickened consistency that coats the back of a spoon.

• What makes the cake's cinnamon flavor stand out?

Using ground cinnamon directly in the cake batter and choosing fresh, high-quality cinnamon ensures a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the sweet caramel and nutty pecans.

Caramel Pecan Upside-Down Cake With Cinnamon Recipe

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4.8 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Indulgent caramel pecan upside-down cake brings Southern comfort straight to your dessert table with rich, buttery layers and glossy caramel glaze. Sweet pecans nestled within create a luxurious texture that promises pure deliciousness with each delectable slice.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

Pecans:

• 1 ½ cups (180 grams) pecan halves

Sugars:

• 1 cup (200 grams) light brown sugar, packed
• ¾ cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (50 grams) light brown sugar, packed

Cake Batter Components:

• 1 ½ cups (190 grams) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (115 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) buttermilk
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup (115 grams) unsalted butter
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Craft the rich caramel foundation by gently melting butter in a saucepan, then seamlessly incorporate brown sugar and heavy cream until the mixture transforms into a silky, bubbling elixir.
2. Distribute the luxurious caramel across the bottom of a greased 9-inch cake pan, meticulously arranging pecan halves in an elegant, uniform layer.
3. Calibrate the oven temperature to 350F (175C), preparing a welcoming environment for the cake’s transformation.
4. Blend the dry ingredients – flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon – using a precise whisking technique to ensure uniform distribution.
5. Create a luscious base by thoroughly creaming butter with granulated and brown sugars until the mixture becomes ethereally light and voluminous.
6. Introduce eggs individually, whisking each thoroughly, followed by a splash of vanilla extract to enhance the flavor profile.
7. Gradually marry the dry ingredients with the wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk and maintaining a delicate mixing approach to preserve the batter’s airiness.
8. Delicately pour the batter over the prepared pecan and caramel base, using a spatula to achieve a smooth, even surface.
9. Bake for approximately 35-40 minutes, monitoring until a inserted toothpick emerges pristine and clean.
10. Allow the cake to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully invert onto a serving plate, revealing the stunning caramelized pecan topping.
11. Permit the cake to cool completely, allowing flavors to meld and settle before serving.

Notes

• Always use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth, even mixing and better cake texture.
• Gently fold the batter to avoid overmixing, which can lead to a tough, dense cake.
• Toast pecans briefly before adding to the caramel for an enhanced nutty flavor and extra crunch.
• Consider substituting buttermilk with a mixture of milk and vinegar for a quick alternative if unavailable.
• Prevent cake from sticking by lining the pan with parchment paper after greasing for easier removal.
• For a gluten-free version, replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
• Control caramel sweetness by reducing brown sugar slightly if preferred less sweet.
• Store cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain moisture and freshness.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 36g
• Sodium: 250mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 44g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 70mg