Irresistible Gooey Caramel Pecan Upside-Down Cake with Cinnamon Recipe

Sweet baking memories dance through our kitchen when making this delectable caramel pecan upside-down cake with cinnamon.

Rich layers of buttery goodness promise a decadent dessert experience.

Warm spices and golden caramel create an irresistible aroma that fills every corner of the room.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of nutty pecans and soft, moist cake.

The cinnamon adds a subtle warmth that complements the gooey caramel’s deep, rich flavor.

Combining classic comfort with elegant presentation, this cake transforms an ordinary afternoon into a celebration of deliciousness.

Prepare to indulge in a dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 410 kcal

Servings: 8

Caramel Pecan Cake Ingredient List

• Butter: Rich foundation that creates silky, golden caramel coating.
• Brown Sugar: Brings deep, molasses-like sweetness and helps create luxurious caramel texture.
• Heavy Cream: Smooths and enriches caramel, adding luxurious consistency.

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides essential structure and tender crumb for cake.
• Baking Powder: Ensures light, airy cake texture with perfect rise.
• Baking Soda: Helps balance acidity and promotes even browning.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor complexity.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds warm, aromatic spice that complements pecans.

• Softened Butter: Creates tender, rich cake with incredible moisture.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides primary sweetness and helps with cake's tender texture.
• Brown Sugar: Adds deeper, more complex sweetness with caramel undertones.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients, provide structure, and contribute to cake's richness.
• Vanilla Extract: Intensifies overall flavor profile with warm, sweet notes.
• Buttermilk: Adds tangy flavor and helps create incredibly soft, moist cake.
• Pecan Halves: Delivers nutty crunch and beautiful visual layer to caramel topping.

Must-Have Tools for Upside-Down Cake

• 9-inch round cake pan: Essential for creating the perfect upside-down cake shape and size.
• Small saucepan: Needed to melt butter and create the caramel topping smoothly.
• Medium bowl: Used for mixing dry ingredients like flour and spices.
• Large bowl: Perfect for creaming butter and sugar, and mixing cake batter.
• Whisk: Great for combining dry ingredients and ensuring even distribution.
• Spatula: Helps smooth batter and run around cake edges for clean removal.
• Toothpick: Crucial for checking cake doneness by testing the center.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise measurements guarantee baking success.

How to Bake Caramel Cinnamon Pecan Cake

• Craft Gooey Caramel Base

Pour melted butter, brown sugar, and cream into a cake pan, creating a luscious sticky foundation. Artfully place pecan halves across the surface, ensuring complete coverage.

• Blend Cake Mixture

Warm up the oven to a cozy 350F. Whisk flour, baking essentials, and cinnamon in one bowl. In another, cream butter and sugars until they transform into a fluffy cloud. Incorporate eggs and vanilla, gently folding in dry ingredients and buttermilk until just combined.

• Bake and Transform

Delicately spoon batter over the nutty caramel base, smoothing the top with precision. Slide into the oven and bake until a toothpick emerges clean, around 35-40 minutes.

• Reveal and Enjoy

After a brief 10-minute rest, run a knife along the edges. Confidently flip the pan, allowing the cake to dramatically reveal its golden, caramel-coated surface. Let cool completely before diving into this decadent dessert.

Switch-Ups for a Bolder Upside-Down Cake

• Nutty Caramel Perfection: Tips & Variations
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the caramel topping a day in advance and refrigerate. Let it come to room temperature before assembling the cake for seamless flavor melding.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend to make this delectable cake accessible for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Pecan Power Boost: Toast pecans lightly before adding to the caramel for an extra layer of deep, nutty complexity that elevates the entire dessert experience.
• Dairy-Free Twist: Replace butter with coconut oil and use almond milk mixed with apple cider vinegar as a buttermilk substitute to create a delicious dairy-free version of this indulgent cake.
• Spice Adventure: Experiment with additional warm spices like ground nutmeg or cardamom to create subtle depth and complexity in the cake's flavor profile.

Ways to Serve Pecan Cake at Gatherings

• Cozy Breakfast Companion: Pair this cake with a steaming mug of coffee or chai tea for a delightful morning treat that warms your soul.
• Elegant Dessert Presentation: Serve thin slices alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream to elevate the dessert experience.
• Festive Holiday Option: Garnish with a light dusting of powdered sugar and a sprinkle of extra cinnamon during winter celebrations to make the cake feel extra special and inviting.
• Nutty Texture Boost: Top with additional toasted pecans or a drizzle of caramel sauce just before serving to enhance the cake's rich, buttery flavor profile.

Store and Keep Upside-Down Cake Fresh

• Cake Storage Solutions
• Refrigerator Protection: Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain moisture. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and preventing flavor absorption from other foods.
• Room Temperature Magic: Keep the cake at room temperature for 1-2 days in an airtight container. Place a paper towel inside to absorb excess moisture and preserve the cake's delicate texture.
• Freezing Technique: Slice the cake before freezing individual portions in freezer-safe containers. Wrap each slice separately in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Frozen slices stay delicious for 2-3 months.
• Reheating Wisdom: Gently warm refrigerated or frozen cake slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. Add a small dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream to refresh the dessert's appeal.

Gooey Caramel Pecan Upside-Down Cake With Cinnamon Recipe

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4.8 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Delightful caramel pecan upside-down cake with cinnamon offers a rich Southern dessert experience. Warm spices and nutty pecans create a memorable sweet treat that beckons you to savor each indulgent bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 ½ cups (180 g) pecan halves
• 1 cup (200 g) light brown sugar, packed
• ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (50 g) light brown sugar, packed
• 1 ½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (115 g / 4 oz) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup (120 ml / 4 fl oz) buttermilk
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup (115 g / 4 oz) unsalted butter
• ¼ cup (60 ml / 2 fl oz) heavy cream
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Caramel Preparation: Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in brown sugar and heavy cream until the mixture transforms into a glossy, bubbling caramel sauce.
2. Pan Setup: Grease a 9-inch cake pan and pour the caramel evenly, meticulously arranging pecan halves in a decorative pattern across the bottom.
3. Oven Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350F (175C), creating an ideal baking environment.
4. Dry Ingredient Fusion: Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a bowl, whisking thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
5. Batter Foundation: Cream butter with granulated and brown sugars until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, creating a voluminous base.
6. Liquid Integration: Incorporate eggs one at a time, blending completely, then add vanilla extract to elevate the flavor profile.
7. Batter Composition: Gently fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk and maintaining a delicate mixing technique to preserve the batter’s airiness.
8. Cake Assembly: Pour the batter over the caramel and pecan base, smoothing the surface with a spatula for an even finish.
9. Baking and Cooling: Bake for 35-40 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Rest the cake in the pan for 10 minutes, then invert onto a serving plate to showcase the caramelized pecan topping.
10. Final Presentation: Allow the cake to cool completely, letting the flavors meld and settle before serving the decadent dessert.

Notes

• Prevent Caramel Burning: Watch the caramel mixture closely during melting to avoid scorching; stir continuously and use medium-low heat for smooth, golden results.
• Pecan Placement Perfection: Arrange pecans in a single, decorative layer before pouring caramel to ensure even distribution and a professional-looking finish.
• Avoid Overmixing Batter: Gently fold dry and wet ingredients just until combined; overmixing can lead to a dense, tough cake texture that lacks the desired lightness.
• Temperature Matters: Let ingredients like eggs, butter, and buttermilk reach room temperature before mixing to ensure better incorporation and a more consistent cake texture.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 475
• Sugar: 36 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 61 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg