Upside Down Georgia Pecan Cake

This Upside Down Georgia Pecan Cake is a decadent dessert that combines rich, buttery cake with the deep flavor of caramelized pecans. The cake is baked upside down, allowing the syrupy, nutty topping to sink into the cake, making every bite moist and flavorful. It’s perfect for a southern-inspired treat or as a showstopper dessert for gatherings and special occasions.

Ingredients:

For the Pecan Topping:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups whole pecans (or chopped pecans)

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup buttermilk (or regular milk if needed)
• 1/4 cup sour cream (optional, for added moisture)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Pecan Topping

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, stir in the brown sugar and cook for 1-2 minutes, until it begins to bubble.
3. Add the heavy cream and continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth and starts to thicken, about 3 minutes. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Pour the caramel mixture into the bottom of a greased 9-inch round cake pan, spreading it evenly.
5. Arrange the pecans in a single layer on top of the caramel mixture. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk (and sour cream, if using) to the wet mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
5. Pour the cake batter over the pecan topping in the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

1. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
2. Let the cake cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes, then carefully invert the cake onto a serving platter. The pecan topping should be on top.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

1. Allow the cake to cool slightly before slicing and serving.
2. This cake is delicious on its own or served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Tips and Variations:

1. Pecan Varieties: If you prefer, you can use chopped pecans for a more even topping, or leave them whole for a more dramatic presentation.
2. Add Spice: For extra flavor, you can add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients.
3. Make It a Caramel Cake: If you want a more intense caramel flavor, drizzle additional caramel sauce over the cake after it’s inverted.
4. Serving Suggestions: This cake is perfect for special occasions, paired with coffee, tea, or a scoop of ice cream.

Why You’ll Love This Cake:

• Irresistibly Moist: The upside-down method ensures the cake absorbs all the caramel and pecan flavor, making it incredibly moist.
• Caramelized Pecans: The pecans caramelize during baking, creating a crunchy, sweet topping that complements the soft cake perfectly.
• Impressive Presentation: This cake is beautiful when inverted, making it an impressive dessert for guests and a standout dish at any event.

This Upside Down Georgia Pecan Cake combines the best of southern flavors with a decadent, sweet twist. It’s the kind of dessert that’s sure to become a family favorite, with the perfect balance of rich caramel, crunchy pecans, and moist cake.