Pecan Upside-Down Bundt Cake

Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pecan Topping
Melt the butter: In a medium saucepan, melt 1/2 cup of butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the brown sugar and heavy cream, allowing the sugar to dissolve completely.
Simmer the caramel: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly and becomes a smooth caramel sauce.
Add vanilla and pecans: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and the chopped pecans. Set the caramelized pecan mixture aside to cool slightly while you prepare the cake batter.
Step 2: Prepare the Bundt Pan
Grease the pan: Generously grease a 10-12 cup bundt pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray, making sure to coat every crevice. This will ensure the cake comes out easily after baking.
Add the pecan topping: Pour the pecan mixture into the bottom of the bundt pan, spreading it evenly. The sticky, caramelized pecans will form the beautiful topping when the cake is flipped over later.
Step 3: Prepare the Cake Batter
Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using). Set this mixture aside.
Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the 1 cup of butter and the granulated sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed. Beat for 3-4 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Add eggs: Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract and continue to mix until combined.
Alternate adding dry ingredients and sour cream: With the mixer on low speed, alternately add the dry ingredients and the sour cream (or Greek yogurt) to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined—be careful not to overmix.
Add milk: Gradually pour in the milk and stir until the batter is smooth. The batter should be thick and creamy.
Step 4: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the pan: Carefully pour the cake batter over the pecan topping in the bundt pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top and make sure the batter is evenly distributed.
Bake: Place the bundt pan in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven. Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. If the cake begins to brown too much on top, loosely cover it with aluminum foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
Cool: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. This helps the cake firm up and makes it easier to flip without falling apart.
Step 5: Flip and Serve
Flip the cake: After the cake has cooled slightly, carefully run a knife around the edges of the pan to loosen it. Place a large plate or cake stand over the top of the bundt pan and flip the cake over. Gently lift the pan away, revealing the gorgeous caramelized pecans on top.
Let it cool: Allow the cake to cool completely before serving. The pecan topping will harden slightly as it cools, creating a beautiful glaze that sticks to the cake.
Serve: Slice the cake and serve it as is, or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Tips for the Perfect Pecan Upside-Down Bundt Cake
Toast the pecans: For extra flavor, lightly toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until they become fragrant. This brings out their natural oils and enhances their flavor in the cake.
Don’t skip greasing the pan: Bundt cakes can be tricky to remove from the pan. Be sure to generously grease the pan, and if you want extra insurance, dust the inside of the pan with flour after greasing to prevent the cake from sticking.
Cool the cake slightly before flipping: Don’t try to flip the cake while it’s too hot. Let it cool for at least 10-15 minutes to set the shape and prevent it from falling apart when inverted.
Try different nuts: While pecans are traditional, you can experiment with walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts for a different twist on the flavor profile.
Make ahead: This cake holds up well for a couple of days, so you can make it a day ahead of your event. Just keep it covered at room temperature, and it’ll stay fresh.
Why You’ll Love Pecan Upside-Down Bundt Cake
Gorgeous presentation: The upside-down method reveals a beautifully caramelized nut topping that’s sure to impress guests and make for a stunning dessert at any occasion.
Rich and decadent: The combination of the sweet, buttery pecans with the soft, moist cake creates an irresistible dessert that’s perfect for fall, holidays, or any special celebration.
Versatile and customizable: You can switch up the nuts or add in spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a personalized touch. Serve it as a simple dessert, or add whipped cream or ice cream for extra indulgence.
Conclusion
The Pecan Upside-Down Bundt Cake is a dessert that has it all: it’s beautiful, flavorful, and easy to make. The combination of caramelized pecans and soft, moist cake is a match made in dessert heaven. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday or simply want to treat yourself and your loved ones to something special, this cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

So, next time you’re in the mood to bake, give this stunning bundt cake a try. With its rich flavors and show-stopping presentation, it’s bound to become a favorite in your recipe collection!