Pecan Updside Down Bundt Cake Recipe - Practically Homemade (2024)

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This Pecan Upside Down Bundt Cake is the perfect pecan dessert. A moist and delicious bundt cake is topped with a sweet pecan pie filling for the ultimate pairing.

Pecan Updside Down Bundt Cake Recipe - Practically Homemade (1)

Now don’t get me wrong, a traditional pecan pie is awesome but sometimes it is fun to try something new. Upside down cakes are a great option, especially as a fall dessert.

A pineapple upside down cake is traditional but this pecan version is amazing. You could also try a Banana Upside Down Cake, Baklava Cake, Cranberry Upside Down Bundt Cake or Apple Upside Down Cake for other options.

Table of Contents
  • What is Upside Down Cake?
  • Ingredients needed for this Recipe
  • Substitutions/Variations
  • How to make a Pecan Upside Down Cake
  • Pecan Topping Mixture
  • Cake
  • Why is it Important to Cool your Bundt Cake for 10 Minutes Before Inverting it?
  • Expert Tips
  • Storage and Freezing
  • Storage
  • Freezing
  • Recipe FAQs
  • Do you love pecans? Try these recipes…
  • Easy Pecan Upside Down Bundt Cake

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What is Upside Down Cake?

An upside down cake is a cake baked upside down in a single pan {usually a skillet or bundt pan}.

The topping goes into the pan first and then the batter is poured over the top. After baking the cake is inverted. So what was on the bottom is now on the top {or upside down}.

Ingredients needed for this Recipe

Pecan Updside Down Bundt Cake Recipe - Practically Homemade (2)
  • Corn Syrup- Adds sweetness to the topping and also acts as a thickener.
  • Salt- A bit of salt in the topping enhances the flavor of the pecans.
  • Vanilla Cake Mix- Using a vanilla cake mix gives this recipe a wonderful vanilla flavor that works great with buttery pecan topping.
  • Sour Cream- Adding sour cream to the batter helps to balance the sweetness and give it extra moisture. I also like to add sour cream to cookie dough, so be sure to check out this Pink Velvet Cookie recipe.

See recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

Substitutions/Variations

  • Cake Mix- Try using a yellow cake mix or a butter pecan cake mix instead of vanilla.
  • Sour Cream- Greek yogurt is a fabulous substitute for sour cream.
  • Corn Syrup- Use the same amount of honey for a sweet topping.
  • Pecans- If you would like to try a different nut for the topping, walnuts and pistachios would be fun variations.

How to make a Pecan Upside Down Cake

Pecan Topping Mixture

1. One of the best things about this topping is that you don’t have to cook it on the stove top. All you need to do is melt the butter, add the rest of the ingredients and stir until everything is incorporated nicely. The brown sugar should slightly dissolve into the butter and it will be fairly thick.

2. Pour the pecan mixture into your prepared bundt pan in an even layer. If you need to move pecans around a little bit to distribute them then this is a good time.

Pecan Updside Down Bundt Cake Recipe - Practically Homemade (3)

Cake

3. Next, combine the cake mix, eggs, oil, water and sour cream to a large bowl. Use a hand held mixer {or mix by hand} to combine the ingredients into a nice cake batter.

4. Pour it into the prepared pan over the pecan layer and spread into an even layer. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few crumbs {no raw batter}. Remove from the oven and let the cake cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes.

Pecan Updside Down Bundt Cake Recipe - Practically Homemade (4)

Why is it Important to Cool your Bundt Cake for 10 Minutes Before Inverting it?

The cooling time is super important because it allows the cake to firm up before you turn it out of the pan.

If you try inverting the pecan upside down cake too soon, it will be soft and not hold together well. On the other hand, if you allow it to sit for too long then the pecan topping will harden in the pan and make it hard to remove.

Pecan Updside Down Bundt Cake Recipe - Practically Homemade (5)

Expert Tips

  • Start with a good nonstick bundt pan. It makes a huge impact on the end result of the cake.
  • Prep the bundt pan right before adding the ingredients. Spray the pan liberally with nonstick cooking spray just before adding the pecan topping. If you do this step too soon the non stick spray will pool at the bottom and not work as well.
  • Use room temperature ingredients. Using ingredients that are room temperature allows everything to mix together easily and creates a smooth batter.
  • Don’t stress if a few pecans stick to the pan. This is a rustic cake, so just remove them with your fingers and then place them back to the top of the dessert.
  • Make this pecan bundt cake with sour cream ahead of time. It gets better with time.

Storage and Freezing

Storage

The best way to store this pecan upside down cake is in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator. This bundt cake keeper works wonderfully for storage. It will last for 3 days at room temperature and an extra day or two refrigerated.

Freezing

This pecan cake freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. To freeze it, wrap the cooled cake tightly in a few layers of plastic wrap. This is the same method I use for freezing this Baklava Bundt Cake.

To thaw the cake, remove it from the freezer and place the cake in the refrigerator overnight. If you need it sooner, place the frozen cake onto the cake plate you intend to serve it on {unwrapped} and leave it at room temperature for about a couple of hours.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! This cake is best served after it has cooled and sat for 24 hours. If you plan to make it ahead for longer than a day or two the cake should be frozen. See the freezing and thawing directions above.

How do I flip my upside down pecan bundt cake?

After the required cooling time begin by using a butter knife to run around the edges of the pan. Once you have done that, tap the pan and shake to loosen the cake.

Next, grab your cake plate {or a cooling rack} and place it upside down on top of the bundt cake pan. Invert the cake onto the cake plate and carefully remove the pan.

Can I bake this cake in a different pan?

If you don’t have a bundt pan a 9 inch round cake pan or cast iron skillet works well.

How to make pecan upside down cake from scratch?

To make this cake from scratch, use a good vanilla or yellow cake recipe for the cake. Make the same pecan topping and follow this cakes cooling directions.

Pecan Updside Down Bundt Cake Recipe - Practically Homemade (6)

Do you love pecans? Try these recipes…

  • Easy Coconut Pecan Cookies Recipe
  • Easy Pecan Pie No Bake Cheesecake
  • How to make Easy Salted Buttered Pecans
  • Fall Coookies: Pecan Pie Cookie Bites Recipe

Did you try this recipe?
Leave a ⭐️ reviewbelow andtag @practicallyhomemadeonPinterest!

Pecan Updside Down Bundt Cake Recipe - Practically Homemade (11)

Easy Pecan Upside Down Bundt Cake

The perfect combination of moist vanilla cake and sweet pecan filling in one dessert making this Easy Pecan Upside Down Bundt Cake extra special.

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Author: June Albertson-Dick

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes minutes

Total Time: 1 hour hour

Servings: 10 slices

Calories: 540kcal

4.07 from 789 votes

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Ingredients

Pecan Topping

  • 1/2 cup butter {melted}
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar {packed}
  • 1/4 cup corn syrup
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 cup chopped pecans

Cake Batter

  • 1 box vanilla cake mix {15.25 ounces}
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup water
  • 3 tbsp sour cream

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Pecan Topping

  • Combine melted butter, brown sugar, corn syrup and salt into a medium bowl and whisk until the brown sugar is slightly dissolved. Add pecans and stir until combined. Spray the bottom of the bundt pan liberally with nonstick spray and pour pecan mixture into the bottom of a bundt pan and set aside.

Cake Batter

  • Combine cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, water and sour cream in a large bowl and mix using a hand held mixer {or by hand}. Pour batter into the prepared pan and on top of the pecan topping. Be sure to spread into an even layer.

  • Bake in a 350° oven for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out with only a few crumbs {but no raw batter}. Remove from the oven and place onto a cooling rack for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, run a knife around the edges of the cake, tap the bottom and shake to loosen cake. Then invert your Pecan Upside Down Bundt Cake onto a cake plate and cool completely. If pecans stick to the bottom of the pan just use your fingers to remove them and place them onto the cake.

  • Store the cake at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This cake also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. To freeze, wrap the cooled cake tightly in a few layers of plastic wrap.

Video

Notes

  • Start with a good nonstick bundt pan. It makes a huge impact on the end result of the cake.
  • Prep the bundt pan right before adding the ingredients. If you do this step too soon the nonstick spray will pool at the bottom and not work as well.
  • Use room temperature ingredients. This allows everything to mix together easily and creates a smooth batter.
  • Don’t stress if a few pecans stick to the pan. This is a rustic cake, so just remove them with your fingers and then place them back to the top of the cake.
  • Make this cake ahead of time. It is best served about 24 hours after baking.
  • If you don’t have a bundt pan a 9 inch round cake pan or cast iron skillet works well.

Recipe Substitutions:

Cake Mix- Try using a yellow cake mix or a butter pecan cake mix instead of vanilla.

Sour Cream- Greek yogurt is a fabulous substitute for sour cream.

Corn Syrup- Use the same amount of honey for a sweet topping.

Pecans- If you would like to try a different nut for the topping, walnuts and pistachios would be fun variations.

Nutrition

Serving: 1slice | Calories: 540kcal | Carbohydrates: 61g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 32g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 9g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 82mg | Sodium: 521mg | Potassium: 119mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 40g | Vitamin A: 393IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 147mg | Iron: 2mg

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Pecan Updside Down Bundt Cake Recipe - Practically Homemade (2024)

FAQs

Why are nothing bundt cakes so moist? ›

The bakery is known for its unique take on bundt cakes. The Secret Recipe: The secret recipe of Nothing Bundt Cakes revolves around quality ingredients, including flour, sugar, eggs, and a unique addition — sour cream. Sour cream adds moisture and a subtle tanginess to the cake, making it stand out.

Is Bundt cake batter different? ›

It is usually used for pound cake and other dense moist cakes such a coffee cakes. Pound cake batter has a lot more moisture than a standard cake batter due to all the butter, milk and eggs. Because of the extra moisture, it takes longer to cook and usually uses a lower temperature.

What is the difference between regular cake mix and Bundt cake mix? ›

The differences between a Bundt cake and a regular cake are shape, size, and texture. The ingredients may be the same, but the end result looks different. A regular cake can be round, square, rectangular or any shape really.

Should you let a Bundt cake cool before flipping it? ›

Let It Cool Before Flipping

For a full size—10 to 12 cup Bundt—Dalquist recommends letting the cake cool for seven to 10 minutes. For smaller pans, such as a six cup Bundt, five minutes is plenty of time.

Are Nothing Bundt Cakes made fresh daily? ›

Made fresh daily using only the freshest ingredients available, Nothing Bundt Cakes combines great taste and creative presentations that appeal not only to taste buds but to all five senses. Customers are greeted by the smell of freshly baked cakes the minute they cross the store threshold.

Why is a Bundt cake better than a regular cake? ›

These pans are ring-shaped and highly decorative. Bundt cakes may take the form of coffee cakes or pound cakes. In general, these cakes are denser than light and airy sponge cakes. This structure helps the cakes bake well in the specially designed pans.

Can I use a tube cake pan instead of a Bundt pan? ›

However, you can use a tube pan for recipes that call for a Bundt pan in many cases. Keep in mind that tube pans typically hold more batter than a bundt pan of the same size. Also, a two-piece tube pan with a removable inner core has the potential to leak.

How full do you fill a Bundt pan with batter? ›

How much batter should go into a Bundt pan? Broadly speaking, a classic 10-cup pan should contain enough batter to reach the two-thirds mark, but should be no more than three-quarters full.

Do cakes bake faster in a Bundt pan? ›

Because Bundt pans are so deep and hold so much cake, Mark says you will have to lengthen the baking time. The oven temperature does not have to change. Most Bundt cake recipes are baked for 60 minutes or more. Check for doneness at the 45-minute mark.

Do professional bakers use box cake mix? ›

As a professional baker, I don't often use boxed mixes, but I appreciate how easily they bring a cake together. I think premade mixes are great for beginners gaining confidence around the kitchen and also for last-minute cake "emergencies."

Is boxed cake mix as good as homemade? ›

They are so convenient, but never quite as tasty as homemade cakes. But don't worry! With ingredients you already have on hand in your kitchen, you can make a cake from a box that tastes more flavorful, moist, and like it was made from scratch.

Is it cheaper to buy cake mix or make from scratch? ›

If healthfulness is a big factor in your cake consumption, this might be a winning argument for you for homemade over boxed mix. MAKE OR BUY? Honestly, we could go either way with this one. The box mix is about $1.50 cheaper and requires less effort, energy, and attention.

Can you use Pam to grease a Bundt pan? ›

Rebel bakers who flout the rules should know that using Pam on nonstick bundt pans without ruining them is all about the cleanup. First, after you've sprayed your pan with Pam and poured in your cake batter, take the time to carefully wipe off every bit of the excess Pam on the edges of the bundt pan.

What is a secret ingredient for cake? ›

To summarize, applesauce is a secret weapon for creating moist and healthier cakes. Its natural sweetness and moisture make it a great substitute for high-fat ingredients like oil or butter. So go ahead, embrace the power of applesauce and elevate your cakes to new levels of deliciousness!

How to get a flat bottom on a bundt cake? ›

Often times Bundt cakes bake up with a bit of a domed bottom. That's OK—most cakes do! Catherine says that one way to prevent that and to create a more level bottom for your cake is to use a spoon to create a bit of a trench in the center of the ring. You can also tip the pan so the batter goes up the sides a bit more.

Are bundt cakes more moist? ›

A bundt cake is a cake made in a bundt pan. Because of how the pan is designed, the cakes usually come out very thick and moist, without much expansion going on during the baking process to make them light and airy like other cakes.

Why are my cakes so moist? ›

So, to prevent moist cakes, make sure you're binding the ingredients well. If over-mixing is a problem, so is under-mixing.

Why is my cake extra moist? ›

The ratio of wet to dry ingredients determines a cake's moisture level. If there's simply too much flour and not enough butter, a cake will taste dry. On the other hand, if there's too much milk and not enough flour, a cake will taste too wet. Finding the right balance between wet and dry ingredients is key.

Why is my cake so dense and moist? ›

Your cake is too dense A cake that is overly dense typically has too much liquid, too much sugar or too little leavening (not excess flour, as is commonly thought).

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