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

4.08 from 767 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

Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @PracticallyHomemade or tag #practicallyhomemade!

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.

What is the secret to getting a Bundt cake out? ›

Carefully pour very hot water over the towel until it's damp, not dripping. Drape the towel over the tops of the pan and leave it there until the pan is cool enough to handle. The steam will help release the cake from the pan when you go to invert it.

What makes a Bundt cake rise? ›

Baking powder.

This ingredient gives the cake a bit of lift and keeps it from being as dense as my pound cake.

Why is my Bundt cake soggy? ›

If there is any wet dough residue, the cake has not been baked and is still raw inside. Return it to the oven and bake for another ten minutes.

What kind of flour does Nothing Bundt Cakes use? ›

INGREDIENTS: POWDERED SUGAR (SUGAR, CORNSTARCH), SUGAR, ENRICHED BLEACHED FLOUR (BLEACHED WHEAT FLOUR, NIACIN, REDUCED IRON, THIAMINE MONONITRATE, RIBOFLAVIN, FOLIC ACID, MALTED BARLEY FLOUR), CREAM CHEESE (PASTEURIZED MILK AND CREAM, CHEESE CULTURE, SALT, CAROB BEAN AND/OR XANTHAN AND/OR GUAR GUMS), EGGS (WHOLE EGG, ...

What makes a cake less moist? ›

A dry cake is usually the result of one of the following pitfalls: using the wrong ingredients, making mistakes while measuring or mixing the batter, or baking the cake too long or at too high a temperature.

How long should a cake rest in a bundt pan? ›

Cool Off. After removing from the oven, place the pan on a wire rack and let cool; your recipe will specify the required time, usually from 10-20 minutes. This allows the cake to become firm enough to remove from the pan without breaking apart.

How long should a bundt cake cool before flipping it? ›

Let It Cool Before Flipping

Releasing your Bundt cake from the pan requires proper judgement and timing. 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.

What rack should I bake a bundt cake on? ›

Bundt cakes should always be baked on a sheet pan, as their uneven shape may cause them to tip to one side when placed on a wire oven rack. This can also be handy for catching overflow, should the amount of batter be miscalculated.

How do you keep a bundt cake from doming? ›

Before putting in the oven, tilt the pan to the side so the batter starts to run up the side of the pan a bit, then rotate the pan around so that the batter starts up the side of the pan the entire way around. this helps to eliminate the 'mounding' in the middle of the cake that is sometimes an issue.

How to tell when bundt cake is done? ›

It is important to check the cake for doneness by inserting a toothpick or cake tester into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is done. It takes the same amount of time to bake a bundt cake as a normal cake.

How high should you fill a bundt cake pan? ›

We recommend using a mixer with a paddle attachment for Bundt cake or pound cake recipes as it helps eliminate air getting incorporated into the batter. STEP 3: Pour the prepared batter into the pan, filling it 2/3 to 3/4 full. This will allow room for the cake to rise and prevent overflow.

Do you turn a bundt cake upside down? ›

Let the Cake Cool

After the required cooling time (cooling too long in the pan will cause the cake to be damp and stick to the pan), tap the pan firmly a few times and shake it gently to help loosen the cake. Invert the pan onto the rack, lift it off, and let the cake continue to cool on the rack.

How do you keep a bundt cake from falling apart? ›

Follow this tip: As the cake cools, it will slowly start to release itself from the sides of the pan. Resist the urge to pull it out immediately and give it time to rest — a good 10 minutes usually does the trick. By flipping it over, the cake will slowly start to pull away from the pan and down onto the platter.

What's so special about nothing Bundt cake? ›

Our Bundt Cakes are handcrafted in every bakery in a variety of delicious flavors and sizes. To top it all off, our bakeries offer a wide selection of retail items, including party supplies, décor and gifts, making Nothing Bundt Cakes the perfect one-stop celebration shop.

Are nothing bundt cakes dry? ›

It was moist, it was delicious and the texture was a perfect Bundt cake texture, fluffy yet dense enough to be a good Bundt cake but not too dense.

Why is my cake so wet? ›

A cake that's wet in the middle, in most cases, has not baked long enough. Put it back in the oven for 10 to 15 minutes. Be sure to check every 5 minutes with the toothpick test for any changes. If sliced, cover with aluminum foil to prevent the top from browning even more.

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