Pecan Upside Down Bundt Cake – A Decadent Treat with Buttery Pecans and a Moist Cake Base

If you’ve been searching for a show-stopping dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious, this Pecan Upside Down Bundt Cake is the perfect choice. This mouthwatering cake features a rich, buttery pecan topping that caramelizes to perfection, layered over a moist and fluffy vanilla cake. Each bite is a delightful combination of sweet, crunchy pecans and tender cake that will have everyone at the table reaching for seconds. Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a dinner party, serve up something special for a family celebration, or simply treat yourself, this cake is guaranteed to be a hit.

Scroll down for the recipe!

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The Inspiration Behind Pecan Upside Down Bundt Cake

There’s something magical about bundt cakes. Their elegant shape makes them the perfect centerpiece for any gathering, but they’re also surprisingly easy to make. Add to that the decadent combination of buttery pecans, brown sugar, and a soft, moist cake, and you’ve got a recipe for success. The pecan topping caramelizes in the oven, creating a delightful sticky-sweet layer that contrasts beautifully with the light vanilla cake underneath. This cake is the ultimate indulgence for anyone who loves the combination of nuts and caramel in their desserts.

Why Pecan Upside Down Bundt Cake Will Become Your Go-To Dessert

This cake is more than just a pretty face—it’s got flavor to match. The pecan topping creates an irresistible crunchy and buttery layer that’s balanced out by the soft, moist cake. The use of sour cream in the batter ensures that the cake stays perfectly tender, while the vanilla base adds just the right amount of sweetness. And because it starts with a simple cake mix, this recipe is incredibly easy to make, even if you’re short on time. With only a few steps and minimal prep, you can create a dessert that looks and tastes like it took hours.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 12 Servings):

• Calories: 400 kcal
• Fat: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Protein: 4g
• Sugar: 32g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 310mg

This cake is indulgent, but it’s the kind of treat you’ll want to savor slowly with a cup of coffee or tea. It’s the perfect way to end a meal or enjoy as an afternoon pick-me-up.

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Serving Suggestions and Pairings

The beauty of Pecan Upside Down Bundt Cake is that it can stand on its own as a show-stopping dessert, but there are plenty of ways to take it to the next level. For an extra indulgent touch, serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The contrast of the cold ice cream with the warm, gooey pecan topping is simply divine. You could also drizzle it with caramel or chocolate sauce for a more decadent presentation.

If you're enjoying it in the afternoon, consider pairing it with a cup of coffee, tea, or even a glass of cold milk to balance out the sweetness. The flavors of this cake are so versatile that it will complement just about any occasion—whether it's a special celebration or a simple treat after dinner.

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Storage and Reheating Tips

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (though we doubt you will), this Pecan Upside Down Bundt Cake stores beautifully. It can be kept at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.

For longer storage, this cake also freezes well for up to 3 months. To freeze, let the cake cool completely, then wrap it tightly in several layers of plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. When you're ready to enjoy it again, thaw it at room temperature for a few hours, and it will taste just as delicious as the day you baked it.

Fun Fact: The History of Bundt Cakes

Bundt cakes are known for their distinctive ring shape, which was inspired by a traditional European cake called Gugelhupf. This style of cake was popular in Germany, Austria, and Hungary, where it was baked in a circular mold with a fluted design. In the 1950s, the Bundt pan was popularized in the United States by the Nordic Ware company, and it quickly became a favorite for home bakers. Today, Bundt cakes come in all sorts of flavors and varieties, with this Pecan Upside Down Bundt Cake being one of the most irresistible takes on the classic.

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Cooking Tips

• Make It Extra Buttery: For an even richer topping, you can increase the amount of butter in the pecan mixture by 2 tablespoons.
• Use Fresh Pecans: For the best flavor, use fresh pecans that are crunchy and not stale. Toasting them lightly before adding them to the topping can enhance their flavor even more.
• Experiment with Flavors: You can add a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the pecan mixture for a warm, spiced twist. Alternatively, use maple syrup instead of corn syrup for a different flavor profile.

Optional Variations

• Chocolate Lover’s Dream: Add a handful of mini chocolate chips to the cake batter before baking for a delicious chocolate-pecan combo.
• Coconut Pecan: Mix shredded coconut into the pecan topping for an added layer of texture and tropical flavor.
• Citrus Twist: For a fresh and zesty variation, add a tablespoon of orange or lemon zest to the cake batter to complement the richness of the pecans.

Pecan Upside Down Bundt Cake Recipe

Ingredients

• Pecan Topping:
• • ½ cup butter, melted
  • ½ cup brown sugar, packed
  • ¼ cup corn syrup
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
• Cake Batter:
• • 1 box vanilla cake mix (15.25 oz)
  • 3 large eggs
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup water
  • 3 tbsp sour cream

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously spray a bundt pan with nonstick spray.
2. Prepare the Pecan Topping: In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt until the brown sugar is partially dissolved. Stir in the chopped pecans until they are fully coated in the mixture. Pour this pecan mixture into the prepared bundt pan, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
3. Prepare the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the vanilla cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, water, and sour cream. Beat with a hand mixer or by hand until the batter is smooth and well combined.
4. Pour the cake batter over the pecan topping in the bundt pan, making sure it is spread evenly.
5. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. The cake should be golden brown on top.
6. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Run a knife around the edges to loosen the cake, then carefully invert it onto a cake plate.
7. Let the cake cool completely before slicing and serving. If any pecans stick to the pan, use a spoon or your fingers to place them back on top of the cake.

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Enjoy every decadent bite of this Pecan Upside Down Bundt Cake! Whether it's a special occasion or just a regular day, this dessert will add a little sweetness to your life.