PECAN UPSIDE DOWN CAKE

Ingredients Needed:

For the Pecan Topping:

• 1/2 cup of unsalted butter
• 1 cup of packed brown sugar
• 1 1/2 cups of pecan halves

For the Cake Batter:

• 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 tsp of baking powder
• 1/4 tsp of salt
• 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter
• 1 cup of granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp of vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup of whole milk

Instructions:

1. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
2. For the Pecan Topping: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 1/2 cup of unsalted butter. Stir in the brown sugar until it’s fully combined and starts to bubble. Remove it from the heat.
3. Pour this caramelized mixture into the bottom of the prepared cake pan. Sprinkle the pecan halves evenly over the caramel layer.
4. Now, let’s prepare the Cake Batter: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
5. In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until it becomes light and fluffy.
6. Add the eggs one at a time, making sure each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
7. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Start and finish with the dry ingredients, mixing until the batter is just combined.
8. It’s time to assemble and bake: Pour the cake batter over the pecan topping in the cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
9. Place the cake pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Cool and Invert: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, run a knife around the edge of the pan to loosen the cake. Place a serving plate upside down over the top of the cake pan and quickly invert the cake onto the plate. Carefully remove the cake pan, leaving the pecan topping on top.
11. Serve: Your Pecan Upside Down Cake is now ready to be enjoyed. Savor a slice of this delightful treat with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.