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

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ByJune Albertson-DickPublishedUpdated

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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

4.06 from 792 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.

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? ›

Allow the Cake to Cool

Once you've cooked your bundt cake and removed it from the oven, allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then place a wire cooling rack over the base of the cake and invert the pan to release.

Are Nothing Bundt cakes made fresh daily? ›

Every single cake is made fresh daily in the store's bakeries from the best ingredients. There are nine standard flavors plus a gluten-free option and a featured flavor that changes about every six weeks. Nothing Bundt Cakes come in four different sizes and there are more than 40 different decorating options.

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

The bundt pan allows more of the cake to be in contact with the edges of the pan, and therefore the heat is transferred more evenly. If you put pound cake into a regular round cake pan, it will not cook in the center or it will burn on the edges.

Should I use two boxes of cake mix for a Bundt cake? ›

Traditional Bundt cake pans hold 12-cups of batter, which is the perfect two-cake cake mix size. Most recipes that make 10 to 12 cups of batter will fit perfectly in most bundt cake pans. As far as other pans go, there is a 6-cup Classic pan, and the Wreath pan holds 6-cups as well.

Can I use box cake mix instead of cake flour? ›

“If you don't have flour, get your cake mix and your brownie mix on!” Christina suggests. These mixes are full of the basic ingredients needed in most baking recipes, plus most grocery stores still have plenty of these mixes in stock, even if the flour supply is running low.

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

The box mix is about $1.50 cheaper and requires less effort, energy, and attention. And really, the flavor isn't that bad…just not that remarkable. Homemade cakes can sometimes be fussy, especially if you don't make them very often, but dang!

Can you use Pam to grease a bundt pan? ›

Please do NOT use a regular cooking spray because it tends to leave a sticky residue on the pan, and the cake may stick; also, the residue left on the pan may be very difficult to clean completely, making it more likely that future cakes will stick.

What is the difference between a fluted tube pan and a bundt pan? ›

The most apparent difference between the two is the design of the circular pan. The tube cake pan exhibits smooth sides, while the Bundt pan consists of wavy grooves. Both come in a variety of sizes, and the Bundt pan's flutes come in a range of patterns.

Why is the bottom of my bundt cake not flat? ›

Sometimes Bundt pans can cause your cake to have a domed bottom, which means the cake won't lay flat. To avoid this, Dalquist says to turn the oven temperature down 25 degrees from what the recipe calls for. "This method needs a little more baking time, but not substantial, and creates an even cake," she explains.

How long to leave cake in bundt pan before removing? ›

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.

Is it better to take a Bundt cake out of the pan hot or cold? ›

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.

Can I leave cake in bundt pan overnight? ›

Extra tips

Make sure you are using a non stick bundt pan. Do not cool your cake overnight in the pan.

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? ›

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 are some cakes 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.

How do you make a dry Bundt cake moist? ›

The 4 Best Ways to Fix a Dry Cake
  1. Brush the cake with a simple syrup glaze. If your cake comes out too dry, you can still save it with a simple syrup glaze. ...
  2. Soak your cake in milk or cream. ...
  3. Add frosting. ...
  4. Fill your cake with mousse or jam.
May 14, 2023

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