I think that Thanksgiving dinner always calls for an over the top fall dessert. One that has familiar flavors but is taken to the next level. This Pecan Upside Down Bundt Cake Recipe is just that and more! A moist and delicious cake is topped with a sweet pecan pie filling for the perfect pairing. Keep scrolling to see how it comes together.
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Now don’t get me wrong, a traditional pecan pie is all sorts of awesome but sometimes it is fun to try something new. Cookies are really my jam but cakes aren’t far behind and on a special holiday {like Thanksgiving} this Pecan Upside Down Bundt Cake is just the ticket.
It is important to have a good bundt pan. One that is nonstick. You also want to be sure and spray it liberally with nonstick spray. The pecan mixture can be pretty sticky, so this is very important.
Also know that sometimes {even for a food blogger} it doesn’t come out of the pan exactly like you had hoped. That is alright. Just piece it together and go for a rustic look.
How to make a Pecan Upside Down Cake’s Pecan Topping Layer
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.
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.
The next layer is a vanilla cake mix that I made a lot like the back of the box, with the addition of some sour cream. It is always nice to add a little something extra to a cake mix to make it extra special.
The sour cream adds a bit of tang which is nice since the rest of the cake can be pretty sweet.
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 tooth pick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let the cake cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes.
Why is it Important to Cool your Bundt Cake for 10 Minutes Before Removing Pan?
This cooling time is important because it allows the cake to firm up before you turn the cake out. If you allow the cake to cool for too long it can it can cause the cake to be too moist and stick to the pan. Be sure to set a timer and turn it out at 10 minutes, don’t wait too long.
If a few of the pecans stick to the bottom that is totally fine. Just use your fingers to remove them and place them onto the cake.
Isn’t it beautiful?! An amazingly easy vanilla cake that is covered in sweet pecans that are coated in a caramel that can’t be beat.
Serve your Pecan Upside Down Bundt Cake on a beautiful cake plate on your Thanksgiving Dessert Table and watch your guests excitement. There are not many who can resist something so spectacular.
Do you love pecans? Try these recipes…
- Pecan Shortbread Bars
- Maple Pecan Scones
- Butter Pecan & Milk Chocolate Chip Cookies
- German Chocolate Cake Cookies {made with a cake mix}
Pecan Upside Down Bundt Cake
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
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup water
- 3 tbsp sour cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare your bundt pan by liberally spraying it with nonstick spray and set aside.
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. Pour into the bottom of prepared bundt pan and set aside.
Cake Batter
- Combine cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, water and sour cream in a large bowl and mix according to package directions. Pour batter into 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 tooth pick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Remove from oven and place onto a cooling rack for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes run a knife around the edges of the 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 your Pecan Upside Down Bundt Cake at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
