If you adore Southern desserts that are both decadent and easy to pull together, the Upside-Down Georgia Pecan Cake is about to become your new favorite treat. Imagine billowy layers of classic yellow cake crowned with a buttery, glossy layer of caramelized pecans, all made from simple pantry staples and ready in under an hour. This dessert brings that unmistakable charm of Georgia pecans straight to your kitchen, combining a gooey brown sugar topping with a tender, golden crumb that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re celebrating the holidays or just treating yourself to something special, the Upside-Down Georgia Pecan Cake delivers every time with a gloriously sticky top and nutty Southern flair.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This beloved Upside-Down Georgia Pecan Cake keeps things straightforward, yet every ingredient truly matters in the finished dessert. Expect pantry basics with a few superstar ingredients that define the signature flavor, crunch, and sweetness of this Southern classic!
- Unsalted butter: The base of the topping, providing rich, melt-in-your-mouth goodness that bonds the sugar to the nuts and cake.
- Packed light brown sugar: Adds a deep caramel flavor, helping create that sticky, sweet glaze over the pecans.
- Chopped pecans: The heart and soul of the cake—use fresh Georgia pecans for authentic Southern flavor and maximum crunch.
- Yellow cake mix: The shortcut that delivers guaranteed fluffiness and a classic, tender crumb every single time.
- Large eggs: Essential for structure and richness, helping the cake rise and stay moist.
- Water: Keeps the batter light; don’t substitute milk or cream here, as water ensures the perfect consistency.
- Vegetable oil: Adds moisture without heaviness, allowing the cake to maintain its soft texture.
- Vanilla extract: Elevates all the flavors, bringing warmth and aromatic depth to both cake and topping.
How to Make Upside-Down Georgia Pecan Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so the temperature is perfectly even when your Upside-Down Georgia Pecan Cake goes in to bake. Pour the melted unsalted butter into a 9×13-inch baking pan and swirl it around (or use a spatula) to cover every corner. This buttery layer is the magic that prevents sticking and helps the topping bake up glossy and irresistible.
Step 2: Build the Nutty Caramel Layer
Sprinkle the packed light brown sugar evenly over the melted butter, then scatter the chopped pecans on top in an even layer. The brown sugar melds with the butter as it bakes, creating a caramel sauce that bubbles up, enveloping the pecans and infusing the whole cake with flavor and crunch.
Step 3: Mix the Cake Batter
In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, eggs, water, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes until your batter is smooth, pale, and just slightly thick. This easy step ensures a light, fluffy cake that stands up to the rich pecan topping.
Step 4: Layer and Bake
Gently pour your cake batter over the pecan layer, smoothing it out so it’s even but without disturbing the pecans below. Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the aroma of toasty pecans fills your kitchen.
Step 5: Invert and Cool
Once your Upside-Down Georgia Pecan Cake is golden and baked through, let it rest in the pan for 5 minutes so the caramel topping holds together. Carefully run a knife along the edges, then invert the cake onto a large serving platter while it’s still warm. Allow it to cool slightly—this lets the pecan caramel set to that sweet, sticky finish everyone loves!
How to Serve Upside-Down Georgia Pecan Cake
Garnishes
The sky’s the limit when it comes to dressing up your Upside-Down Georgia Pecan Cake. Serve each slice with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream, a swirl of lightly whipped cream, or even a sprinkle of ground cinnamon for a touch of warmth. The creamy, cold contrast makes each bite even more delightful.
Side Dishes
For a complete Southern-inspired dessert spread, pair this cake with fresh-cut fruit like juicy peaches, or a refreshing berry salad. If you want to go over the top, offer a little pitcher of warm caramel sauce on the side for extra drizzling—you can never have too much caramel!
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re entertaining, try baking the Upside-Down Georgia Pecan Cake in individual ramekins for single-serve portions that look elegant and feel extra-special. For a fun twist, bake it in a cast-iron skillet or atop a sheet tray for a rustic look. Decorate the platter with whole toasted pecans or edible flowers for memorable, photo-worthy presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Upside-Down Georgia Pecan Cake can be tightly covered and kept at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerated for up to five days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container or wrap it well to keep the cake moist and the pecan topping from drying out.
Freezing
For longer storage, slice the cake and wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then foil, before placing in a freezer bag. The Upside-Down Georgia Pecan Cake freezes beautifully for up to two months. Thaw slices overnight in the fridge before enjoying.
Reheating
To refresh that homemade-cake taste and restore the gooey topping, gently reheat slices in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds, or in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes. This brings back the fresh-from-the-oven magic and melts the caramel just enough for perfect texture.
FAQs
Can I use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar?
Absolutely! Dark brown sugar will give your Upside-Down Georgia Pecan Cake an even deeper, more toffee-like flavor thanks to the extra molasses. It’s a delicious variation.
What’s the best way to chop pecans?
Use a sharp knife and a steady hand, or pulse the pecans a few times in a food processor. Try to keep the pieces generously chunky for texture, but not so large that they make slicing the cake difficult.
Can I add spices to the cake batter?
Yes, feel free to stir in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm, fragrant note that complements the caramel and pecans beautifully.
How do I keep the cake from sticking to the pan when inverting?
Make sure the pan is well-greased with butter, and don’t skip the step of letting the cake cool just five minutes before flipping—it helps the caramel set without sticking. Running a knife along the edges first helps, too.
Is this recipe gluten-free or can I make it gluten-free?
The traditional Upside-Down Georgia Pecan Cake uses regular yellow cake mix, but you can easily substitute a gluten-free cake mix. Adjust baking time as needed, and check the texture with the toothpick method.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something sweet and unforgettable, go ahead and treat yourself (and your loved ones!) to a slice of Upside-Down Georgia Pecan Cake. It’s simple, showstopping, and has that undeniable taste of the South in every bite. Give it a try—you just might find it becomes a new family tradition!
Print
Upside-Down Georgia Pecan Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich, caramelized goodness of this Upside-Down Georgia Pecan Cake. A delightful Southern dessert that combines the nutty flavor of pecans with a tender cake base, creating a perfect blend of textures and tastes.
Ingredients
For the Pecan Topping:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
For the Cake:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup water
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the pan: Pour the melted butter into a 9×13-inch baking pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the brown sugar over the butter, followed by an even layer of chopped pecans.
- Mix the cake batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, water, oil, and vanilla extract. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth.
- Assemble the cake: Gently pour the batter over the pecan mixture in the pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake: Bake for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Let the cake cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then carefully invert it onto a serving platter. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cake batter.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
