Pecan Upside-Down Bundt Cake A showstopping dessert where buttery caramelized pecans crown a moist vanilla cake—flipped for a gorgeous presentation! Serve warm with ice cream for pure bliss.
Why You’ll Love This
🍁 Caramelized pecan topping – Sticky, crunchy, and nutty perfection.
🎂 Easy box-mix hack – Elevated with sour cream for extra tenderness.
🔥 One-bowl wonder – Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.
🍦 Best served warm – Especially with vanilla ice cream melting on top!
Ingredients
Pecan Topping
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½ cup (100g) brown sugar, packed
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¼ cup (80g) corn syrup (or maple syrup)
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½ cup (115g) butter, melted
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1 cup (120g) chopped pecans
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¼ tsp salt
Cake Batter
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1 box (15oz) vanilla cake mix (Betty Crocker recommended)
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½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
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3 large eggs
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3 tbsp (45g) sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
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1 cup (240ml) water
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep & Preheat
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Liberally grease a 10-inch Bundt pan with non-stick spray.
2. Make the Pecan Topping
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Whisk melted butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt until smooth.
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Stir in pecans, then pour into the Bundt pan, spreading evenly.
3. Prepare the Cake Batter
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In a bowl, mix cake mix, oil, eggs, sour cream, and water until smooth.
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Pour over pecan layer, spreading evenly.
4. Bake & Flip
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Bake 40-45 mins until a toothpick comes out clean.
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Cool 10 mins in pan, then invert onto a plate. Bang pan lightly to release pecans.
5. Serve
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Enjoy warm with vanilla ice cream or at room temperature.
Pro Tips
🔸 Grease thoroughly – Ensure every nook of the Bundt pan to prevent sticking.
🔸 Use room-temp eggs – For a fluffier cake texture.
🔸 Toast pecans first – For deeper flavor (350°F for 5-7 mins).
Variations
🍍 Pineapple Upside-Down – Swap pecans for pineapple rings + maraschino cherries.
🍫 Chocolate Version – Use chocolate cake mix + add ¼ cup cocoa powder.
🥃 Bourbon Glaze – Drizzle with ½ cup powdered sugar + 1 tbsp bourbon.
Storage
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Room temp: 3 days covered.
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Freeze: Wrap slices for up to 1 month (reheat 20 secs in microwave).
Final Thought
This upside-down pecan cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser—sweet, nutty, and impossibly easy. Perfect for holidays or “just because” days!
More Bundt Cake Recipes:
🍋 Lemon Blueberry Bundt
☕ Cinnamon Coffee Cake
🍎 Apple Spice Bundt