Name: Upside-Down Georgia Pecan Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans; 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter; 1 cup packed light brown sugar; 1 (15.25 oz) box yellow cake mix; 1 cup whole milk; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 3 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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If you’re craving a dessert that’s pure Southern comfort with melt-in-your-mouth sweetness, you absolutely have to try this Upside-Down Georgia Pecan Cake. With its caramelized pecan topping and a soft, buttery cake base, this treat is rich, festive, and surprisingly simple to make. It’s a showstopper for potlucks, holiday tables, or any time you want to spoil yourself with a little taste of Georgia’s pecan country in every bite.

Upside-Down Georgia Pecan Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of the Upside-Down Georgia Pecan Cake is how such a short list of everyday ingredients can create something unforgettable. Each element has a starring role, from the tender cake base to the golden-brown, nutty crown. Here’s everything you’ll need and why it matters:

Chopped Pecans: The hero of this recipe, Georgia pecans add rich, nutty flavor and a delightful crunch to every slice.
Unsalted Butter: Melted together with brown sugar, it forms the luscious base that caramelizes as the cake bakes.
Light Brown Sugar: Mixes with the butter to create that classic, gooey toffee layer on top of your pecans.
Yellow Cake Mix: This shortcut adds immediate fluffy texture and golden color, keeping things wonderfully easy.
Whole Milk: Provides moisture, resulting in a richer, softer cake crumb.
Vegetable Oil: Ensures the cake stays tender and moist—even days later.
Large Eggs: Give the cake structure and lift, binding everything into a perfect sliceable dessert.
Vanilla Extract: Infuses subtle, aromatic warmth into every bite, rounding out the flavors beautifully.

How to Make Upside-Down Georgia Pecan Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan thoroughly—this step is crucial since you’ll be inverting the cake later and want every last bit of sticky pecan topping to release nicely.

Step 2: Create the Buttery-Pecan Layer

In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and stir in the brown sugar until the mixture looks glossy, smooth, and just begins to bubble. Pour this mixture evenly over the bottom of your prepared pan, then scatter the chopped pecans across the surface. This will become the gorgeous topping once everything is flipped, so spread the pecans in an even layer.

Step 3: Mix the Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, whole milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. With a hand mixer or good old-fashioned whisking power, beat the mixture for about 2 minutes—just until it’s smooth and thick. This is the base that soaks up the buttery topping during baking.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Carefully pour the cake batter over the pecan-brown sugar layer. Use a spatula to gently coax the batter into the corners without disturbing the pecans below. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick poked into the very center comes out clean. The kitchen will smell absolutely irresistible during this time!

Step 5: The Flip and the Reveal

After removing the cake from the oven, let it rest for about 5 minutes. Run a knife around the edge for insurance, then place your serving platter over the pan. Now, with a bit of drama and a dash of courage, invert the pan in one swift motion. Lift off the pan to admire the transformation: a glistening Upside-Down Georgia Pecan Cake, with golden nuts and melty caramel beckoning.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Allow the cake to cool slightly so the topping sets—but don’t wait too long! This cake is just dreamy while it’s still a little warm, especially with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or freshly whipped cream on top.

How to Serve Upside-Down Georgia Pecan Cake

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar or a generous dollop of whipped cream can take your Upside-Down Georgia Pecan Cake to bakery-level special. For extra shine, drizzle with a touch of warm caramel sauce. If you really want to highlight the nutty notes, sprinkle a few toasted pecan halves over each serving just before serving.

Side Dishes

Rich and nutty cakes pair beautifully with creamy accompaniments. Vanilla ice cream is a classic choice, but a scoop of cinnamon gelato or a pool of crème anglaise amps up the Southern warmth. For a lighter contrast, serve with fresh berries or a tangy fruit compote that cuts through the sweet, buttery depths of the cake.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party-worthy display, cut the Upside-Down Georgia Pecan Cake into neat squares or diamonds and arrange them on a platter, each piece topped with a swirl of fresh cream. For special occasions, layer slices in mason jars with whipped cream or try baking the cake in individual ramekins for adorable, personal-sized treats that make everyone feel extra special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers—lucky you! Simply cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or foil and keep it at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigerate it where it keeps fresh for up to five days. The caramelized topping will get even gooier after a day or two, making each bite more decadent.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze Upside-Down Georgia Pecan Cake! Slice the fully cooled cake, wrap pieces individually in plastic wrap, then place in a zip-top bag or airtight container. Freeze for up to two months. Thaw slices at room temperature or overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

To bring that fresh-from-the-oven magic back, pop a slice in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or warm larger portions in a 300°F oven for 7-10 minutes. This softens the cake and reactivates the caramel, bringing those wonderful nutty and buttery aromas right back to the kitchen.

FAQs

Can I use a homemade cake recipe instead of boxed mix?

Definitely! If you have a favorite yellow cake recipe made from scratch, feel free to substitute it for the boxed mix—the upside-down technique works either way. Just use about the same amount of batter as called for with the mix.

Can I toast the pecans before using them?

Toasting the chopped pecans is a fantastic idea and really brings out their depth of flavor. Just spread them on a baking sheet and toast at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, then add them as directed for even more nutty aroma and crunch in your Upside-Down Georgia Pecan Cake.

My cake stuck to the pan! What can I do?

This is a common worry, but good greasing and a thorough pan prep make all the difference. If any topping sticks when inverting, just gently scoop it off and pat it back onto the cake—it’ll look and taste amazing either way.

Can I make Upside-Down Georgia Pecan Cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! You can use your favorite gluten-free yellow cake mix in place of the regular one. Just double-check that all mix-ins and additives are gluten-free and follow the same instructions for a stunning, allergy-friendly result.

Are there other nuts I can use?

Pecans are traditional, but you can easily swap in walnuts for a similar vibe. Try almonds or even a pecan-walnut mix if you’re feeling creative, but the classic Southern spirit truly shines with Georgia pecans on center stage.

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about flipping out an Upside-Down Georgia Pecan Cake and seeing all those glossy, caramelized pecans just waiting to be devoured. Whether you bake it for loved ones or a treat-yourself weekend, this recipe is bound to become a new favorite. Go ahead—gather those simple ingredients and let a little Southern sweetness fill your kitchen!

Upside-Down Georgia Pecan Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 26 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich, nutty sweetness of this Upside-Down Georgia Pecan Cake. A delicious dessert that combines the crunch of pecans with the moistness of a yellow cake, this Southern classic is sure to be a hit at any gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pecan Topping:

1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
1 cup packed light brown sugar

For the Cake:

1 (15.25 oz) box yellow cake mix
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

Preheat the oven and prepare the pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
Make the Pecan Topping: Melt butter in a saucepan, add brown sugar, and pour mixture into the pan. Sprinkle chopped pecans over the top.
Prepare the Cake Batter: Mix cake mix, milk, oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
Assemble and Bake: Pour the batter over the pecan topping in the pan. Bake for 35-40 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
Finish and Serve: Let the cake rest, then invert onto a platter. Cool slightly before serving.