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Easy Southern Upside-Down Pecan Cake

This easy dessert recipe features gooey pecan topping with a rich, fluffy cake—perfect for holidays or weeknights.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Total Time1 hour
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Keywords: easy dessert recipes, food receipt easy recipes, holiday dessert ideas, quick and easy recipes, southern dessert, sweet easy recipes, upside down cake
Servings: 12 slices
Author: Betty

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
  • 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 1 box yellow cake mix
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup water

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. In a small saucepan, melt the butter and brown sugar over medium heat. Stir until combined.
  3. Pour the mixture into the bottom of the baking dish and sprinkle chopped pecans evenly over the top.
  4. In a large bowl, mix together cake mix, oil, eggs, sour cream, and water until well combined.
  5. Pour the batter over the pecan mixture in the baking dish and smooth the top.
  6. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. Let the cake cool for 10 minutes, then carefully invert onto a serving platter.
  8. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

This cake is best served warm and pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You can substitute walnuts for pecans if preferred.