Sunnyland is an amazing pecan farm owned by the sweetest family you’ll ever have the chance to meet. They offer a huge variety of pecans, pecans pieces, and pecan meal (among a host of other nuts). And then there’s the amazing list of cakes and candies they make. From Rum Crunch Cakes to traditional fruit cakes to pralines to brittles, bark, and chocolate covered every-things… they’ve got it all covered. Sunnyland is a great place to get gifts for all the folks on your holiday list.
Let’s get to this gooey deliciousness known as my Caramel Pecan Upside-Down Cake.
So, my friends sent me a variety of pecans to get in the kitchen and create with. This cake was the result.
Y’all. Just give me a minute here… This thing is absolutely amazing. It is decadent enough to make it ideal for any holiday but it’s also the perfect way to add something special to a random Thursday being it’s so easy to make! It’s perfect on both occasions. Seriously.
I’ve shared my Pineapple Upside-Down Cake and my Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake with y’all before but, honestly, I think this is my favorite. And that’s saying a lot because I LOVE that pineapple version.
The pecans get toasted to perfection and drip in the decadent caramel sauce. It’s all perched on a tender, flavorful yellow cake – that no one will ever suspect started with a box mix. It’s about as close to perfection as I could imagine.
A few things to keep in mind…
- Pecans can be a luxury. For the recipe I call for chopped pecans. I used these Large Pecan Pieces from Sunnyland. They’re more affordable, make the cake easier to cut, and they look beautiful. There’s no reason to buy full halves and then chop them up. Save a little money. Every little bit counts, right?
- Make sure to use a well seasoned cast iron skillet to keep the cake from sticking. Sometimes I’ll even wipe the inside of the skillet with a little oil and a paper towel as a little insurance policy – just to be safe.
- No cast-iron skillet? A 10-inch, super deep dish pie plate or even a 2-quart casserole dish will work. Simply cook the caramel and pecan mixture in another skillet on the stovetop and then pour the mixture into a greased dish and then add the cake batter over. Just make sure to pick something appropriately sized to hold all of the batter and bake without overflowing.
Y’all are gonna LOVE this one! I just know it! Enjoy!!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, divided
- ½ cup firmly packed brown sugar
- ¼ cup light corn syrup
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup coarsely chopped pecans
- 1 (15.25-ounce) box butter flavored cake mix
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F. Heat a well-seasoned 10.25-inch cast iron skillet over medium-low heat. Add ½ cup of the butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, salt, and pecans. Cook, stirring frequently, until the butter has melted and the sugar has dissolved. Remove from the heat and set aside.
- Melt the remaining ½ cup of butter. Add it to a large bowl with the cake mix, eggs, and water. Beat for about 2 minutes to combine. Pour the mixture evenly over the caramel sauce and pecans in the skillet. Bake for45 to 50 minutes or until the cake is set or a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. (If you're unsure about your skillet size, it might be a good idea to place the skillet on a rimmed baking sheet or pizza pan to catch any drips that might run over in the oven.)
- Allow the cake to cool for about 10 minutes then place and large plate or platter over the skillet and carefully flip it over to turn the cake out onto the plate. (A dish towel works great to assist in this as the pan may still be hot.) Scoop any pecans and sauce remaining in the skillet over the cake. Serve warm.
* If nutritional values are provided, they are an estimate and will vary depending on the brands used. The values do not include optional ingredients or when ingredients are added to taste. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, I recommend grabbing your favorite brands and plugging those ingredients into an online nutritional calculator.
This post is sponsored by my friends at Sunnyland Farms, but the thoughts and opinions expressed here are all mine… just as always!
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I just made this and followed to a T your directions and let the cake cool only 10 min and tried to flip it over onto a plate and not only did the nuts and caramel sauce all stick to the bottom of the pan but part of the cake broke off too.. and I only baked it for 45 mins and I thoroughly sprayed my bunt pan…is there and tips or tricks to ensure it’ll all slide out next time?
Bundt pans are notorious for sticking this things like this, so I recommend using a regular flat bottom pan.
One of the worst cakes I have ever made
Oh, no, Patricia! Can you share so more detail about what it is that you don’t like, and maybe I can offer some insight.
Just made this. O My God it is delicious. Celebrating Xmas Eve 12/21/24 with my brother and his family.
So glad you loved it — thank you for sharing! Sounds like a perfect way to kick off the Christmas celebrations. Hope you and your brother’s family have an amazing time together!
The recipe on the back of the butter cake box calls for 7tbsp butter and 3/4 cup water instead of the 1/2 lb butter and 1 cup water you suggest. Do I still follow your amounts or should I follow the box instructions for the cake part?
It depends on the cake size. If you’re using the size I recommend in the recipe, you can use my measurements. However, following the box instructions will work as well.
I have made this recipe about a dozen times now. It never fails to be a crowd-pleaser! It’s easy to make and has what my grandma calls a “more-ish” taste.
Wow, a dozen times—that’s the ultimate compliment! I’m so thrilled it’s a hit every time. And your grandma is spot on—‘more-ish’ is the perfect way to describe it. Thank you for sharing, and I’m so glad it’s become a favorite!
No skillet what else may I use?
A similarly-sized cake pan should work just fine.
Thank you
I’m looking for egg roll desserts . do you have any ??
I don’t have any egg rolls desserts right now.
What if you don’t have a cast iron pan,can you use a regular pan
You can! Another pan or dish of similar size will work just fine.
I’m Canadian. What is a butter flavoured cake mix? Don’t remember ever seeing one in our grocery stores. Will other cake mixes do?
It’s simply a butter flavored cake mix. Other flavor mixes like yellow, vanilla, etc will work as well.
I made these in cupcake pans so I can hand out to my friends and family. They were such a hit. So delicious
What a great idea! Thanks for sharing!!
Would it be OK to use parchment paper in the cast iron skillet to further ensure it doesn’t stick?
Sure!
Would this work in a Bundt pan?
I’ve only ever done it like this, so I can’t say for sure. Seems like it should, but being that the design of the bundt pan might make it more likely to stick, I just can’t say for sure.
Must be a fantastic cake from all the positive comments! Pecans are my favorite.
Has anyone halved the recipe with half a box of cake mix using an 8-inch skillet? Since there are only two of us, I’m going to give it a try. Will let you know how it turns out. (And yes, I will put a sheet pan under my skillet in the oven!)
I’ve not halved it, but maybe someone else has and can chime in to help. If you try it, be sure to come back and let us know!
Absolutely wonderful!!!!
Thank you!
I used a bunt pan and instead of yellow cake mix I used Butter Pecan, my son said it was the most delicious cake that I had ever made.
Awesome! So glad you enjoyed it!
I have made this cake several times. It is wonderful and has become the favorite cake of my grandson. He’s 12 and every year this is the cake he wants for his birthday. Thanks for the recipe.
So glad he loves it!
🎄Thank you Stacey. I’m making this for NYE! Can’t wait 😋 I’m sure it will come out delicious like all the recipes I make from Southern Bite! Happy Holidays to you and your beautiful family🎄
Thanks, Carmen! Hope y’all enjoy! Happy Holidays!
Made this in Cuenca, Ecuador at 9000 feet using an Ecuadorian brand cake mix. Beyond delicious. Lived in South Georgia for a long time and the best Pecans are there !!!! Thank you so much for sharing.
Awesome! Thanks for letting me know, Sandra!
I’ve made this cake 3 times. Wonderful each time. It’s hard to turn that heavy iron skillet. I saw someone else asked about a bundt pan; have you ever tried it? Thought it might be easier to handle, plus I’ve seen a similar recipe made in a bundt.
I’m so glad to hear you’ve enjoyed it! I’ve not tried it in a bundt pan, but it sounds amazing!
I made it in a bundt pan yesterday, came out perfect. Make sure you grease your pan well.
Mine was done in 45 min in a convection oven. Check with toothpick after 40 min.
Great recipe.
Thanks for jumping in, Barbara!
I made this yesterday but used Gluten Free cake mix, it was so delicious. What do you think about adding Cinnamon to the caramel sauce?
I think cinnamon and caramel work great together.
I used a 10.25 lodge cast iron skillet and it overflowed everywhere in the oven. What did I do wrong? I also used the butter cake mix like the directions said. Have no idea what went wrong
Oh, no! How frustrating! I’m so sorry you had trouble. I’ve not ever had that trouble and have this cake is quite a few variations. Do you happen to remember what brand cake mix you used?
Omg! This looks delicious…I’m going to try this real soon, possibly for Sunday dessert
Hope you enjoy it!1
Well, it’s just out of the oven…looks great. I was all out of yellow cake mix, so used my husband’s favorite – German Chocolate. Seemed like a natural!
Sounds great! Hope it was delicious!
I made this last year for Christmas and it is was DELICIOUS!!!! Gonna make it again for Thanksgivjng.
Love hearing that you’ve enjoyed this one and it’s on another special occasion menu!
Can I use a bunt cake pan?
I’ve not tried that, so I can’t say for sure.
Can I use a 10 inch spring form pan?
You can. It just might bake a little faster since it’ll be thinner.
Going to make this 🙂 looks delicious
Thanks, Stephani! Enjoy!!
QUESTION, do I have to serve this cake right away taking to work for pot luck and wanted to make it early in the morning and take it we would be having it around 11:30am
I think it should be fine. The caramel can just get a little hard it it sits too long. A quick zap in the microwave should help that.
since i am diabetic,i will be substituting honey for the corn syrup and cutting back on the brown sugar.
You’re welcome to do that, but you might find the caramel sauce to have a very different texture and thickness.
Stacey, the cake looks yummy, unfortunately, I can no longer eat nuts, per the doctor’s orders. 🙁 BTW, I no longer see your recipe search drop down box feature. That is what I would use to peruse your site for different recipes. I wanted to find your Cabbage Soup recipe and had to go onto my search engine to find it.
Hi Jane! Thanks! Just make sure the window you’re viewing the site in is maximized. Sometimes with smaller windows, the search bar gets cut off and disappears.
This was delish & so easy & quick to make. I used a 10” non-stick Cuisinart Everyday Pan & it came out well. Served w vanilla ice cream.
Did state on directions to serve right away. That makes sense — the caramel gets hard after the first day & is hard to cut. But will make again.
So glad you enjoyed it!
It is good the next day or two, but ooooohhhhh sooooo good out of the over after it just slightly cools!!!
I agree!!
It was amazing. So easy. I took it to a family reunion and it was a hit.
Love hearing that! So glad they enjoyed it!!
Would it still work (even though it would be thinner) using a 12” cast iron skillet?
Yep, just monitor the cook time. It’ll probably cook faster.
Have a luncheon on the 16th this month and have been wonder what to take. You just solved my problem. Thanks! This looks so good and I have the pecans on my counter. As it’s just me I don’t dare make one ahead of time as I don’t need the extra 5 pounds. Merry Christmas.
Ha! I sure hope everyone will enjoy!! Merry Christmas!!
The picture looks good enough to eat so I bet the real thing is absolutely delicious! My husband is always on a diet lately, so I guess I’m going to have to invite friends in to share it with so I don’t eat the whole darn cake!
It’s great to share with friends! Enjoy!!
OMG Stacey!! This looks so good!!!! Definitely making this SOON!!!
Thanks! Hope you’ll enjoy it!
I don’t have a cast iron skillet. Can I make this in a regular baking pan?
A 10-inch, super deep dish pie plate or even a 2-quart casserole dish will work. Simply cook the caramel and pecan mixture in another skillet on the stovetop and then pour the mixture into a greased dish and then add the cake batter over. Just make sure to pick something appropriately sized to hold all of the batter and bake without overflowing.
This looks ahhhhhhmazing! I can’t wait to make it!
I hope you’ll love it as much as we did!
Do you think I could make this in 9×13 cake pan ? Are would I need to double the recipe ? I’m thinking about taking it to church potluck.
A 2-quart baking dish would be a better size, if you have one. You can certainly do it in an 9×13, but will need to adjust the cook time accordingly. Without doubling it, you will end up with a thinner layer of cake and less pecans and caramel.