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Home » Recipes » Desserts

Caramel Pecan Upside-Down Cake

Stacey – November 29, 2018 – 59 Comments

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Photo from top of sliced Caramel Pecan Upside Down Cake

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Last year, I introduced y’all to my friends over at Sunnyland Farms in South Georgia when I shared my Easy Caramel Pecan Cheesecake.

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.
Photo sliced Caramel Pecan Upside Down Cake

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.

Caramel Pecan Upside Down Cake showing sliced piece

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.

Caramel pecan Upside Down Cake photo from top

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!!

Photo sliced Caramel Pecan Upside Down Cake
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5 from 8 votes

Recipe Card

Caramel Pecan Upside-Down Cake

Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings 8
Author Stacey Little | Southern Bite

Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, divided
  • 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup light corn syrup
  • 1/4 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 1/2 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 1/2 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.  
Photo sliced Caramel Pecan Upside Down Cake
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Caramel Pecan Upside Down Cake for Pinterest

This post is sponsored by my friends at Sunnyland Farms, but the thoughts and opinions expressed here are all mine… just as always!

Know some folks who would like this?

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Stacey Little of Southern Bite

Hey, y’all! I’m Stacey…

Feeding people makes me happy. Few things in this world delight me more than my family and friends gathered around my table enjoying a meal. Pull up a chair and join us! Read more…

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  1. Kathy H

    November 16, 2022 at 6:24 pm

    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!)

    Reply
    • Stacey

      November 17, 2022 at 2:12 pm

      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!

      Reply
  2. Suzie Baker

    August 10, 2022 at 5:54 pm

    Absolutely wonderful!!!!

    Reply
    • Stacey

      August 11, 2022 at 1:28 pm

      Thank you!

      Reply
  3. Jackie

    July 23, 2022 at 2:54 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Stacey

      July 26, 2022 at 5:13 pm

      Awesome! So glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply
  4. Lisa

    June 24, 2022 at 10:03 am

    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.

    Reply
    • Stacey

      June 24, 2022 at 3:36 pm

      So glad he loves it!

      Reply
  5. Carmen Echevarria

    December 21, 2021 at 7:54 pm

    🎄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🎄

    Reply
    • Stacey

      December 22, 2021 at 3:01 pm

      Thanks, Carmen! Hope y’all enjoy! Happy Holidays!

      Reply
  6. Sandra Kraft

    August 25, 2021 at 1:24 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Stacey

      August 26, 2021 at 10:02 am

      Awesome! Thanks for letting me know, Sandra!

      Reply
  7. Jean

    February 2, 2021 at 6:55 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Stacey

      February 3, 2021 at 3:10 pm

      I’m so glad to hear you’ve enjoyed it! I’ve not tried it in a bundt pan, but it sounds amazing!

      Reply
    • Barbara Hamilton

      November 27, 2021 at 3:15 am

      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.

      Reply
      • Stacey

        November 30, 2021 at 3:50 pm

        Thanks for jumping in, Barbara!

        Reply
  8. June C Long

    December 31, 2020 at 7:12 am

    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?

    Reply
    • Stacey

      December 31, 2020 at 2:48 pm

      I think cinnamon and caramel work great together.

      Reply
  9. Anne Hornsby

    August 21, 2020 at 10:37 am

    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

    Reply
    • Stacey

      August 22, 2020 at 2:59 pm

      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?

      Reply
  10. Shannon

    July 24, 2020 at 8:56 pm

    Omg! This looks delicious…I’m going to try this real soon, possibly for Sunday dessert

    Reply
    • Stacey

      July 27, 2020 at 11:09 am

      Hope you enjoy it!1

      Reply
  11. Diane O’Leary

    November 10, 2019 at 4:04 pm

    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!

    Reply
    • Stacey

      November 12, 2019 at 3:09 pm

      Sounds great! Hope it was delicious!

      Reply
  12. Mary

    October 18, 2019 at 5:11 pm

    I made this last year for Christmas and it is was DELICIOUS!!!! Gonna make it again for Thanksgivjng.

    Reply
    • Stacey

      October 21, 2019 at 3:42 pm

      Love hearing that you’ve enjoyed this one and it’s on another special occasion menu!

      Reply
  13. Cynthia

    September 2, 2019 at 11:12 am

    Can I use a bunt cake pan?

    Reply
    • Stacey

      September 3, 2019 at 11:50 am

      I’ve not tried that, so I can’t say for sure.

      Reply
  14. JANICE CIRAVOLA

    May 20, 2019 at 1:48 pm

    Can I use a 10 inch spring form pan?

    Reply
    • Stacey

      May 20, 2019 at 2:07 pm

      You can. It just might bake a little faster since it’ll be thinner.

      Reply
  15. Stephani Haskins

    March 26, 2019 at 9:02 pm

    Going to make this 🙂 looks delicious

    Reply
    • Stacey

      April 1, 2019 at 2:23 pm

      Thanks, Stephani! Enjoy!!

      Reply
  16. karen

    March 7, 2019 at 1:55 pm

    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

    Reply
    • Stacey

      March 7, 2019 at 3:01 pm

      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.

      Reply
  17. sheryl

    February 9, 2019 at 8:39 pm

    since i am diabetic,i will be substituting honey for the corn syrup and cutting back on the brown sugar.

    Reply
    • Stacey

      February 11, 2019 at 9:57 am

      You’re welcome to do that, but you might find the caramel sauce to have a very different texture and thickness.

      Reply
  18. Jane H.

    January 20, 2019 at 9:37 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Stacey

      January 22, 2019 at 1:28 pm

      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.

      Reply
  19. Jackie

    January 6, 2019 at 6:51 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Stacey

      January 8, 2019 at 2:20 pm

      So glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply
    • Karen

      February 24, 2021 at 12:58 pm

      It is good the next day or two, but ooooohhhhh sooooo good out of the over after it just slightly cools!!!

      Reply
      • Stacey

        February 25, 2021 at 9:29 am

        I agree!!

        Reply
  20. Mary

    December 9, 2018 at 2:15 pm

    It was amazing. So easy. I took it to a family reunion and it was a hit.

    Reply
    • Stacey

      December 10, 2018 at 10:10 am

      Love hearing that! So glad they enjoyed it!!

      Reply
  21. Betsy

    December 8, 2018 at 9:53 am

    Would it still work (even though it would be thinner) using a 12” cast iron skillet?

    Reply
    • Stacey

      December 10, 2018 at 10:12 am

      Yep, just monitor the cook time. It’ll probably cook faster.

      Reply
  22. Margi

    December 6, 2018 at 1:50 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Stacey

      December 6, 2018 at 2:40 pm

      Ha! I sure hope everyone will enjoy!! Merry Christmas!!

      Reply
  23. Beverly

    December 3, 2018 at 7:11 pm

    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!

    Reply
    • Stacey

      December 4, 2018 at 8:57 am

      It’s great to share with friends! Enjoy!!

      Reply
  24. Edith

    December 1, 2018 at 7:11 pm

    OMG Stacey!! This looks so good!!!! Definitely making this SOON!!!

    Reply
    • Stacey

      December 3, 2018 at 12:06 pm

      Thanks! Hope you’ll enjoy it!

      Reply
  25. Vickie Jones

    November 29, 2018 at 5:20 pm

    I don’t have a cast iron skillet. Can I make this in a regular baking pan?

    Reply
    • Stacey

      November 30, 2018 at 10:35 am

      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.

      Reply
  26. Sharon Thornton

    November 29, 2018 at 2:25 pm

    This looks ahhhhhhmazing! I can’t wait to make it!

    Reply
    • Stacey

      November 29, 2018 at 4:06 pm

      I hope you’ll love it as much as we did!

      Reply
      • Susan

        November 29, 2018 at 10:44 pm

        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.

        Reply
        • Stacey

          November 30, 2018 at 10:37 am

          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.

          Reply

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Stacey Little of Southern Bite

Hey, y’all! I’m Stacey…

Feeding people makes me happy. Few things in this world delight me more than my family and friends gathered around my table enjoying a meal. Pull up a chair and join us! Read more…

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