Pecan Upside-Down Cornbread Cake
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If you’re a fan of that sweet and salty combo, this Pecan Upside-Down Cornbread Cake is going to be your new go-to dessert. There’s something about that crunchy, caramelized pecan topping paired with the soft, slightly sweet cornbread that just hits the spot. I love making this on a lazy Sunday afternoon when I’m craving something comforting, but I don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. The best part? It’s so simple to make—thanks to Krusteaz Gluten Free Honey Cornbread Mix. I can throw it together in about 15 minutes, and in no time, my house smells like fall! The warm cinnamon and pecans feel so cozy, and it’s a dessert that works perfectly for everything from a holiday feast to a casual weeknight treat. Seriously, you’ll find yourself going back for seconds—it’s just that good.
Why You’ll Love Pecan Upside-Down Cornbread Cake
- Sweet and Savory Combo: The crunchy pecan topping combined with the tender cornbread makes for the ultimate sweet and savory treat that’s impossible to resist.
- Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time and simple ingredients, you can have this delicious cake in the oven in just 15 minutes.
- Perfect Fall Flavor: The warm cinnamon and nutty pecans create a cozy, fall-inspired dessert that’s perfect for any time of year, but especially during the cooler months.
- No-Fuss Dessert: Thanks to Krusteaz Gluten Free Honey Cornbread Mix, there’s no need to make cornbread from scratch—just mix, pour, and bake!
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a family dinner or holiday gathering, this cake will have everyone coming back for more. It’s just that good!
Ingredients Needed To Make Pecan Upside-Down Cornbread Cake
Make sure you scroll down to the recipe card to see the full list of ingredients needed for this recipe.
- Krusteaz Gluten Free Honey Cornbread Mix
- Milk
- Egg
- Vanilla extract
- Sugar
- Vegetable oil
- Ground cinnamon
- Pecans, chopped
- Light corn syrup
- Butter
- Light brown sugar, packed
Oven Temperatures
Oven temperatures can vary significantly from one oven to another. To achieve consistent results, it’s crucial to know the exact temperature inside your oven. The safest and most accurate way to determine this is by using an oven thermometer. This simple tool can help you avoid underbaking or overbaking your treats.
How To Make Pecan Upside-Down Cornbread Cake
- Preheat your oven and prepare your baking dish with nonstick spray.
- In a pot, combine the ingredients for the pecan topping and heat until everything is smooth and mixed. Pour the mixture into your prepared dish.
- Mix together the cornbread batter ingredients in a bowl until smooth.
- Pour the cornbread batter over the pecan topping in the dish.
- Bake the cake until the top is golden brown and set.
- Let the cake cool for a few minutes, then carefully flip it onto a serving plate and enjoy!
Commonly Asked Questions
How do I store leftovers of this pecan upside-down cornbread cake?
To store any leftover cake, let it cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Keep it at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate it for longer freshness.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! This cake is perfect for making ahead of time. You can prepare it the night before and store it covered at room temperature. When you’re ready to serve, just flip it onto a plate, and you’re good to go!
Can I use a different type of nut for the topping?
If pecans aren’t your thing, you can absolutely switch them out for another nut, like walnuts or almonds. Just keep in mind that it may slightly change the flavor, but it’ll still taste amazing.
Can I freeze the cake?
You can freeze this cake if you’d like to save it for later! After it’s cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. When you’re ready to eat it, let it thaw at room temperature or reheat in the oven for a warm, comforting treat.
What can I serve this cake with?
This cake is delicious on its own, but you can serve it with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce to make it extra indulgent!
Pecan Upside-Down Cornbread Cake
Equipment
- 9” round x 2” deep baking dish
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Serving plate
Ingredients
Cornbread Cake
- 1 box Krusteaz Gluten Free Honey Cornbread Mix
- 1 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp sugar
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
Pecan Topping
- 1½ cups pecans chopped
- ½ cup light corn syrup
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ cup butter
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar packed
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F and spray a 9” round x 2” deep baking dish with nonstick baking spray.
- Make the Pecan Topping: In a small pot over medium-low heat, combine the pecans, corn syrup, cinnamon, butter, and brown sugar. Stir until smooth and well mixed. Pour the pecan topping mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare the Cornbread Batter: In a mixing bowl, combine the cornbread mix, sugar, and cinnamon. Stir in the milk, egg, vanilla extract, and vegetable oil until smooth.
- Combine and Bake: Pour the cornbread batter over the pecan topping in the baking dish. Place the baking dish on a cookie sheet to catch any overflow. Bake for 28-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and has a slight jiggle.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Carefully flip onto a serving plate and enjoy warm!
Nutrition
This pecan upside-down cornbread cake is one of those recipes that’s always a hit, no matter the occasion. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory, with a crunchy topping that’s hard to resist. I love how easy it is to make, and it’s a great way to add a little extra joy to any meal. Trust me, you’ll be going back for seconds!
