Buttery Upside-Down Pecan Butter Cake Recipe

Fall 🍂 is here, and this cake is perfect to get things started! This rich and buttery upside-down pecan butter cake is incredibly moist and perfect for the holiday season! It’s not overly sweet, but packed with deep, nutty flavor, ideal for anyone who loves coffee cake or finds themselves craving a slice of pecan pie. The warm, comforting taste comes from the generous use of pecans, especially the homemade pecan milk I used, made with my new favorite kitchen gadget, Almond Cow.

this RECIPE!

This upside-down pecan cake strikes the perfect balance! Sweet but not too sweet, rich but not overwhelming. Whether you’re in the mood for a cozy dessert on a crisp fall evening (my favorite season!) or want a comforting bite after dinner, this one’s a winner, especially for anyone who’s lactose-sensitive like me.

Now, I’m usually not one for fancy kitchen gadgets, but this one was a total game-changer. After a health scare about a year ago, I learned I was lactose intolerant. That moment was a major turning point in my life, pushing me to reevaluate my diet and seek out better, dairy-free alternatives. What surprised me most was how even the smallest changes, like switching from regular milk to nut milk, could make such a big impact. Not only did I feel better, but the flavors improved, giving such an impact!

Creating recipes from scratch isn’t just about cooking at home; it’s also about knowing exactly what’s going into your food. By making my own plant-based pecan milk, sweetened naturally with dates, I was able to avoid all the preservatives, gums, fillers, and added sugars you typically find in store-bought milk. The result? A richer, creamier, and more flavorful milk that took this cake to the next level. The pecan milk brought out the fall-inspired flavors beautifully and gave the cake an extra nutty depth that’s hard to beat.

Bonus: Making your own milk at home is not only better for your body, but also better for the planet—and often more cost-effective in the long run. Tools like the Almond Cow make the process simple, fast, and totally worth it!

USE COUPON CODE GALORE30OFF TO GET $30 OFF YOUR NEXT ALMOND COW PURCHASE OF $200 OR MORE!

A FEW OTHER REASONS WHY I LOVE MY ALMOND COW!

Every time I make a fresh batch of nut or oat milk, I get this wonderful pulp, and nothing goes to waste! The leftover pulp blends perfectly into delicious desserts, breads, smoothies, and more! Cleanup is a breeze, and the best part is that I can make everything in just minutes. Additionally, it works remarkably well as a vegan coffee creamer. Their cookbook is full of fantastic recipes, and I can’t wait to try them all!

Keep in mind: It’s completely normal for homemade nut milk to separate after sitting. Since it contains no emulsifiers or stabilizers, the nuts and water may settle into layers. Simply give it a good shake before each use. The pecan milk lasted about 4-5 days in the fridge! It was so tasty it didn’t last!

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IN THIS POST: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW TO MAKE THE PERFECT BUTTERY UPSIDE-DOWN PECAN BUTTER CAKE

• COUPON CODE FOR ALMOND COW
• CAN I USE OTHER NUTS INSTEAD OF PECANS IN MY PECAN CAKE RECIPE?
• 🍴INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED TO MAKE THIS BUTTERY UPSIDE-DOWN PECAN BUTTER CAKE
• STEPS TO MAKE THIS BUTTERY UPSIDE-DOWN PECAN BUTTER CAKE
• JUMP TO RECIPE CARD

CAN I USE OTHER NUTS INSTEAD OF PECANS IN MY PECAN CAKE RECIPE?

Absolutely! Almonds are a great alternative; they’re slightly sweet and nutty, but keep in mind they have a firmer crunch. Walnuts are the closest in flavor to pecans, though they bring a slightly earthier, more bitter edge. And if you’re after that same buttery richness, cashews are an excellent option. Their mild, creamy flavor really shines after baking, especially in soft, moist cakes.

I chose pecans because I’m absolutely crazy about pecan pie! At first, I wasn’t sure which direction I wanted to take my taste buds on creating pecan pie or pecan cake. But in the end, I went with a fluffy, buttery cake. I love pecans for their rich, buttery crunch, especially when they’re baked into something warm and comforting. They always remind me of fall, so I leaned into that cozy, seasonal vibe.

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🍴INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED TO MAKE THIS BUTTERY UPSIDE-DOWN PECAN BUTTER CAKE

Here is a preview of the ingredients you’ll need to make this recipe! You can find these at your local grocery store, or you can shop online. (Detailed ingredients in Recipe Card down below.) ⬇️

For the Pecan Cake Batter

• Light Brown Sugar
• Granulated Sugar
• All-purpose Flour
• Unsalted Butter (or dairy-free butter to make this recipe vegan)
• Large Eggs
• Natural Vanilla
• Baking Powder
• Salt
• Pecan Milk (made from Almond Cow or see notes below for other options.)

Note: Make sure to have your eggs and butter at room temperature.

Brown Sugar Glaze

• Roasted Pecans
• Unsalted Butter (or dairy-free butter to make this recipe vegan)
• Light Brown Sugar
• Light Corn Syrup
• Salt

Pecan Milk Recipe

• Pecans (not roasted)
• Salt
• Vanilla
• Pitted Dates

Baking Equipment Needed

• 10″ x 2″ round baking pan
• Almond Cow Machine (or see note below.)

Note: If you choose to use a store-bought pecan milk, it will also work out fine. Just keep in mind that they sometimes have added fillers, gums, and other ingredients. You can also make this nut milk recipe with a blender and a cheesecloth. If you choose not to use nut-based milk, you can use regular store-bought milk.

STEPS TO MAKE THIS BUTTERY UPSIDE-DOWN PECAN BUTTER CAKE

Step 1: Start Making Your Pecan Milk

Begin by placing the pecans, salt, and dates into your Almond Cow blender basket, then securely attach the basket back to the lid. Fill the pitcher with water and add vanilla, making sure to reach at least the minimum fill line. Press the cow icon (start button) on top to begin the milking process. When it’s finished, the flashing blue light will turn solid. Pour the fresh milk into a jug and place it in the fridge while you prepare your cake.

Note: It’s normal for the milk to separate; just give it a shake before using. See above for milk separation tip.

Step 2: Cake Batter

Preheat the oven to 325°F.

Next, in a large mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and softened butter. Using a hand mixer on low speed, blend until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 3: Combine

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients and pecan milk to the butter mixture, alternating between the two. Mix on low speed, one cup at a time, just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as the batter may begin to curdle.

Step 4: Brown Sugar Glaze

Toast the pecans in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring continuously until they’re evenly roasted and fragrant. Transfer them to a baking sheet and let them cool. In the same saucepan, melt the butter, stirring constantly until it becomes golden brown. Add the brown sugar, corn syrup, and roasted pecans, and stir over low heat for a few minutes until the glaze thickens.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Generously spray your baking pan with cooking spray and place a precut piece of parchment paper on the bottom. Line the pecans flat-side down in a single, even layer, all facing the same direction to cover the entire bottom of the pan. Gently pour the remaining glaze over the pecans without spreading; just lightly move it around with your hands, being careful not to disturb the pecans. Pour the cake batter evenly over the glaze and smooth it out with a rubber spatula. Place the pan in a preheated oven and bake for 1 hour. After that, rotate the pan and continue baking for another 12 minutes, or until the cake turns a golden color.

Step 6: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely without touching it. When fully cooled, run a knife around the edges to help release the cake. Invert it onto a decorative platter, slowly lifting the pan to ensure nothing is stuck. If it is, gently lift until it releases. Peel off the parchment paper, optionally decorate the top with roasted pecans in a pretty pattern, and it’s ready to serve and enjoy!

PREFER TO WATCH STEP-BY-STEP RECIPE VIDEO INSTEAD OF READING?

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RECIPE CARD