Description
Pecan pie meets cake magic in this Southern-inspired “upside-down pecan pie cake” that flips traditional dessert expectations. Buttery caramel, toasted pecans, and rich cake layers combine for a delightful sweet experience you won’t forget.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 100 grams (3.5 ounces) light brown sugar
- 110 grams (3.9 ounces) dairy-free butter
- 100 grams (3.5 ounces) chopped pecans
Syrup and Spices:
- 60 milliliters (2 fluid ounces) syrup (agave, fruit syrup, or vegan honey)
- 12 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Seasoning:
- 14 teaspoons salt
Instructions
- Craft the decadent foundation by gently melting dairy-free butter, sugar, and syrup in a saucepan over medium heat until the mixture becomes frothy and slightly thickened. Remove from heat and infuse with warm cinnamon and a touch of salt.
- Incorporate chopped pecans into the caramel mixture, stirring until evenly distributed. Transfer this luxurious blend to a lined 9-inch springform pan, ensuring an even, glossy layer covers the bottom.
- Create a tangy dairy-free milk mixture by combining milk and vinegar, allowing it to rest and develop a subtle curdled texture. Whisk in creamy yogurt, neutral oil, and granulated sugar until the liquid becomes smooth and homogeneous.
- In a separate vessel, meticulously sift together flour, leavening agents, and a medley of warming spices: cinnamon, ginger, and allspice. This dry amalgamation will provide structure and aromatic depth to the cake.
- Delicately fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, maintaining a gentle touch to preserve the batter’s airiness. Mix until just combined, avoiding overmixing which could lead to a dense texture.
- Gently cascade the batter over the pecan caramel base, creating a uniform layer that completely covers the nutty foundation.
- Slide the pan into a preheated oven and bake for 40-50 minutes, monitoring until the cake rises magnificently and a testing skewer emerges clean when inserted into the center.
- Allow the cake to rest in the pan for 10-15 minutes, enabling the caramel to slightly set. Carefully invert onto a serving plate, revealing the glistening pecan topping.
- Permit the cake to cool completely, allowing flavors to meld and caramel to stabilize before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Enhance Pecan Distribution by gently pressing some pecans into the topping before pouring batter, ensuring every slice has a perfect nutty crunch.
- Swap Nuts Easily by substituting pecans with walnuts or almonds for varied texture and flavor profiles without compromising the cake’s structural integrity.
- Moisture Magic comes from dairy-free yogurt, which keeps the cake tender and prevents dryness while adding subtle tanginess to the overall taste.
- Control Caramelization by watching the topping closely during stovetop preparation, aiming for a rich amber color without burning the sugar or nuts.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 0.5g
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg