Pecan Upside Down Cake
Ingredients:
- Caramel Sauce:
- 1 1/4 cups (310 ml) sugar
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) Scotch whiskey or bourbon
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) water
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) light corn syrup, preferably
- 1 cup (250 ml) hot cream
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) salted butter
- 1 1/2 cups (375 ml) pecan halves
- For The Cake:
- 2 cups (500 ml) all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup (180 ml) finely chopped pecans
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon (1 ml) salt
- 1/2 cup (125 ml) unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) canola oil
- 1 1/2 cups (375 ml) brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup (250 ml) buttermilk
Instructions:
- Preparation: Place the oven rack in the center and preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Butter and line the bottom of two 20-cm (8-inch) square baking dishes with parchment paper, allowing it to hang over two sides. Place them on a cookie sheet.
- Butterscotch Caramel Sauce: In a saucepan, bring the sugar, Scotch, water, and corn syrup to a boil. Cook without stirring until the mixture takes on a golden color. Remove from heat and gradually add the hot cream and butter. Bring to a boil again, stirring until the mixture is smooth. Divide the caramel evenly into the baking dishes and sprinkle half of the pecans over each.
- For The Cake Batter: In a bowl, combine the flour, chopped pecans, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. In another bowl, cream together the butter, oil, brown sugar, and vanilla using an electric blender. Add the eggs one at a time, beating until smooth and homogeneous. At low speed, add the dry ingredients alternately with the buttermilk, mixing until just combined.
- Assembly and Baking: Carefully divide the batter evenly between the two baking dishes over the caramel layer. Bake for about 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 30 minutes.
- Final Steps: Invert one cake onto a serving platter, then invert the second cake onto a baking sheet and slide it onto the first cake. Allow the cakes to cool completely. Serve warm or cold, and top with whipped cream if desired.
Enjoy your delicious Pecan Upside Down Cake!