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Praline Upside-Down Pumpkin Cake – Easy Fall Dessert Recipe

Praline Upside-Down Pumpkin Cake – Easy Fall Dessert Recipe

Description

Welcome to another delightful recipe that will tantalize your taste buds! If you’re a fan of rich, decadent desserts, then this Praline Upside-Down Pumpkin Cake is for you. This cake combines the warmth of spiced pumpkin with the buttery sweetness of praline, creating an unforgettable dessert experience. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or just want to treat yourself, this cake is a must-try. So, let’s dive into this comforting and easy-to-make treat that brings all the best flavors of fall into one delightful dessert.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 1/2 cups pecans, coarsely chopped (Optional: Swap with walnuts or almonds for a different twist!)
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice (A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves for maximum flavor)
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree (Make sure to use pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling)
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil (For extra moisture)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional substitutions: For a gluten-free option, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. If you’re avoiding nuts, try using seeds like sunflower or pumpkin instead of pecans.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan generously to ensure the praline topping doesn’t stick. Melt the butter and pour it into the bottom of the cake pan, then evenly sprinkle the brown sugar on top.

Step 2: Add Pecans

Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the brown sugar layer, spreading them out evenly. This praline layer will caramelize beautifully as the cake bakes, adding a delightful crunch and sweetness to the top.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. Make sure all the ingredients are evenly combined, which will ensure the perfect rise and texture for the cake.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. The pumpkin and oil ensure the cake stays moist, while the eggs add structure and richness.

Step 5: Blend and Pour

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense. Pour the batter over the pecan layer, making sure it spreads out evenly.

Step 6: Bake

Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown, and the kitchen will smell like a cozy autumn day!

Step 7: Cool and Invert

Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully invert it onto a serving plate, so the praline topping is now on top. The brown sugar and pecans will have transformed into a gooey, caramelized topping that pairs perfectly with the pumpkin cake.

Step 8: Serve

Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing and serving. This cake is delicious on its own, but a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream will take it to the next level!

Equipment

Notes

  • Use fresh pecans: Fresh, high-quality pecans will give your cake the best flavor and crunch.
  • Pumpkin puree vs. pumpkin pie filling: Be sure to use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, as the latter has added sugar and spices that could affect the flavor of your cake.
  • Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, so be gentle when combining the wet and dry ingredients.
  • Let the cake cool before inverting: Allowing the cake to cool slightly before inverting helps the praline topping set properly, ensuring it doesn’t stick to the pan.
  • Room temperature ingredients: Using room temperature eggs and butter will help the ingredients combine more easily, resulting in a smoother batter.

Find it online: https://optimalrecipes.com/praline-upside-down-pumpkin-cake-easy-fall-dessert-recipe/