Gluten Free Pecan Upside is not just a dessert; it’s a glorious celebration of flavor and texture. With a rich, bubbling caramel pecan layer that forms the most glorious topping, this dessert combines the deep, nutty flavor of pecans with a tender, tangy gluten-free buttermilk cake. The balance of sweetness and nuttiness is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy afternoon with friends or a festive holiday gathering. Let’s dive into the sweetness of this recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Gluten Free Pecan Upside

This Gluten Free Pecan Upside is a true treat for everyone, especially those who need to avoid gluten. You’ll love it for several reasons: it’s incredibly moist, thanks to the buttermilk; the rich pecan topping adds a delightful crunch; it’s easy to prepare, requiring just one bowl for the batter; it’s a fantastic gluten-free dessert that will impress your guests; and it stays fresh for days, making it perfect for meal prep. Plus, this recipe is a wonderful alternative for anyone searching for gluten-free pecan cake or pecan upside-down cake recipe.

Ingredients for Gluten Free Pecan Upside

Gather these items:

100 g (½ cup) Light Brown Soft Sugar
100 g (4½ tbsp) Golden Syrup (or Corn Syrup)
80 g (⅓ cup) Heavy/Double Cream
½ tsp Ground Cinnamon
¼ tsp Salt
150 g (1¼ cups) Pecans, roughly chopped
150 g (¾ cup) Light Brown Soft Sugar
150 g (½ cup + 2 tbsp) Buttermilk, room temperature
3 Large Eggs, room temperature
70 g (¼ cup + 1 tbsp) Neutral-Tasting Oil (Canola, etc.)
½ tsp Vanilla Bean Paste (or 1 tsp vanilla extract)
200 g (1⅔ cups) Plain Gluten-Free Flour Blend
2 tsp Baking Powder
½ tsp Xanthan Gum (Omit if your blend has it)
¼ tsp Salt

How to Make Gluten Free Pecan Upside Step-by-Step

Step 1: Adjust oven rack to the middle position and pre-heat to 350ºF (180ºC). Lightly butter a 9-inch (23cm) round cake pan and line the bottom with a round of parchment paper.
Step 2: In a medium saucepan, combine the light brown sugar, golden syrup, heavy cream, cinnamon, and salt. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture comes to a boil. Let it boil for 1 minute longer while stirring.
Step 3: Remove the pan from the heat. Add the chopped pecans and stir well until every nut is coated.
Step 4: Pour the hot caramel pecan mixture into the prepared cake pan. Spread it out into an even layer. Set aside to cool for about 10 minutes while you prepare the cake batter.
Step 5: In a large bowl, whisk together the light brown sugar, room-temperature buttermilk, room-temperature eggs, oil, and vanilla bean paste until smooth and well combined.
Step 6: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour blend, baking powder, xanthan gum (if using), and salt.
Step 7: Add the dry ingredients to the large bowl of wet ingredients. Whisk everything together until you have a smooth, fairly runny cake batter with no dry flour clumps remaining.
Step 8: Gently pour this batter on top of the caramel pecan layer in your cake pan. Smooth the top into an even layer.
Step 9: Place the cake pan on the middle rack. Bake at 350ºF (180ºC) for about 38-40 minutes, until the cake is golden brown on top, has risen well, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 10: Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes (must be inverted while hot). Place a large serving plate upside down over the pan. With oven mitts on, confidently and quickly flip both the pan and the plate over. Lift the pan away.
Step 11: If any topping sticks to the pan, just scrape it off with a silicone spatula and arrange it back on top of the cake. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Pro Tips for the Best Gluten Free Pecan Upside

Keep these in mind:

Use room-temperature ingredients for a smoother batter.
Be sure to coat the pecans well in the caramel to avoid any sticking issues.
Do not overmix your batter to maintain a light texture.
Allow the cake to cool slightly before flipping to prevent breakage.
This recipe is perfect for gluten-free baking with pecans.

Best Ways to Serve Gluten Free Pecan Upside

This cake shines when served warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. It also pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea, making it a delightful treat for your afternoon gatherings. Consider adding a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra touch of indulgence or serving it with fresh fruit for a lighter contrast. Enjoy this gluten-free upside-down cake with your favorite toppings!

Gluten Free Pecan Upside: 7 Irresistible Layers of Flavor - Gluten Free Pecan Upside - main visual representation

How to Store and Reheat Gluten Free Pecan Upside

For storage, keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place a slice in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or warm it in a preheated oven at 350ºF (180ºC) for 10 minutes. This cake is perfect for meal prep, as it maintains its flavor and moisture well over several days!

Frequently Asked Questions About Gluten Free Pecan Upside

What’s the secret to perfect Gluten Free Pecan Upside?

The secret lies in ensuring you mix the batter just enough to combine the ingredients without overworking it. This helps keep the cake tender and fluffy, perfect for a gluten-free pecan topping dessert.

Can I make Gluten Free Pecan Upside ahead of time?

Yes! This cake can be baked a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just reheat it before serving to enjoy that warm, gooey pecan topping—ideal for a last-minute gluten-free dessert for pecan lovers.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Gluten Free Pecan Upside?

To avoid common mistakes, ensure that all ingredients are at room temperature, and follow the baking times closely. Using a toothpick to check for doneness is a reliable method to ensure your upside-down pecan cake without gluten is perfectly baked!

Variations of Gluten Free Pecan Upside You Can Try

There are several delicious variations to explore! Consider adding chocolate chips for a decadent twist or incorporating spices like nutmeg for a warm flavor. For a fruitier version, try layering sliced apples or pears beneath the pecans. Each variation allows you to enjoy this homemade gluten-free pecan upside-down cake in a new way, making it a versatile dessert choice!