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Vegan Pecan Upside Down Cake topped with caramelized pecans

Vegan Pecan Upside Down Cake

This Vegan Pecan Upside Down Cake is a moist and delicious dessert featuring a caramel layer of brown sugar and vegan butter topped with crunchy pecans, making it a perfect indulgence for everyone, regardless of dietary preferences.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American, Vegan
Calories: 200
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Caramel Topping
  • 1 cup Brown Sugar Adds deep caramel notes; coconut sugar can be a great substitute.
  • 1/2 cup Vegan Butter Gives moisture; you can use coconut oil if preferred.
  • 1 cup Pecans Crunchy texture and rich flavor; walnuts work if you prefer another nut.
For the Cake
  • 1 1/2 cups All-Purpose Flour Serves as the base; consider a gluten-free blend for a gluten-free version.
  • 1 tsp Baking Powder Provides the necessary lift; double-check to ensure it’s fresh.
  • 1/2 tsp Salt Balances flavors; essential in all baked goods.
  • 1 cup Almond Milk A light dairy alternative; any milk alternative works here.
  • 1/2 cup Maple Syrup Imparts a rich sweetness; agave can be a substitute.
  • 1/4 cup Vegetable Oil Adds moisture; can be replaced with applesauce for less fat.
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract A flavor enhancer; use almond extract for a different flavor.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a saucepan, melt the vegan butter and brown sugar over low heat, stirring until combined.
  3. Pour the mixture into a cake pan and sprinkle the pecans evenly over it.
  4. In a bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  5. In another bowl, whisk the almond milk, maple syrup, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract.
  6. Combine the wet and dry ingredients until well mixed.
  7. Pour the batter over the pecan mixture in the cake pan.
Baking
  1. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  2. Let it cool for 10 minutes, then invert onto a plate.

Notes

This cake shines when served warm with a dusting of powdered sugar or a scoop of vegan ice cream. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.