If you’re looking for a sweet, indulgent dessert with a little bit of flair, Pecan Upside-Down Cake in the Air Fryer is the way to go! This cake combines the rich, nutty flavor of pecans with a sweet caramel topping that’s made even easier and quicker using the air fryer. The result is a deliciously moist cake with a caramelized pecan topping that’s perfectly cooked without the need for an oven. Whether you’re craving a quick dessert or looking to impress guests, this air fryer cake will surely be a hit!
Ingredients:
For the Pecan Topping:
- 1/2 cup pecan halves (or pieces)
- 1/4 cup butter (melted)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup)
For the Cake:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (you can use almond flour for a gluten-free version)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (or your preferred sweetener)
- 1/4 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1/4 cup butter (softened)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Prepare the Pecan Topping:
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and honey. Stir until the sugar is dissolved and everything is well combined.
- Add the pecans and stir to coat them in the syrupy mixture. Set this aside.
- Prepare the Cake Batter:
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and granulated sugar.
- In a separate bowl, combine the milk, softened butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently to combine. Be careful not to overmix.
- Assemble the Cake:
- Lightly grease a cake pan that will fit into your air fryer basket (a 7-inch or 8-inch round cake pan works well). You can also use a springform pan if you prefer.
- Pour the pecan topping into the bottom of the prepared cake pan. Spread the pecans evenly.
- Pour the cake batter over the pecan mixture, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
- Cook the Cake in the Air Fryer:
- Preheat the air fryer to 320°F (160°C) for about 3 minutes.
- Place the cake pan in the air fryer basket and cook for 20-25 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs.
- If the cake starts to get too brown on top before it’s fully cooked, you can cover it loosely with a piece of aluminum foil and continue cooking until done.
- Invert the Cake:
- Once the cake is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it cool in the pan for 5 minutes.
- Carefully flip the cake onto a plate. The pecans and caramelized sugar will be on top, forming a glossy, sticky topping.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Let the cake cool for a few more minutes before slicing and serving. This cake is delicious on its own or served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Tips:
- Cake Pan Size: The size of your cake pan is important for the cooking time. If your pan is too large, the cake may cook too quickly and be too thin. Stick to a 7-8 inch round pan for best results.
- Pecan Topping: If you like a more intense pecan flavor, feel free to increase the amount of pecans in the topping. You can also add a little cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Cake Variations: If you want to change up the flavor, you can add a few tablespoons of cocoa powder to the cake batter for a chocolate pecan upside-down cake, or fold in some chocolate chips or dried fruit for added texture.
Nutrition (per serving, based on 8 servings):
- Calories: ~250 kcal
- Protein: ~3g
- Fat: ~16g
- Carbs: ~28g
- Fiber: ~2g
- WW Points: 6 points (varies depending on ingredients and portion size)
This Pecan Upside-Down Cake made in the air fryer is the perfect dessert for those who love the combination of a nutty, caramelized topping with a moist, tender cake. It’s quick, simple, and the air fryer makes it even easier to prepare without heating up the whole kitchen. Perfect for any occasion, this cake will satisfy your sweet tooth and is sure to be a favorite among your family and guests!
