Apple Pecan Upside Down Cake

🍰🍏🌰 Apple Pecan Upside Down Cake 🍰🍏🌰

What is it?
The Apple Pecan Upside Down Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the flavors of sweet, caramelized apples and crunchy pecans. It’s a twist on the classic pineapple upside-down cake, where the fruit and nuts are arranged at the bottom of the cake pan and topped with a buttery, brown sugar batter. During baking, the cake is flipped upside down to reveal the beautifully caramelized apple and pecan topping.

History:
The concept of upside-down cakes dates back to the early 20th century when canned fruits became popular in the United States. The first documented recipe for pineapple upside-down cake appeared in a 1925 Gold Medal Flour advertisement. Over time, people started experimenting with various fruits and nuts, leading to variations like the Apple Pecan Upside Down Cake.

Components:

• Apples: You’ll need about 2-3 medium-sized apples, usually Granny Smith or another tart variety, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced.
• Pecans: 1/2 to 1 cup of chopped pecans for that delicious nutty crunch.
• Cake Batter: The cake batter typically includes flour, sugar, eggs, baking powder, salt, butter, and often a touch of vanilla extract for flavor.
• Caramel Topping: This is made by melting butter and brown sugar together, creating a rich, sweet, and slightly gooey base for the cake.

Steps to Prepare:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.

2. Prepare the Topping:

   • Melt 1/4 cup of butter in a saucepan over low heat.
   • Add 1/2 cup of brown sugar and stir until it dissolves and becomes caramel-like.
   • Pour the caramel into the greased cake pan, spreading it evenly.
   • Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the caramel.

3. Arrange the Apples:

   • Arrange the sliced apples in a circular pattern on top of the caramel and pecans. You can overlap them slightly.

4. Prepare the Cake Batter:

   • In a mixing bowl, cream 1/2 cup of softened butter with 1 cup of sugar until light and fluffy.
   • Add 2 eggs and 1 tsp of vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
   • In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 tsp of baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with 1/2 cup of milk, until a smooth batter forms.

5. Assemble and Bake:

   • Carefully pour the cake batter over the arranged apples, spreading it evenly.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

6. Cool and Flip:

   • Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
   • Place a serving plate upside down on top of the pan, then quickly and carefully flip the pan and plate together.
   • Lift off the pan to reveal the beautifully caramelized topping.

7. Serve:

   • Serve the Apple Pecan Upside Down Cake warm or at room temperature. It’s delicious on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Preparation Time:
The total time to prepare and bake this cake is approximately 1 hour, including preparation and baking time. Keep in mind that cooling and flipping the cake will add a bit more time.

Enjoy your delightful 🍰🍏🌰 Apple Pecan Upside Down Cake! 🍰🍏🌰

Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for an average serving (1/8th of the cake) of Apple Pecan Upside Down Cake:

Nutrition Facts (Approximate values per serving):

• Calories: 350-400 calories
• Total Fat: 18-20 grams
  • Saturated Fat: 8-10 grams
  • Trans Fat: 0 grams
• Cholesterol: 50-60 mg
• Sodium: 150-200 mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 48-50 grams
  • Dietary Fiber: 2-3 grams
  • Sugars: 30-35 grams
• Protein: 3-4 grams

Health Information:

1. Moderation is Key: While this dessert is delicious, it’s also relatively high in calories, sugar, and fat. Enjoy it in moderation as an occasional treat rather than a regular part of your diet.

2. Saturated Fat: The cake contains saturated fat from butter. Excessive consumption of saturated fat can be linked to heart health issues. It’s advisable to limit your intake of saturated fats in your overall diet.

3. Sugar: The cake’s sugar content comes from both the caramel topping and the cake batter. High sugar intake can contribute to weight gain and other health problems, so it’s important to be mindful of your sugar consumption.

4. Fiber and Nutrients: While this cake may not be a nutritional powerhouse, the apples and pecans do provide some dietary fiber and essential nutrients. Apples are a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin C, while pecans contain healthy fats, protein, and various vitamins and minerals.

5. Portion Control: Consider cutting smaller slices to help manage your calorie and sugar intake. Adding a side of fresh fruit can also balance your dessert with some healthier options.

Remember that these values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes. Always consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized dietary advice and to make choices that align with your health goals.