Introduction
If you’re looking for a delightful treat that pairs perfectly with your morning coffee or afternoon tea, this Cranberry Pecan Upside Down Coffee Cake is an excellent choice. With its sweet brown sugar topping, tart cranberries, and crunchy pecans, this cake brings together a wonderful medley of flavors and textures that will please any palate.
Ingredients
For the Topping:
⅔ cup light brown sugar
5 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 cup dried unsweetened cranberries
½ cup chopped pecans
For the Cake Batter:
1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, softened
⅓ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup Greek plain yogurt
1½ cups all-purpose flour
1½ teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 55-65 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: Serves 8-10
This charming cake is not only a joy to make, but it also serves as a stunning centerpiece for any gathering. The combination of cranberries and pecans adds a festive touch, making it a fantastic option for holiday celebrations or cozy get-togethers. Enjoy the delightful taste of this cake, whether served warm or at room temperature!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Set the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8 or 9-inch cake pan by spraying it with non-stick spray. For easier removal, line the bottom with parchment paper.
Prepare the Topping
Place the dried cranberries in a small bowl and cover them with warm water. Let them soak for 10 minutes, then drain and set aside. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 5 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Stir in ⅔ cup of light brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and combined. Pour this brown sugar and butter mixture into the prepared cake pan, ensuring it evenly coats the bottom. Evenly distribute the soaked cranberries and ½ cup of chopped pecans over the brown sugar mixture in the pan.
Prepare the Cake Batter
In a medium bowl, sift together 1½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1½ teaspoons of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Set aside. In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 stick (½ cup) of softened unsalted butter and ⅓ cup of granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the 2 large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with 1 cup of Greek plain yogurt. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. The batter will be thick.
Assemble and Bake
Carefully spoon the batter over the cranberry and pecan topping in the cake pan, smoothing it out to the edges. Bake in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Place a serving plate over the cake pan and carefully invert the cake onto the plate. If any topping sticks to the pan, gently spoon it back onto the top of the cake.
Serve
Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your Cranberry Pecan Upside Down Coffee Cake warm or at room temperature.
Notes
Oven Temperature
Ensure your oven is properly calibrated to avoid over or under baking.
Substitutions
You can substitute different nuts or dried fruits based on preference or availability.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate for longer storage.
Cook techniques
Preparing the Topping
Soak the dried cranberries in warm water for 10 minutes to plump them up and enhance their flavor. This technique helps maintain moisture in the final cake. Melt the butter and combine it with brown sugar to create a smooth mixture, which will provide a rich, caramel-like base for the cake.
Creaming Butter and Sugar
Incorporate air into your cake by creaming the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This is crucial for a light texture in the cake, as it helps to create a rise during baking when combined with eggs.
Mixing Dry Ingredients
Sift together the dry ingredients to ensure an even distribution of the baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. This prevents clumps and results in a more uniform texture in the cake batter.
Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients
When mixing the wet and dry ingredients, alternate between adding the dry mixture and Greek yogurt. This method prevents the batter from curdling and keeps it thick and well-combined without over-mixing.
Baking Technique
Carefully spoon the batter over the topping to avoid disturbing the cranberries and pecans. Baking the cake at the right temperature and time ensures it rises properly and comes out cooked through, verified by a toothpick test.
Inverting the Cake
After baking, let the cake cool in the pan briefly before inverting onto a serving plate. This technique allows the topping to settle nicely on the cake, ensuring a beautiful presentation without losing any of the delicious cranberries and pecans.
FAQ
Can I use other types of nuts instead of pecans?
Yes, you can substitute other nuts like walnuts or almonds based on your preference.
What can I use instead of Greek yogurt?
You can use sour cream or plain yogurt as a substitute for Greek yogurt while maintaining moisture in the batter.
How can I store the leftovers?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cake a day in advance. Just keep it covered and at room temperature until ready to serve.
What is the purpose of soaking the cranberries?
Soaking cranberries plumps them up, making them softer and juicier, which enhances the flavor and texture in the cake.
Conclusion
The Cranberry Pecan Upside Down Coffee Cake is a delightful treat that balances the sweetness of brown sugar and cranberries with the nuttiness of pecans. This cake is perfect for breakfast or as a delicious dessert. Enjoy each slice warm or at room temperature, making it a versatile addition to any occasion.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Cranberry and Walnut Bread
More recipes suggestions and combination
Pecan Pie Bars with a Cinnamon Crust
More recipes suggestions and combination
Upside Down Apple Cake with Caramel Sauce
More recipes suggestions and combination
Cranberry Orange Muffins
More recipes suggestions and combination
Spiced Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
More recipes suggestions and combination
Chocolaty Brownie with Pecans and Sea Salt
More recipes suggestions and combination
Yogurt Parfait with Granola and Dried Fruits
