This Pecan Upside Down Bundt Cake features the irresistible flavors of pecans and cinnamon layered between moist yellow cake offering a comforting and indulgent treat that is perfect for any occasion.

When you need a simple yet delicious dessert, this cinnamon pecan coffee bundt cake is the perfect recipe!
Simple ingredients come together to make the layers of yellow cake batter and rich cinnamon pecans, leading to a stunning dessert (or brunch sweet treat) that will impress anyone you serve it to.
Whether for a holiday gathering, birthday celebration, or simply as a sweet indulgence, this Pecan Upside Down Bundt Cake is sure to be a hit!
Ingredients

- yellow cake mix
- eggs
- oil
- sour cream
- instant vanilla pudding
- sugar
- pecans
- cinnamon
See recipe card for quantities.
How to prep a bundt pan for a butter pecan bundt cake
Unless you want a broken, mess of a cake, you need to prepare your bundt cake pan very well.
Take a bit of room temperature butter and rub it all over the pan being sure to cover it fully. We find it easiest to use our hands to do this.
Then, sprinkle a tablespoon or so of flour in the whole pan and swirl it around to make sure every bit of the pan is covered.
Again, this is critical to ensure your butter pecan bundt cake will be removed cleanly.
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, beat together the cake batter ingredients with a hand mixer.
- In a separate bowl, mix the pecan cinnamon filling ingredients.
- Layer the batter and pecan mixture in your prepped bundt pan. See further instructions below.
- Bake at 350° for 45 - 60 minutes. Let the cake cool in the pan for 1 hour before removing it to make sure your cake comes out clean and doesn’t fall.
Hint: The resting time for the cake and prepping your pan are essential to ensuring a beautiful cinnamon pecan bundt cake that is intact and perfect for serving to your family and friends!
How to layer cinnamon pecan bundt cake
- Start with a small amount of the cake batter that is just enough to cover the bottom of the pan.
- Top with about half of the pecan cinnamon mixture.
- Layer on more of the cake batter (be sure to leave plenty for the final layer) and be careful when spreading not to disturb too much of the pecan layer to have those defined layers in your bundt cake.
- Sprinkle the remaining pecan mixture on top.
- Finally spread the remaining batter on top. Again, be careful to cover all the pecans.
Substitutions for butter pecan bundt cake
- Yellow Cake Mix: You can substitute the boxed yellow cake mix with your favorite homemade cake recipe.
- Oil: Instead of vegetable oil, you can substitute it with a neutral-flavored oil like canola or grapeseed oil. If you use coconut oil, be sure to melt it before adding it to your other ingredients, and note that it could solidify some in your cake.
- Sour Cream: Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for sour cream if you don't have it on hand to provide similar moisture and tanginess.
- Pudding Mix: If you want to switch up the flavors, you can try other pudding flavors. We haven't tried sugar-free pudding mix, so we aren't sure how this would change the flavor and texture.
Serving pecan upside down bundt cake
This cake can be served sliced on its own, but it is also delicious with:
- Coffee or tea
- A dollop of whipped cream
- A simple glaze on top (Combine a small amount of powdered sugar with milk until smooth, then pour it over the cake and let it set before serving)
- Vanilla ice cream and/or caramel sauce
- Serve sliced for a delicious brunch treat
Equipment
To make this cinnamon pecan coffee bundt cake, you will need a Bundt Pan and mixing bowl.
Top tip
Do not forget to prep your bundt pan! Trust us, your cake will stick in the pan and it won't look as good. It is so easy to do and will lead to a gorgeous cake!
Storage
- Storage - Store cinnamon pecan coffee bundt cake in an airtight container in the fridge for a week or at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Freezing - Allow your cake to cool completely and store tightly wrapped (whole cake or individual pieces) for 2-3 months.
FAQ
We recommend allowing your bundt cake to cool for at least an hour before trying to remove it from the pan.
Yes! It is essential to allow your bundt cake to cool before flipping it out of the pan. If you don't, the cake will likely stick and not be as gorgeous.
We don't recommend Pam to grease your bundt pan. We prefer butter and a dusting of flour.
Yes! Using butter and flour is our favorite way to prep a bundt pan.
To remove from the bundt cake pan, place a plate on top and then carefully flip over the plate and bundt pan at the same time. If you properly prepped your pan and allowed the cake to cool, your cake should release easily onto the plate.
Other delicious comfort recipes
These are some other delicious comfort food recipes:
Pecan Upside Down Bundt Cake
Ingredients
Bundt Cake Pan Prep
- 1 tablespoon butter room temperature
- 1 tablespoon flour
Cake Batter
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 4 eggs
- ½ cup oil
- 16 ounces sour cream
- 1 package instant vanilla pudding
Pecan Cinnamon Filling
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ cup pecans
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350° and very well butter and flour a bundt pan.
- In a medium bowl, beat together the cake batter ingredients with a hand mixer.
- In a separate bowl, mix the pecan cinnamon filling ingredients.
- Layer the batter and sugar mixture in your prepped bundt pan. (If you need help with this, check out the tips and photos above).
- Bake at 350° for 45 - 60 minutes. Start checking the cake at 45 minutes as everyone’s oven is slightly different.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 1 hour before removing it to make sure your cake comes out clean and doesn’t fall.
- Removing the bundt cake: To remove from the pan, place a plate on top of the pan and then carefully flip over the plate and bundt pan at the same time. If you properly prepped your pan and allowed the cake to cool, your cake should release onto the plate.
Ann H says
I served this to my Coffee Club and Bible Study ladies. They all loved it. I didn't have sour cream, but whole cream worked. It was delicious. I can't wait to try it again with sour cream.
Around Grandma's Table says
Thank you for the review! I'm glad you enjoyed it!