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Close-up of a rich and moist Upside Down German Chocolate Cake with a caramelized pecan and coconut topping. The chocolate cake base is soft and fluffy, while the glossy, golden-brown topping glistens with melted brown sugar and butter. Served on a white plate with a checkered background, this decadent dessert combines sweet, nutty, and chocolate flavors in a perfect bite.

Easy Upside Down German Chocolate Cake

A delicious twist on the classic Upside Down German Chocolate Cake with a caramelized coconut-pecan topping that starts on the bottom and becomes the star of the show when the cake is flipped.
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Course: Cake, Dessert
Cuisine: American, Southern
Keyword: Caramelized Topping, Coconut Pecan Cake, German Chocolate, Inverted Cake, Upside Down German Chocolate Cake
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Calories: 485kcal
Cost: $15

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch baking pan (Metal pan works best for even heating)
  • Parchment paper (Leave overhang for easy removal)
  • Electric mixer (Stand mixer preferred, but hand mixer works too)
  • Medium saucepan (For preparing the topping)
  • Mixing bowls (Various sizes for different components)
  • Rubber spatula (For spreading batter evenly)
  • Large serving platter (Must be larger than the cake pan)

Ingredients

For the Topping:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter - Cold is fine, will be melted
  • 1 cup packed dark brown sugar - Packed firmly
  • 1½ cups sweetened shredded coconut - Fresh if possible
  • 1½ cups chopped pecans - Chopped, lightly toasted for best flavor
  • ¼ cup light corn syrup - Helps create glossy finish

For the Cake:

  • 4 ounces German sweet chocolate - Baker's brand recommended
  • ½ cup water - Room temperature
  • 2¼ cups all-purpose flour - Spooned and leveled
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda - Check for freshness
  • ½ teaspoon salt - Fine table salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter - Softened to room temperature
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs - Room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - Pure extract preferred
  • 1 cup buttermilk - Room temperature

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan and line with parchment paper, leaving overhang.
  • Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add brown sugar and corn syrup, stirring until sugar dissolves.
    Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add brown sugar and corn syrup, stirring until sugar dissolves.
  • Remove from heat and stir in coconut and pecans until well combined.
  • Spread mixture evenly in the prepared pan.
  • Melt chocolate with water in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth. Let cool slightly.
  • Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
  • Beat butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla and melted chocolate mixture.
    Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla and melted chocolate mixture.
  • Gradually add flour mixture alternating with buttermilk, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
  • Pour batter over the prepared topping, spreading evenly.
  • Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Let cake cool in pan for exactly 10 minutes.
  • Run a knife around the edges to loosen the cake.
  • Place a serving platter over the cake pan and carefully invert.
  • Gently peel off parchment paper if needed. Let cool completely before serving.

Notes

  • Ensure all refrigerated ingredients are at room temperature for best results.
  • Toast the pecans before adding to the topping for enhanced flavor.
  • The cake must be inverted after exactly 10 minutes of cooling - too soon and it may break, too late and the topping might stick.

Nutrition

Serving: 85g | Calories: 485kcal | Carbohydrates: 51g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 31g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 115mg | Sodium: 230mg | Potassium: 185mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 35g | Vitamin A: 720IU | Vitamin C: 0.5mg | Calcium: 65mg | Iron: 1.8mg