Thanksgiving Cranberry Upside Down Cake Recipe

Name: Thanksgiving Cranberry Upside Down Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons melted butter, plus a little more for greasing the sides of the pan; 1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar; 1/4 cup toasted pecans, finely chopped; 12 ounces fresh cranberries, washed; 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 3/4 cup sugar; 4 tablespoons softened butter (unsalted); 2 large eggs, yolks and whites separated; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup whole milk; 1 cup heavy cream, chilled; 2 tablespoons sugar; 1-2 tablespoons cognac

Servings: persons

3 tablespoons melted butter, plus a little more for greasing the sides of the pan
1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
1/4 cup toasted pecans, finely chopped
12 ounces fresh cranberries, washed
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup sugar
4 tablespoons softened butter (unsalted)
2 large eggs, yolks and whites separated
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup whole milk
1 cup heavy cream, chilled
2 tablespoons sugar
1-2 tablespoons cognac

1
["Preheat your oven to 350F and grease and 8X8"" baking pan. Pour the 3 Tbs. melted butter into the pan and sprinkle with the brown sugar. Bake for 2 minutes, then remove from the oven and sprinkle in the pecans and the cranberries (the berries will make a fairly thick layer). Set aside.", "In a small bowl combine the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder and salt). In a large bowl, cream together the 3/4 cup sugar and the softened butter until well combined. Then, beat in the egg yolks and the vanilla.", "Add in the dry ingredients and the milk alternately in about 3 additions, mixing well after each addition. Start and end with the dry ingredients.", "In a standing mixer or using a clean electric mixer, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Using a rubber spatula gently fold the egg whites into the batter.", "Spread the batter over the cranberries and sugar in the baking pan. Bake for about 45 minutes, until the cake is golden and a tester inserted in the middle comes out clean (unless you poke all the way down to the cranberries!). Cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes, then run a knife around the edges to loosen them. Place a plate upside down on top of the cake pan, then invert the cake onto the plate.", "In a chilled metal bowl and using chilled beaters beat the whipping cream and 2 Tbs. sugar until soft peaks form. Whip in the cognac.", "Serve the cake slightly warm topped with dollops of the cognac cream."]

966

kcal

Calories

Fat

112

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Preheat the oven fully and bake on the middle rack for the most even results.
Check for doneness a few minutes early — a toothpick in the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs.
Let it cool before slicing so it sets properly and holds its shape.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.
Leave out the nuts to make it nut-free, or swap in seeds for a similar crunch.
A good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well if you need a gluten-free version.
Coconut cream is a reliable plant-based alternative to dairy cream.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 15 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 3 tablespoons melted butter, plus a little more for greasing the sides of the pan, 1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar, 1/4 cup toasted pecans, finely chopped, 12 ounces fresh cranberries, washed, and more.

Yes, Thanksgiving Cranberry Upside Down Cake falls under the Baking & Desserts category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–5 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months — no need to refrigerate or reheat.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Thanksgiving Cranberry Upside Down Cake

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions