Makeover Pecan Upside-Down Cake

Total Time

Prep: 20 min. Bake: 30 min. + cooling

Makes

20 servings

Updated: Aug. 17, 2023
This moist and tender pecan upside-down cake is packed with pecans and sweetness. Although still not a "light" dessert, it has nearly a third fewer calories and 43 percent less fat than the original! —Mae Johnson, De Ridder, Louisiana

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup reduced-fat stick margarine, melted
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup dark corn syrup
  • 1-1/2 cups pecan halves
  • 1 package butter pecan cake mix (regular size)
  • 1 cup reduced-fat sour cream
  • 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 large egg whites
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

  1. In a small bowl, combine margarine, brown sugar, corn syrup and pecans. Spread evenly into a 13x9-in. baking pan coated with cooking spray. Set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the remaining ingredients; beat on low speed for 30 seconds. Beat on medium for 2 minutes. Transfer to prepared pan.
  3. Bake at 350° for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes before inverting onto a serving platter. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Nutrition Facts

1 piece: 223 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 245mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.