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Crispy Upside-Down Cake

17/11/2023

The Crispy Upside-Down Cake is a delicious twist on the classic upside-down cake with a crunchy touch, thanks to the use of caramelized nuts. Here is the recipe to prepare this irresistible dessert.

Ingredients

  • 150 g of sugar (plus extra for the caramel)
  • 100 g of soft butter
  • 3 eggs
  • 150 g of flour 00
  • 1 packet of baking powder
  • 1 pinch of salt
  • 100 g of mixed nuts (hazelnuts, almonds, walnuts)
  • 50 ml of milk
  • Grated zest of 1 lemon (optional)

For the caramel:

  • 100 g of sugar
  • 2 tablespoons of water

Preparation

  1. Begin by preparing the caramel in a non-stick pan by putting the sugar and water over medium heat, and let the sugar melt and become golden without stirring. When ready, pour it quickly into the bottom of a cake pan (preferably a pan with a removable bottom or silicone to facilitate demolding) and tilt the pan to distribute the caramel across the surface.
  2. Distribute the mixed nuts evenly over the caramel.
  3. In a bowl, cream the soft butter with the sugar until you achieve a soft consistency. Add the eggs one at a time, continuing to mix.
  4. Sift the flour with the baking powder and pinch of salt, and gently fold it into the butter and egg mixture.
  5. Add the milk and, if you like, the grated lemon zest to flavor the batter, and mix until you get a homogeneous mixture.
  6. Pour the batter into the pan over the caramel and nuts, leveling it with a spatula.
  7. Bake in a preheated oven at 180 °C (356 °F) for about 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
  8. Allow the cake to cool slightly before turning it out onto a serving plate, so that the caramel with nuts is on the top.

Curiosity

The traditional upside-down cake typically involves the use of fruits such as pineapple or plums, but this version with nuts is perfect for those who appreciate a crunchy touch in their dessert. In some parts of Italy, it is customary to serve these cakes during holidays or as a dessert on special occasions.

If you are looking for an even more local variation, you could replace the mixed nuts with pecans and perhaps add a pinch of cinnamon for a more autumnal flavor.

Crispy Upside-Down Cake