Richard'S Famous German Chocolate Upside-Down Cake
A decadent upside-down cake featuring a rich combo of pecans, coconut, and German chocolate, topped with a creamy cream cheese mixture—perfect for celebrations or indulgent gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Smear 1/2 stick softened margarine over the bottom and sides of a 9 x 13-inch Pyrex pan.
- Spread all the chopped pecans and shredded coconut evenly on the bottom of the pan.
- Prepare the German chocolate cake mix according to the box instructions and pour it over the pecans and coconut.
- In a separate bowl, combine 1 stick margarine, powdered sugar, and cream cheese to make the topping mixture.
- Spoon the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cake batter.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the batter. If you prefer a lighter version, substitute half the margarine with applesauce or Greek yogurt. For an extra nutty taste, toast the pecans before adding them to the pan. If you don't have German chocolate cake mix, a chocolate cake mix can work in a pinch, but the flavor will differ slightly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this cake warm or at room temperature, topped with a dollop of whipped cream for added richness. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a side of fresh fruit. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a light salad, such as Frozen Apple Salad, to balance the sweetness.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, place a portion in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or until warmed through. If you prefer a crispier texture, reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Richard'S Famous German Chocolate Upside-Down Cake contains roughly 661 calories, with 5g protein, 68g carbohydrates, and 44g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. It also contributes 9g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular butter instead of margarine?
Yes, you can substitute regular butter for margarine in this recipe. Just keep in mind that butter will add a richer flavor, which can enhance the overall taste of the cake.
What can I use instead of pecans?
If you don't have pecans, walnuts or almonds can be great substitutes. You can also omit the nuts entirely for a nut-free version, but keep in mind that the texture will change.
How can I tell when the cake is done?
The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If it comes out with wet batter, it needs more time. Keep an eye on it, as ovens can vary.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).