Image

LIGHTENED-UP PECAN UPSIDE-DOWN CAKE

My dessert is packed with pecans and sweetness. Using reduced-fat ingredients makes it a lighter choice if you’re counting calories.

—MAE JOHNSON DE RIDDER, LA


PREP: 20 MIN. • BAKE: 30 MIN. + COOLING • MAKES: 20 SERVINGS


1/2cup reduced-fat butter, melted

1/2cup packed brown sugar

1/4cup dark corn syrup

1/2   cups pecan halves

    1package butter pecan cake mix (regular size)

    1cup reduced-fat sour cream

1/3cup unsweetened applesauce

   2eggs

   2egg whites

    1teaspoon vanilla extract

1. In a small bowl, combine the butter, 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 near the center comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes before inverting onto a serving platter. Serve warm or at room temperature.

NOTE This recipe was tested with Land O’Lakes light stick butter.