Mincemeat Upside Down Cake

This recipe came to me through another mincemeat enthusiast some years ago.

• Ready In: 55 mins
• Serves: 16

Ingredients

• 1⁄4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3⁄4 cup light brown sugar, divided
• 1  cup walnuts, chopped
• 2 1⁄2 cups  mincemeat
• 2 1⁄2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1  teaspoon baking powder
• 1  teaspoon baking soda
• 1  teaspoon salt
• 1  teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1⁄2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1⁄2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1⁄4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1⁄2 cup vegetable shortening
• 1  cup granulated sugar
• 2  large eggs
• 1  teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1⁄4 cups buttermilk

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Pour melted butter into 13"x9" baking dish, tilting to cover bottom completely.
3. Scatter 1/4 cup brown sugar & the 1 cup chopped walnuts over butter.
4. Spread mincemeat over nuts, & set pan aside.
5. Sift remaining 1/2 cup brown sugar into large bowl, then whisk in flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt & spices, blending thoroughly.
6. In large mixer bowl, beat shortening & sugar together until light & creamed.
7. Beat in eggs, one at a time, then add vanilla.
8. Set mixer on low speed & mix in dry ingredients, alternating with buttermilk.
9. Pour over mincemeat.
10. Bake 40 minutes, or until done.
11. Remove from oven & immediately loosen sides of cake.
12. Invert onto large platter, but leave pan in place for 5 minutes before CAREFULLY lifting off.
13. May be served warm or cooled, with sweetened whipped cream or with ice cream.