Bright & Zingy Lemon Blueberry Upside-Down Cake Recipe

Summer’s golden rays call for a lemon blueberry upside-down cake that dances with vibrant flavors and irresistible charm.

Bursting with sweet-tart berries nestled in a caramelized base, this dessert promises pure delight in every bite.

Ripe blueberries create a stunning canvas of deep purple and azure hues against a tender, moist cake backdrop.

The zesty lemon notes cut through the sweetness, offering a bright and refreshing twist that awakens the senses.

Delicate crumb meets juicy fruit in a symphony of textures that will make your taste buds sing.

This simple yet elegant dessert transforms ordinary moments into extraordinary memories.

Bake this cake and watch as smiles bloom around your table.

Best Way to Store Lemon Blueberry Cake Leftovers

• Fridge-Fresh Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover tightly to prevent the cake from absorbing other food odors and maintain its delightful lemon-blueberry flavor.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the cake batter and glaze a day before baking. Keep the batter and glaze separately in the refrigerator, then assemble and bake when ready to serve for maximum freshness.
• Freezer-Friendly Trick: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying a slice of this tangy-sweet treat.
• Serving Sensation: Bring refrigerated cake to room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. This helps restore the cake's soft texture and enhances the vibrant blueberry and lemon flavors, making each bite absolutely delicious.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 290 kcal

Servings: 9

Upside Down Lemon Blueberry Cake Ingredient Guide

• Unsalted Butter: Creates rich, golden caramelized foundation that helps release cake smoothly from pan.
• Brown Sugar: Develops deep, molasses-like sweetness and helps create sticky, glossy layer.
• Lemon Zest: Adds bright, citrusy aroma and enhances overall cake flavor complexity.

• Fresh or Frozen Blueberries: Provides juicy bursts of natural sweetness and vibrant purple color throughout cake, creates beautiful moisture pockets.

• Unsalted Butter: Ensures tender, soft cake texture and carries rich dairy flavor.
• Sugar: Sweetens cake and helps create light, delicate crumb structure.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides essential structure and stability to cake.
• Baking Powder: Generates gentle lift and helps cake rise evenly.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor profile.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and contribute to cake's rich, smooth consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, complex background flavor and aromatic depth.

• Whipped Cream: Optional creamy complement that adds luxurious finishing touch to cake.

Tools to Bake Lemon Blueberry Upside Down Cake

• Stand Mixer: Essential for creaming butter and sugar smoothly and beating cake batter efficiently.
• 9-inch Round Cake Pan: Perfect for creating the upside-down cake's shape and size.
• Baking Sheet: Useful for catching potential drips during baking and protecting the oven floor.
• Whisk: Needed for combining dry ingredients and ensuring even flour distribution.
• Spatula: Great for spreading batter evenly and scraping mixing bowl sides.
• Small Saucepan: Helps melt butter and brown sugar for the glaze.
• Toothpick: Crucial for checking cake doneness by testing the center.
• Knife: Helps loosen cake edges before inverting onto serving platter.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Necessary for accurate ingredient measurements.

Instructions to Make Lemon Blueberry Cake Upside Down

• Sunny Kitchen Prep

Get your baking space ready with a cheerful 9-inch round pan and a welcoming oven set to a cozy temperature.

• Magical Blueberry Base

Create a golden caramel-like layer with melted butter and sugar, sprinkled with bright lemon essence that will make your kitchen smell amazing.

• Fluffy Cake Canvas

Mix soft butter and sugar until they become light and dreamy. Fold in flour mixture gently, creating a silky smooth batter that promises deliciousness.

• Berry Wonderland

Scatter fresh blueberries across the pan, creating a colorful landscape that will peek through the cake when finished.

• Baking Adventure

Slide the pan into the warm oven and let magic happen. Watch as the cake transforms into a golden masterpiece with a gorgeous blueberry-studded bottom.

• Dramatic Reveal

After letting the cake rest briefly, turn it upside down onto a beautiful serving plate. The blueberries will create a stunning, glossy topping that looks like edible art.

• Heavenly Finishing

Serve at room temperature with a dollop of cloud-like whipped cream, inviting everyone to enjoy a slice of pure happiness.

Tips for Juicier Lemon Blueberry Cake Layers

• Add a sprinkle of lemon zest over the top of the cake for an extra burst of citrusy freshness just before serving.
• Replace blueberries with raspberries or blackberries for a delightful flavor twist that keeps the cake exciting and seasonal.
• Prepare the cake a day in advance and store it covered at room temperature to let the flavors meld and intensify overnight.
• Toss blueberries in a light dusting of flour before adding to the pan to prevent them from sinking to the bottom during baking.
• Elevate the dessert by drizzling a simple lemon glaze made with powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice over each slice for an extra tangy kick.

How to Serve Upside Down Lemon Blueberry Cake

• Berry Bliss Brunch Companion: Pair this cake with a light mimosa or fresh-squeezed orange juice for a delightful weekend morning treat.
• Creamy Comfort Sidekick: Top each slice with a dollop of vanilla bean whipped cream or a scoop of lemon sorbet to enhance the citrusy brightness.
• Afternoon Tea Elegance: Serve alongside chamomile tea or lavender Earl Grey to complement the cake's delicate lemon and blueberry notes, creating a sophisticated dessert experience.
• Seasonal Fresh Finish: Garnish with extra fresh blueberries and a sprinkle of lemon zest to add visual appeal and boost the fruity flavor profile.

Delectable Lemon Blueberry Upside-Down Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Moist lemon blueberry upside-down cake balances tangy citrus with sweet berries in a delightful dessert. Bakers can enjoy this simple yet elegant treat that brings Mediterranean sunshine to their kitchen table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 cups blueberries (fresh or frozen, unthawed)
• 15 tbsps (¾ cup + 3 tbsps) unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 2 eggs
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (4 tbsps) brown sugar
• 2 tsps vanilla extract
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ¾ tsp salt
• whipped cream (optional for serving)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Butter a 9-inch round cake pan thoroughly. Place a baking sheet on the lower rack to catch potential drips.
2. Caramel Foundation: Melt butter and brown sugar together, creating a rich base. Fold in lemon zest, allowing the mixture to develop a fragrant, golden consistency.
3. Batter Creation: Cream butter and sugar using a stand mixer until light and airy. Separately, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually incorporate eggs into the butter mixture, blending thoroughly after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract.
4. Layering Process: Gently fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, maintaining a smooth, lump-free batter. Pour the caramel base into the prepared pan, ensuring even coverage.
5. Fruit Distribution: Scatter blueberries across the caramel layer in a uniform pattern. Delicately spoon cake batter over the blueberries, spreading carefully to create an even surface.
6. Baking and Testing: Slide the pan into the preheated oven. Bake for 30-40 minutes, monitoring doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should emerge clean with minimal crumbs.
7. Cooling and Presentation: Rest the cake in the pan for 5-10 minutes. Trace the edges with a knife, then confidently invert onto a serving platter. Allow to cool completely.
8. Serving Suggestion: Accompany with a cloud of whipped cream. Refrigerate any remaining cake to preserve its delicate texture and flavor.

Notes

• Bake with Precision: Use an accurate oven thermometer to ensure the exact 350°F temperature for perfect cake texture and even baking.
• Fruit Distribution Strategy: Gently place blueberries in a single layer to prevent sinking and ensure consistent berry coverage throughout the cake.
• Mixing Mastery: Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the cake tender; stop mixing as soon as dry ingredients are just incorporated to prevent a tough texture.
• Cooling Technique: Allow the cake to rest in the pan briefly before inverting to help the caramel layer set and prevent potential structural collapse.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 24 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg