Blueberry Lemon Upside-Down Cake Recipe
This Blueberry Lemon Upside-Down Cake is a delightful dessert featuring a tangy lemon-infused blueberry topping caramelized with butter and sugar, baked beneath a light, fluffy lemon cake. Once baked and inverted, it reveals a stunning, fruit-topped presentation perfect for any occasion.
- Author: Elena
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Blueberry Topping
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2½ cups fresh blueberries
Lemon Cake
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon lemon extract
- Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray the bottom and sides of a 9-inch round cake pan with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and set aside.
- Make the Blueberry Topping: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, ½ cup granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons lemon zest, and 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice. Cook for about 2 minutes until the mixture begins to bubble and sugar dissolves, creating a syrupy base.
- Add Blueberries: Stir in the 2½ cups fresh blueberries, coating them evenly in the syrup. Pour this mixture into the prepared cake pan, spreading it out to cover the bottom evenly.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1½ cups all-purpose flour, 1½ teaspoons baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt. Set this mixture aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a stand mixer or using an electric hand mixer, beat ½ cup softened unsalted butter with 1 cup granulated sugar until the mixture becomes fluffy and light, about 2 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Flavors: Add the 2 large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then mix in 1 tablespoon lemon zest, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and ½ teaspoon lemon extract until evenly combined.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients while mixing on low speed. Continue mixing until just combined and you have a smooth batter.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour and spread the batter evenly over the blueberry mixture in the cake pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes or until the cake is firm to the touch and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Flip: Remove the cake from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. Carefully run a knife or spatula around the edges to loosen the cake, then invert the pan onto a serving plate to reveal the blueberry topping on top.
- Serve: Optionally, serve slices with fresh whipped cream for extra richness and flavor enhancement.
Notes
- Use fresh blueberries for best flavor and texture; frozen berries may release excess moisture.
- Ensure butter is softened but not melted for proper creaming with sugar.
- Be careful when flipping the cake to avoid burning fingers on the hot pan and to maintain the integrity of the topping.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free cake blend, adjusting baking time accordingly.
- Storage: Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat gently before serving.
- Adding a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top can add extra visual appeal.
Keywords: Blueberry lemon cake, upside-down cake, lemon dessert, blueberry dessert, easy cake recipe, summer cake