Get ready for a burst of sunshine with this Blueberry Lemon Upside-Down Cake! Imagine a moist, lemony cake topped with a gooey, caramelized blueberry layer. It’s a show-stopping dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make. Trust me, the sweet and tangy flavors are going to make this one a new favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Beautiful Presentation: The upside-down design creates a stunning visual with the caramelized blueberries.
- Perfect Flavor Combination: The bright, lemony cake pairs wonderfully with the sweet, juicy blueberries.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this cake a breeze.
- Versatile Dessert: Perfect for brunch, afternoon tea, or a special occasion.

Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Blueberry Lemon Upside-Down Cake:
- Unsalted Butter: Used for both the blueberry topping and the cake, adding richness.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens both the topping and the cake, and helps caramelize the blueberries.
- Lemon Zest: Adds a bright, citrusy flavor to both the topping and the cake.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Enhances the lemon flavor in the topping.
- Fresh Blueberries: Provides a sweet and juicy topping.
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure to the cake.
- Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
- Large Eggs: Adds moisture and structure to the cake.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.
- Lemon Extract: Intensifies the lemon flavor in the cake.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How to Make Blueberry Lemon Upside-Down Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Blueberry Topping
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9-inch round cake pan with non-stick cooking spray. In a small saucepan, combine butter, sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Cook until the mixture bubbles. Add blueberries and stir. Pour the blueberry mixture into the prepared pan.
Step 2: Prepare the Lemon Cake
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, cream together butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, followed by lemon zest, vanilla extract, and lemon extract. Add the dry ingredients and mix until combined.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
Spread the cake batter over the blueberry mixture. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the cake is firm.
Step 4: Cool and Invert
Let the cake rest for 10 minutes, then carefully invert it onto a plate.
Step 5: Serve
Serve warm, with fresh whipped cream if desired.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use Fresh Blueberries: Fresh blueberries hold their shape better during baking.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
- Let the Cake Rest: Allowing the cake to rest before inverting helps it set.
- Grease the Pan Well: Ensure the pan is thoroughly greased to prevent sticking.
How to Serve Blueberry Lemon Upside-Down Cake

- With Whipped Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream complements the cake perfectly.
- With Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a cool contrast.
- With a Lemon Glaze: Drizzle a simple lemon glaze over the cake for extra flavor.
- As a Brunch Treat: Serve slices alongside fresh fruit and coffee.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating
Reheat individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds until warm.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen blueberries?
- Yes, you can use frozen blueberries, but thaw them slightly and drain any excess liquid before using.
2. Can I use a different type of fruit?
- Yes, you can substitute other fruits like peaches, apples, or cranberries.
3. Can I make this cake gluten-free?
- Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.
4. How do I prevent the blueberries from sticking to the pan?
- Make sure you grease the pan very well, and let the cake rest for the full 10 minutes before inverting.
Enjoy this delightful Blueberry Lemon Upside-Down Cake Recipe, a perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavors!
Print
Blueberry Lemon Upside-Down Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Blueberry Lemon Upside-Down Cake is a bright and beautiful dessert that’s perfect for spring and summer. A sweet and tangy blueberry topping is caramelized on the bottom of the pan, while a light and fluffy lemon cake bakes on top. Once inverted, the moist cake reveals a stunning layer of juicy blueberries, making it a delightful treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Blueberry Topping:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 1/2 cups fresh blueberries
Lemon Cake:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon extract
Instructions
Prepare Blueberry Topping:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray the bottom and sides of a 9-inch round cake pan with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
- In a small saucepan, add the butter, sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Cook for about 2 minutes until the mixture starts to bubble.
- Add the blueberries and stir to combine.
- Pour the blueberry mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan.
Prepare Lemon Cake Batter:
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a stand mixer or with an electric hand mixer, beat the softened butter and sugar together until fluffy, about 2 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, followed by the lemon zest, vanilla extract, and lemon extract.
- Add the dry ingredients and continue to mix until combined.
Assemble and Bake:
- Spread the batter on top of the blueberry mixture.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the cake is firm to the touch.
- Cool and Invert:
- Let the cake rest for 10 minutes.
- Carefully flip the cake over onto a plate.
Serve:
- Serve with fresh whipped cream on top, if desired.
Notes
- Use fresh blueberries for the best flavor and texture.
- Ensure the cake is fully baked to prevent it from collapsing when inverted.
- Allow the cake to cool slightly before inverting to prevent it from breaking.
- For a deeper lemon flavor, add more lemon zest to the batter.
- Use parchment paper on the bottom of the pan for easier removal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Serving
- Calories: 380kcal
- Sugar: 40g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 80mg