Blueberry Lemon Upside-Down Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the tangy freshness of lemons with the sweetness of blueberries. This cake starts with a beautiful layer of juicy blueberries, topped with a soft and fluffy lemon cake. It’s perfect for any occasion, from summer barbecues to cozy family dinners.

Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is a great choice for several reasons. First, it’s simple and quick to make. The bright lemon flavor paired with the sweet blueberries creates a delicious balance. Plus, it’s impressive to serve, with its gorgeous presentation. Everyone will love it, and it’s a wonderful way to use fresh blueberries when they are in season!
How to Make Blueberry Lemon Upside-Down Cake
Making Blueberry Lemon Upside-Down Cake is easy. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a lovely dessert ready in no time.
Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2½ cups fresh blueberries
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoon 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
Directions:
- Blueberry Topping: In a pan, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Add ½ cup of granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons of lemon zest, and 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. Stir well. Pour this mixture into the bottom of a cake pan. Sprinkle 2½ cups of fresh blueberries on top.
- Lemon Cake: In a bowl, mix 1½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1½ teaspoons of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt. In another bowl, cream together ½ cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar. Add in 2 large eggs, 1 tablespoon of lemon zest, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and ½ teaspoon of lemon extract. Mix until smooth. Gradually add the flour mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Pour the cake batter over the blueberries in the pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, let the cake cool for a few minutes. Carefully flip it upside down onto a serving plate so the blueberries are on top.
How to Serve Blueberry Lemon Upside-Down Cake
Serve the Blueberry Lemon Upside-Down Cake warm or at room temperature. It pairs well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side for extra indulgence.
How to Store Blueberry Lemon Upside-Down Cake
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap it well in plastic wrap, then in foil.
Tips to Make Blueberry Lemon Upside-Down Cake
- Use fresh blueberries for the best flavor. If you’re using frozen blueberries, do not thaw them before adding them to the cake.
- Make sure your butter is softened before mixing for a smooth batter.
- Don’t overmix the batter after adding the flour. Mix just until combined to keep the cake light and fluffy.
Variation
You can switch things up by using other fruits, such as peaches or cherries, instead of blueberries. The cake will still taste fantastic with different fruity flavors!
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen blueberries?
Yes, you can use frozen blueberries. Just add them straight from the freezer without thawing.
2. How can I tell when the cake is done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is done.
3. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the cake a day ahead. Keep it covered at room temperature until you are ready to serve.
Enjoy baking and sharing this delicious Blueberry Lemon Upside-Down Cake!

Blueberry Lemon Upside-Down Cake
Ingredients
For the Blueberry Topping
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2½ cups fresh blueberries Use fresh blueberries for the best flavor.
For the Lemon Cake
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened) Make sure your butter is softened before mixing.
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon lemon extract
Instructions
Preparation
- In a pan, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Add ½ cup of granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons of lemon zest, and 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. Stir well.
- Pour this mixture into the bottom of a cake pan. Sprinkle 2½ cups of fresh blueberries on top.
Lemon Cake
- In a bowl, mix 1½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1½ teaspoons of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt.
- In another bowl, cream together ½ cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar.
- Add in 2 large eggs, 1 tablespoon of lemon zest, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and ½ teaspoon of lemon extract. Mix until smooth.
- Gradually add the flour mixture, stirring until just combined.
Baking
- Pour the cake batter over the blueberries in the pan.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, let the cake cool for a few minutes. Carefully flip it upside down onto a serving plate so the blueberries are on top.


