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–+ servings

Best Lemon Upside Down Cake Recipe

Indulge in the sweet magic of Upside Down Cake, where caramelized fruit takes center stage atop a moist and flavorful cake.
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Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Cooling Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours
Calories: 300kcal
Author: Austin Carter
Servings: 8

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowls
  • 9-inch Round Cake Pans
  • Measuring Spoons and Cups
  • Whisk or Electric Hand Mixer
  • Oven and Oven Mitts
  • Parchment Paper
  • Cake Stand
  • Spatula
  • Cooling Rack
  • Saucepan
  • Cutting Board and Knife
  • Citrus Juicer

Ingredients

For the Topping:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2-3 medium-sized lemons thinly sliced

For the Cake Batter:

  • 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 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • Zest of 1 lemon

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Melt 1/2 cup of butter and pour it into the bottom of a greased 9-inch round cake pan.
  • Sprinkle 1 cup of sugar evenly over the melted butter.
  • Arrange the lemon slices over the sugar in a single layer.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  • In a separate large bowl, cream together 1/2 cup of butter and 1 cup of sugar until light and fluffy.
  • Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined.
  • Stir in the lemon zest.
  • Pour the cake batter over the arranged lemons in the pan, spreading it evenly.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes.
  • Invert the cake onto a serving plate, allowing the lemon topping to become the top of the cake.
  • Serve the Lemon Upside Down Cake slices warm or at room temperature.

Notes

  1. Thin Lemon Slices: Slice lemons thinly and arrange evenly for a visually pleasing and evenly caramelized topping.
  2. Cream Butter Well: Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy for a moist and tender cake texture.
  3. Even Batter Spread: Ensure an even spread of batter for consistent baking and a perfectly balanced lemon flavor throughout the cake.

Nutrition

Calories: 300kcal
Keyword lemon upside down cake, lemon upside down cake recipe, upside down cake