Description
This delightful Meyer Lemon Upside-Down Cake features a caramelized citrus topping with tender, moist cake underneath. The vibrant tartness of Meyer lemons perfectly balances the sweetness, creating a refreshing yet indulgent dessert that’s ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Topping and Caramel
- 3 medium Meyer lemons, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
Cake Batter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a round cake pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Arrange Lemon Slices and Sugar: Neatly arrange the thinly sliced Meyer lemons on the bottom of the prepared pan and sprinkle evenly with 1/4 cup of the granulated sugar to create the base caramel layer.
- Create Caramel Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the remaining 3/4 cup sugar together with the softened butter, stirring until the mixture turns a rich golden brown color. Carefully pour this caramel over the lemon slices in the pan.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and the remaining sugar until light and fluffy. Then add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure full incorporation.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Stir in the milk and lemon juice until blended. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined, taking care not to overmix.
- Pour Batter and Bake: Pour the cake batter evenly over the caramel and lemon slices in the pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the cake turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Invert: Let the cake cool slightly for about 10 minutes. Then carefully invert onto a serving plate to reveal the beautiful caramelized lemon topping. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use room temperature eggs and butter for better batter incorporation.
- If Meyer lemons are unavailable, regular lemons can be substituted but will have a more tart flavor.
- Ensure the caramel is golden brown and not burnt to avoid bitterness.
- The cake is best enjoyed the day it’s made but can be stored covered at room temperature for up to 2 days.
