Blueberry Lemon Upside Down Cake Vegan Recipe Made Easy

Updated On: October 7, 2025

Welcome to a delightful twist on classic cakes with this Blueberry Lemon Upside Down Cake Vegan Recipe. This cake combines the fresh, tangy zest of lemon with the sweet burst of juicy blueberries, all baked into a moist, fluffy vegan cake with a stunning caramelized fruit topping.

Perfect for spring and summer gatherings or a cozy weekend treat, this recipe is easy to follow and uses simple plant-based ingredients that everyone will love.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegan baker or just looking to try something new and delicious, this upside down cake offers a gorgeous presentation and flavors that sing together beautifully. The natural sweetness of blueberries paired with bright lemon notes makes it a refreshing dessert that’s not too heavy.

Plus, it’s free from eggs and dairy, making it suitable for those with dietary restrictions without compromising on taste or texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This blueberry lemon upside down cake is a celebration of fresh fruit and zesty citrus in every bite. Here’s why it stands out:

  • Vegan and Allergy-Friendly: No eggs or dairy, perfect for plant-based diets and sensitive eaters.
  • Fresh and Flavorful: The combination of lemon and blueberries offers a bright, vibrant taste.
  • Beautiful Presentation: The caramelized fruit topping turns the cake into a showstopper.
  • Moist and Tender: The cake crumb stays soft thanks to oil and plant-based milk.
  • Simple Ingredients: Pantry staples and fresh produce create a wholesome dessert.

Ingredients

  • For the Topping:
    • 1/4 cup vegan butter (or coconut oil)
    • 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
    • 1 cup fresh blueberries
    • Zest of 1 lemon
  • For the Cake:
    • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
    • 1 cup granulated sugar
    • 1 tsp baking powder
    • 1/2 tsp baking soda
    • 1/4 tsp salt
    • 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
    • 1/3 cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
    • 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
    • 1 tsp vanilla extract
    • Zest of 1 lemon

Equipment

  • 9-inch round cake pan
  • Mixing bowls (medium and large)
  • Whisk
  • Spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Zester or microplane
  • Cooling rack

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your 9-inch cake pan with vegan butter or oil.
  2. Make the topping: In a small saucepan, melt the vegan butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar until it dissolves and the mixture is smooth.
  3. Pour the sugar mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared cake pan. Sprinkle the lemon zest and then arrange the fresh blueberries evenly over the sugar mixture. Set aside.
  4. Prepare the cake batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  5. In another bowl, combine the almond milk, vegetable oil, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Whisk well to combine.
  6. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the cake light.
  7. Pour the batter over the blueberry topping in the cake pan, spreading it evenly to cover the fruit completely.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  9. Remove from oven and allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes.
  10. Invert the cake onto a serving plate carefully, so the blueberry lemon topping is on top. Let it cool completely before slicing to serve.

Tips & Variations

For a more intense lemon flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon of lemon extract to the batter along with the vanilla.

  • Use frozen blueberries if fresh are unavailable, but thaw and drain excess liquid to avoid sogginess.
  • Try swapping blueberries for raspberries or blackberries for a different berry twist.
  • For a gluten-free version, replace all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour.
  • Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or cardamom to the batter for a subtle spice note.
  • Serve with a drizzle of vegan whipped cream or a scoop of vegan ice cream like this Cinnamon Pecan Ice Cream Recipe for an indulgent treat.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per Serving (1 slice)
Calories 250 kcal
Fat 10 g
Saturated Fat 2 g
Carbohydrates 38 g
Fiber 2 g
Sugars 22 g
Protein 2 g
Vitamin C 15% DV

Serving Suggestions

This cake pairs beautifully with a cup of herbal tea or freshly brewed coffee. For an extra special presentation, serve each slice with a dollop of coconut whipped cream or a scoop of vegan ice cream, such as the flavorful Cinnamon Pecan Ice Cream Recipe.

To add a bit of crunch, sprinkle some toasted pecans or almonds on top right before serving. This dessert also works well as a brunch centerpiece alongside fresh fruit and light salads.

Conclusion

Creating a vegan blueberry lemon upside down cake is a wonderful way to celebrate fresh flavors with a wholesome twist. This recipe offers a perfect balance of tart and sweet, complemented by a moist, tender crumb that’s sure to impress both plant-based eaters and omnivores alike.

The caramelized fruit topping makes the cake visually stunning and adds an irresistible layer of flavor.

Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply to enjoy a delicious treat at home, this cake is simple to prepare and uses accessible ingredients. Don’t forget to explore more mouthwatering recipes like the Chocolate Heaven Cake Recipe or the savory Classico Sun Dried Tomato Alfredo Sauce Recipe for your next cooking adventure.

Happy baking and enjoy the fresh burst of blueberry and lemon in every bite!

📖 Recipe Card: Blueberry Lemon Upside Down Cake (Vegan)

Description: A moist and tangy vegan upside down cake featuring fresh blueberries and zesty lemon. Perfect for a light dessert or afternoon treat.

Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT40M
Total Time: PT60M

Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 cup fresh blueberries
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup organic cane sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a bowl, toss blueberries with 1 tablespoon maple syrup and set aside.
  3. Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and spread melted coconut oil evenly.
  4. Pour remaining 1 tablespoon maple syrup into the pan, then evenly spread the blueberries on top.
  5. In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  6. In another bowl, mix almond milk, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract.
  7. Combine wet ingredients with dry and stir until just combined.
  8. Pour batter over the blueberries in the pan.
  9. Bake for 35-40 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
  10. Let cool for 10 minutes, then invert onto a serving plate.

Nutrition: Calories: 220 kcal | Protein: 3 g | Fat: 7 g | Carbs: 36 g

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Marta K

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