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Upside Down Citrus Cake: the Recipe for a Delicious Cake With Triple the Punch!

Total time: 15 min prep/35 min bake

Difficulty: Low

Serves: 6-8

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By Cookist

This stunning Upside Down Citrus Cake isn't just a delicious treat, it's a feast for the eyes. Unlike traditional cakes, the fruit takes center stage here. It's a tasty dessert perfect for any occasion, from a summer potluck to a festive brunch. Making this cake is easier than it looks! To make it, you’ll whip up a simple cake batter, made zesty citrus juice. Then, you’ll create a dazzling display of citrus slices arranged in the pan. The magic happens in the oven as the cake bakes, transforming the fruit into a sweet and tangy topping. Once flipped and cooled, the cake is ready to share! This recipe is a celebration of citrus season, which typically peaks in the winter months in many areas. So, if you're craving a burst of sunshine on a gloomy day, this cake is your answer.

What are Upside Down Citrus Cake?

Upside-down cakes are a charming and visually stunning dessert where the fruit takes center stage. In the case of a Citrus Cake featuring lemons, grapefruits, and oranges, a vibrant medley of citrus slices appear in a beautiful and symmetric pattern on top of the cake, while creating a tasty contrast to the fluffy cake layer beneath. The exact origin of the upside-down cake concept remains a bit hazy. However, its popularity can be traced back to the early 20th century, likely inspired by skillet cakes where fruit and batter were simply layered together in a cast iron pan. The iconic Pineapple Upside-Down Cake, popularized by the Dole Pineapple Company in the 1920s through recipe contests, is perhaps the most well-known version. While there's no single inventor credited for the Upside Down Citrus Cake specifically, the concept likely stemmed from the versatility of the upside-down cake method, readily adaptable to various fruits. Upside Down Citrus Cake is a dessert that celebrates the vibrant flavors and colors of citrus fruits. The zesty fruit pieces adds a delicious, and textural, contrast to the soft cake. It's a relatively easy cake to make, perfect for beginner bakers or those seeking a quick and impressive dessert. Upside Down Citrus Cakes are highly adaptable, so feel free to experiment with different citrus combinations or add a splash of liquor like Grand Marnier for an extra kick. While citrus fruits are typically in season during winter months, this cake can be enjoyed year-round using other readily available fruits. So next time you're craving a bright and cheerful dessert, give the Upside Down Citrus Cake a try. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that's both delicious and easy on the eyes.

What are Top Tips for Making Upside Down Citrus Cake?

Alternate slices of lemon, grapefruit, and orange for a stunning visual display of color. Play with the arrangement—concentric circles, spirals, or a whimsical design!
Citrus slices won't perfectly cover the pan. Fill any gaps with smaller fruit pieces to ensure even caramelization and prevent a sparse topping.
Don't be afraid to experiment! Blood oranges, tangerines, or even Meyer lemons can add unique flavor dimensions depending on the season.
Preheat your oven and consider lining your pan with parchment paper that comes up the sides. This allows for easy cake removal later.
Let the cake cool completely before inverting it. A warm cake is more delicate and prone to falling apart.
Place your cake pan on a baking sheet to catch any caramelized sugar that might bubble over during baking. This saves you a cleaning mess later!
For an extra citrus punch, consider using some of the citrus zest in your cake batter!

What Kind Of Pan Should I Use?

A cast-iron skillet or oven-safe pan with a straight side is ideal. Springform pans can also work, but be extra careful when inverting the cake.

Can I Use Other Citrus Fruits?

Absolutely! Experiment with blood oranges, tangerines, or even Meyer lemons for a unique twist. Just adjust the baking time slightly if the fruits have a higher water content.

Do I Need to Remove The Fruit Peels?

You should remove the citrus peels for this recipe. Removing the peels ensures a better texture and taste in the final dish.

How Do I Reheat The Cake?

You can enjoy the cake at room temperature or warm individual slices slightly in the microwave for a few seconds. Be careful not to overheat, as it can dry out the cake.

Can I Serve This Cake With Anything?

Absolutely! A dollop of whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of honey would all be delicious accompaniments.

How to Store Upside Down Citrus Cake

At room temperature, the cake will keep for 1-2 days. In the refrigerator, tightly wrapped, it can last up to a week. However, the caramelized topping may soften slightly when refrigerated.

More Citrus Deliciousness!

Orange cake

Orange cookies

Orange Roll

Orange smoothie cake

Yogurt and lemon cake

Mini lemon tarts

Ingredients

2 lemons

2 grapefruit

2 oranges

For the caramel

Sugar

60g (1/4 cup)

Brown sugar

30g (2 1/2 tbsp)

Butter

40g (2 1/2 tbsp)

Water

20ml (1 tbsp)

For the batter

Flour

200g (1 2/3 cups)

Cornstarch

2 1/2 tbsp

Baking powder

3g (1/2 tsp)

Milk

150ml (3/5 cup)

Olive oil

130ml (1/2 cup)

Sugar

100g (1/2 cup)

Orange juice

100ml (2/5 cup)

Vanilla Extract

1 tsp

Cinnamon powder

1/2 tsp

How To Make Upside Down Citrus Cake

Step 1

Slice the lemons, grapefruits, and oranges and fashion them into similar sized squares.

Step 2

In a small saucepan, combine sugar, brown sugar, butter, and water. Heat gently over medium-low heat until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens slightly.