Name: Candied-Fennel-Topped Lemon Cake
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 2 1/4 hr (includes cooling)
Yield: Makes 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 small fennel bulb; 3/4 cup sugar; 3/4 cup water; 3 (3-inch) strips lemon zest, thinly sliced; 1 teaspoon fennel seeds; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 stick unsalted butter, softened; 3/4 cup sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 1/2 teaspoons grated lemon zest; 3/4 cup well-shaken buttermilk; Equipment: a 9-by 2-inch round cake pan; an adjustable-blade slicer; Accompaniment: lightly sweetened whipped cream

Image may contain Plant Fruit Food Produce Grapefruit Citrus Fruit and Bread

photo by Roland Bello

Here comes the sun: Topped with graceful fans of candied fennel and bathed in a golden syrup, this lemony upside-down cake is a cheery sight. The fennel's subtle sweetness and beautiful form are quite sophisticated, but the cake's buttermilk crumb is pure homey delight. A cloud of whipped cream makes a fitting accompaniment.

Cooks' note:

Cake is best the day it is made but keeps, wrapped in plastic wrap, at room temperature 3 days.

Recipe notes

See Related Recipes and Cooking Tips

27 Fennel Recipes for Crunchy Salads and Savory-Sweet Sides
Whether shaved into crunchy ribbons or caramelized and golden-sweet, fennel enhances every dish it touches.

Hot Honey–Glazed Salmon

This broiled hot honey salmon recipe results in sweet, spicy, glossy fish coated in a homemade hot honey glaze for an easy weeknight dinner or make-ahead lunch.

Caramelized Onion Pasta

Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.

Cod With Lemon Butter Sauce

A flurry of fresh tarragon makes this speedy weeknight dish of seared cod and luscious, sun-colored pan sauce feel restaurant worthy.

Classic French Vinaigrette

Use this simple vinaigrette to dress a plate of greens, some steamed potatoes, or anything else that strikes your fancy.

Speedy Chicken Stroganoff

This easy, one-skillet chicken stroganoff features tender chicken breasts, savory mushrooms, and a creamy Dijon-crème fraîche sauce—perfect for weeknights.

Meatball Tagine

Warming harissa and cinnamon, briny olives, and sweet dried fruit make up the flavorful base for this weeknight-friendly take on tagine.

Easy Banana Bread Recipe

Our go-to banana bread recipe is moist, nutty, and incredibly easy to make.

Black Bean Bolognese

Rich and funky black bean garlic sauce, a pantry favorite in Chinese cuisine, provides depth and flavor to this weeknight riff on ragù Bolognese.

Recipe notes

27 Fennel Recipes for Crunchy Salads and Savory-Sweet Sides