Upside Down Strawberry Cake

Recipe By:

Stephanie

Posted:

June 24, 2025

Updated:

June 24, 2025

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Delight in the sweet taste of an Upside Down Strawberry Cake that’s perfect for any occasion! This easy dessert combines fresh strawberries with a simple box cake mix, resulting in a moist and flavorful treat. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or just want a sweet snack, this cake is sure to impress. Its unique presentation and delicious flavor make it an ideal choice for gatherings or family dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: With only a few steps to follow, you can whip up this cake in no time, even if you’re a beginner.
Flavorful Fresh Strawberries: The fresh strawberries meld beautifully with the cake, creating a burst of flavor in every bite.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a potluck, picnic, or birthday party, this cake fits right in!
Versatile Toppings: Serve it with Cool Whip or homemade whipped cream for an extra layer of indulgence.
Crowd-Pleaser: With its vibrant colors and delightful taste, it’s bound to be a hit among family and friends.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your Upside Down Strawberry Cake, gather the essential tools that will make your baking experience seamless.

Essential Tools and Equipment

9×13 inch cake pan
Mixing bowl
Fork
Baking spatula
Oven mitts

Importance of Each Tool

9×13 inch cake pan: This size is perfect for baking your upside-down cake evenly while providing enough space for the toppings.
Mixing bowl: A sturdy bowl makes it easy to mix the ingredients without spills.
Fork: Ideal for crushing strawberries quickly and easily.
Baking spatula: Helps to spread the batter evenly in the pan.

Ingredients

Delicious strawberry cake that starts with a box caked mixed and is infused with fresh strawberries! It’s so easy anyone can make it!

For the Cake

2 c. fresh strawberries
2 boxes strawberry Jell-O (3 oz each)
3 c. miniature marshmallows
15.25 oz. strawberry cake mix + ingredients to prepare cake mix
Cool Whip or Homemade Whipped Cream

How to Make Upside Down Strawberry Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries

Take your two cups of strawberries and crush them with a fork.
Pour crushed strawberries into a greased 9×13 inch cake pan.

Step 2: Add Jell-O and Marshmallows

Sprinkle strawberry Jell-O over the top of the crushed strawberries.
Then sprinkle the miniature marshmallows over the Jell-O layer.

Step 3: Prepare Cake Mix

Prepare the strawberry cake mix according to package directions.
Pour the prepared cake batter over the marshmallows evenly.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Bake for 40-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Once baked, let sit for about 15 minutes.

Step 5: Serve Your Cake

Run a knife around the outside of the cake to loosen it from the pan.
Flip onto a serving tray carefully.
Refrigerate until ready to serve topped with Cool Whip.

Enjoy your delicious Upside Down Strawberry Cake!

How to Serve Upside Down Strawberry Cake

Serving your Upside Down Strawberry Cake is just as delightful as making it. With its vibrant colors and sweet flavors, this cake can be enjoyed in various ways that enhance its taste and presentation.

With Fresh Berries

Top slices of the cake with a handful of fresh strawberries for a burst of flavor.

Accompanied by Ice Cream

Serve warm slices alongside vanilla or strawberry ice cream to create a delicious contrast in temperature.

Using Whipped Cream

Spoon generous dollops of Cool Whip or homemade whipped cream on each slice for added creaminess.

Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce

For a decadent treat, drizzle chocolate sauce over the cake before serving.

As a Breakfast Treat

Enjoy leftover slices as a sweet breakfast option, paired with coffee or tea.

How to Perfect Upside Down Strawberry Cake

Perfecting your Upside Down Strawberry Cake can elevate this dessert from good to great. Here are some tips to ensure your cake shines every time you make it.

Use Fresh Strawberries: Fresh strawberries provide better flavor and texture compared to frozen ones.
Grease the Pan Well: Proper greasing prevents sticking and ensures an easy release when flipping the cake.
Check for Doneness: Always do the toothpick test to ensure your cake is fully baked before removing it from the oven.
Cool Before Serving: Let the cake cool for about 15 minutes before flipping it onto a serving tray to maintain its shape.
Store Properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge to keep them moist and fresh longer.

Best Side Dishes for Upside Down Strawberry Cake

When serving your Upside Down Strawberry Cake, pairing it with complementary side dishes can enhance the overall experience. Here are some excellent choices:

Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that adds creaminess and balances the sweetness of the cake.
Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits offers a light contrast to the rich flavors of the cake.
Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese for an interesting flavor combination.
Coffee or Espresso: The bitterness of coffee enhances the sweetness of the cake, making it a perfect match for dessert time.
Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: These add an extra layer of strawberry goodness that complements your cake beautifully.
Pecan Pie Bars: A nutty dessert option that pairs well with fruity flavors while adding texture to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making an Upside Down Strawberry Cake can be a delightful experience, but there are some common pitfalls to steer clear of.

Incorrect strawberry preparation – Failing to crush the strawberries properly can lead to uneven flavor distribution. Make sure to mash them well before adding them to the cake pan.
Skipping the greasing step – Not greasing your cake pan can result in a sticky mess. Always grease your 9×13 inch pan thoroughly to ensure easy removal after baking.
Overbaking the cake – Baking for too long can dry out your cake. Keep an eye on it and perform a toothpick test around 40 minutes to avoid overbaking.
Not letting the cake cool – Attempting to flip the cake too soon can cause it to break apart. Allow it to cool for at least 15 minutes before inverting onto a plate.
Neglecting toppings – Forgetting the Cool Whip or whipped cream can make your dessert less enjoyable. Serve with a generous dollop for added richness and flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store the leftover Upside Down Strawberry Cake in an airtight container.
It will remain fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Upside Down Strawberry Cake

Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap for best results.
The cake can be frozen for up to 2 months. Make sure to label your containers!

Reheating Upside Down Strawberry Cake

Oven – Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place slices on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave – Use a microwave-safe plate and heat each slice for about 30 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, as this may dry out the cake.
Stovetop – For a quick reheat, place a slice in a non-stick skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Upside Down Strawberry Cake?

An Upside Down Strawberry Cake is a dessert where strawberries are placed at the bottom of the baking pan, and when flipped, they create a beautiful topping that is both eye-catching and delicious.

How do I make my Upside Down Strawberry Cake more flavorful?

To enhance flavors, consider adding vanilla extract or almond extract to your batter. You can also mix in other fruits like blueberries or raspberries for added depth.

Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries! Just make sure they are thawed and drained of excess liquid before using them in your upside-down cake.

How do I customize my Upside Down Strawberry Cake?

You can easily customize this recipe by using different flavored gelatin or experimenting with various fruit toppings. Try peaches or pineapple for a tropical twist!

Final Thoughts

This Upside Down Strawberry Cake is not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. Its sweet strawberry flavor combined with fluffy marshmallows makes it irresistible! Feel free to customize it with different fruits or toppings to suit your taste. Give this delightful dessert a try; you won’t be disappointed!

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