Strawberry Upside Down Cake – Sweet, Juicy, and Beautifully Simple

Strawberry Upside Down Cake is a show-stopping dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make. Sweet, juicy strawberries are caramelized beneath a light, tender cake, then flipped to reveal a stunning, glossy topping. It’s a refreshing twist on the classic pineapple version—perfect for spring gatherings, summer cookouts, or anytime you want a dessert that looks as good as it tastes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fresh & Fruity: Juicy strawberries baked into every bite.
Beautiful Presentation: A naturally stunning cake with no fancy decorating needed.
Simple Pantry Ingredients: Quick to whip up with what you already have.
Versatile Treat: Perfect for brunch, parties, or a light dessert after dinner.

Ingredients

For the Strawberry Layer:

  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 3 tbsp light brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

For the Cake Batter:

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ½ cup milk

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pan
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan.

2. Make the Strawberry Base
Spread melted butter evenly on the bottom of the pan. Sprinkle with brown sugar, then arrange sliced strawberries over the top in an even layer.

3. Mix the Cake Batter
In a bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, alternating with milk, until smooth.

4. Assemble the Cake
Pour batter gently over strawberries, spreading evenly.

5. Bake
Bake 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

6. Flip & Reveal
Allow cake to cool for 10 minutes. Run a knife around the edges, then invert carefully onto a serving plate to reveal the glossy strawberry topping.

7. Serve
Slice and enjoy warm or at room temperature. Optional: serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla yogurt.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 210
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fat: 9g
Protein: 3g
Fiber: 1g

Tips for Success

  • Use Fresh Strawberries: Fresh berries provide the juiciest, most vibrant topping.
  • Don’t Overbake: A moist, tender crumb is key—check at 35 minutes.
  • Invert While Warm: Flip the cake after 10 minutes to prevent sticking.
  • Make It Seasonal: Swap strawberries for peaches, plums, or blueberries for variety.

Why This Recipe Works

The caramelized strawberry topping creates natural sweetness and a glossy finish, while the soft vanilla cake underneath balances it perfectly. This dessert is as effortless as it is elegant, proving you don’t need complicated techniques for bakery-level results.

Strawberry Upside Down Cake is a light, fruity dessert that combines beauty and simplicity in every slice. With caramelized strawberries on top of a soft, tender cake, it’s a treat that looks impressive but is wonderfully easy to make. Perfect for any occasion, this cake is bound to become a seasonal favorite.

Strawberry Upside Down Cake – Sweet, Juicy, and Beautifully Simple

Servings

8

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

35

minutes
Calories

210

kcal
Total time

55

minutes

Strawberry Upside Down Cake is a show-stopping dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make. Sweet, juicy strawberries are caramelized beneath a light, tender cake, then flipped to reveal a stunning, glossy topping. It’s a refreshing twist on the classic pineapple version—perfect for spring gatherings, summer cookouts, or anytime you want a dessert that looks as good as it tastes.

Ingredients

  • For the Strawberry Layer:

  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

  • 3 tbsp light brown sugar

  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

  • For the Cake Batter:

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

  • ¾ cup granulated sugar

  • 2 large eggs

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 ½ tsp baking powder

  • ¼ tsp salt

  • ½ cup milk

Instructions

  • Prepare the Pan
    Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
  • Make the Strawberry Base
    Spread melted butter evenly on the bottom of the pan. Sprinkle with brown sugar, then arrange sliced strawberries over the top in an even layer.
  • Mix the Cake Batter
    In a bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, alternating with milk, until smooth.
  • Assemble the Cake
    Pour batter gently over strawberries, spreading evenly.
  • Bake
    Bake 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Flip & Reveal
    Allow cake to cool for 10 minutes. Run a knife around the edges, then invert carefully onto a serving plate to reveal the glossy strawberry topping.
  • Serve
    Slice and enjoy warm or at room temperature. Optional: serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla yogurt.

Notes

  • Use Fresh Strawberries: Fresh berries provide the juiciest, most vibrant topping.
    Don’t Overbake: A moist, tender crumb is key—check at 35 minutes.
    Invert While Warm: Flip the cake after 10 minutes to prevent sticking.
    Make It Seasonal: Swap strawberries for peaches, plums, or blueberries for variety.

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