Indulge in the delightful flavors of this Fresh Strawberry Upside Down Cake, a perfect dessert that combines the sweetness of ripe strawberries with a moist, tender cake. This twist on the classic upside-down cake showcases the vibrant taste of fresh strawberries, making it an ideal treat for spring and summer gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Seasonal Delight: Utilizes fresh strawberries, offering a burst of natural sweetness and color.
- Visually Appealing: The caramelized strawberry topping creates a stunning presentation.
- Versatile: Perfect for various occasions, from casual brunches to festive celebrations.Kitchen Fun With My 3 Sons
- Comforting and Familiar: A nostalgic nod to traditional upside-down cakes with a fruity twist.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Unsalted butterKitchen Fun With My 3 Sons+3The Country Cook+3Southern Bite+3
- Brown sugarShe Wears Many Hats+1FIVEheartHOME+1
- Fresh strawberriesKitchen Fun With My 3 Sons+2She Wears Many Hats+2Southern Bite+2
- All-purpose flourThe Buttered Home+4She Wears Many Hats+4Southern Bite+4
- Baking powderShe Wears Many Hats+4Momcrieff+4Better Homes & Gardens+4
- Salt
- Granulated sugarThe Country Cook+1FIVEheartHOME+1
- EggsShe Wears Many Hats
- Vanilla extractBetter Homes & Gardens+4She Wears Many Hats+4The Country Cook+4
- MilkThe Country Cook+1The Buttered Home+1
Directions
- Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.FIVEheartHOME
- Create the Strawberry Layer: Melt unsalted butter and pour it into the prepared cake pan. Evenly sprinkle brown sugar over the melted butter. Arrange sliced fresh strawberries over the brown sugar layer, ensuring full coverage.FIVEheartHOME
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.Life Love and Sugar+2The Country Cook+2FIVEheartHOME+2
- Prepare the Batter: In a separate large bowl, beat softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Assemble the Cake: Carefully pour the batter over the strawberry layer in the cake pan, spreading it evenly.FIVEheartHOME
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Invert: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Run a knife around the edges to loosen the cake. Place a serving plate over the pan and carefully invert the cake onto the plate. Allow it to cool slightly before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8-10 slices
- Preparation Time: 15 minutesAllrecipes+1The Buttered Home+1
- Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 55 minutesThe Country Cook+1She Wears Many Hats+1
Variations
- Berry Medley: Combine strawberries with other berries like blueberries or raspberries for a mixed berry upside-down cake.Kitchen Fun With My 3 Sons
- Citrus Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the batter for a citrusy note that complements the strawberries.
- Nutty Addition: Sprinkle chopped pecans or almonds over the brown sugar layer before adding strawberries for added texture and flavor.
- Spiced Flavor: Incorporate a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the batter for a warm, spiced undertone.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.The Country Cook
- Reheating: To enjoy warm, microwave individual slices for 10-15 seconds or place the cake in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes.

FAQs
How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the pan?
Ensure the pan is well-greased, and consider lining the bottom with parchment paper for easier release. Running a knife around the edges before inverting also helps.
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Thaw and drain them well to remove excess moisture before using to prevent a soggy cake.The Country Cook
What can I serve with this cake?
This cake pairs wonderfully with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added richness.
Can I make this cake in advance?
Yes, you can bake the cake a day ahead. Store it covered at room temperature and reheat slightly before serving if desired.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.
Can I use a different type of flour?
All-purpose flour is recommended for this recipe. Using other types may alter the texture and rise of the cake.The Country Cook
Is it necessary to use unsalted butter?
Unsalted butter allows you to control the salt content in the recipe. If using salted butter, you may want to reduce the added salt.
Can I add other fruits to the strawberry layer?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in other fruits like rhubarb or peaches for a unique twist.
Why did my cake turn out dense?
Overmixing the batter can lead to a dense cake. Mix until just combined to maintain a light texture.Life Love and Sugar
Can I use a different pan size?
A 9-inch round pan is ideal. Using a different size may affect baking time and cake thickness.
Conclusion
This Fresh Strawberry Upside Down Cake offers a delightful combination of sweet
PrintFresh Strawberry Upside Down Cake
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Fresh Strawberry Upside Down Cake is a beautiful, fruity dessert with a sweet, caramelized strawberry topping and a soft, buttery vanilla cake. It’s perfect for spring and summer gatherings, and it’s surprisingly easy to make with simple pantry staples and fresh strawberries.
Ingredients
For the Topping:
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1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
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1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
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2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
For the Cake:
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1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 1/2 tsp baking powder
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1/4 tsp salt
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
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3/4 cup granulated sugar
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2 large eggs
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1/2 cup whole milk
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
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Pour the melted butter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the butter.
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Arrange the sliced strawberries over the sugar in a single, even layer.
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In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
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In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
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Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla.
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Add the flour mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined.
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Carefully spread the batter over the strawberries in the pan.
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Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Run a knife around the edges, then carefully invert onto a serving plate.
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Serve warm or at room temperature. Optional: top with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Notes
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Make sure to cool the cake slightly before flipping to avoid the topping sliding off.
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You can use frozen strawberries in a pinch—just thaw and drain well first.
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For a flavor twist, add a little lemon zest to the cake batter.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of cake)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
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