Ready to bring a burst of summer to your table? Strawberry Upside Down Cake is the perfect combination of buttery golden cake and a glossy, jammy strawberry layer that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Every bite delivers tender, moist crumb with pops of sweet-tangy fruit, making it a showstopper for brunches, picnics, or laid-back family gatherings. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is a breeze to make and guarantees sweet, strawberry-studded success!

Strawberry Upside Down Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simplicity is key to this dazzling dessert. The ingredient list is short, but each addition plays a starring role—some for color, some for fragrance, and others purely for that classic homemade flavor. Let’s take a peek at what you’ll need before you preheat the oven.

Fresh Strawberries: Choose ripe, sweet berries for the most vibrant flavor and beautiful ruby-red color in your Strawberry Upside Down Cake.
Brown Sugar: Adds caramel-like sweetness that melts into the strawberries for a sticky, irresistible topping.
Unsalted Butter: Essential in both the topping and the cake, butter gives richness, moisture, and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of the cake for just the right structure and crumb.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake and ensures the crumb stays light and delicate.
Large Eggs: These bind everything together and add tenderness to the cake.
Milk: Brings moisture and helps the batter come together smoothly.
Baking Powder: Gives the cake its lovely lift and airy profile.
Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavors with warm, comforting aroma.
Salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the other flavors and balance the sweetness.

How to Make Strawberry Upside Down Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9-inch round cake pan. This little bit of prep makes sure your Strawberry Upside Down Cake pops out perfectly, with all that glorious fruit glistening on top.

Step 2: Make the Topping

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt together the butter and brown sugar, stirring until they’re deliciously combined and slightly bubbling. Pour this fragrant caramel directly into the bottom of your prepared pan, then arrange the sliced strawberries on top in a gorgeous, even layer. This becomes the picture-perfect crowning glory of your cake.

Step 3: Mix the Cake Batter

In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy—it’s worth spending a couple extra minutes here for a super tender cake. Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is well incorporated. Pour in the milk and vanilla extract, blending just enough to combine and infuse the batter with rich, vanilla notes.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Grab another bowl and whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt to distribute the leavening evenly. Gently fold these dry ingredients into your wet mixture, stirring just until no streaks of flour remain. The gentle touch helps keep the crumb delicate and airy.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Pour the smooth batter right over your strawberries in the pan, spreading it out evenly. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell like cozy, strawberry bliss!

Step 6: Cool and Flip

Once out of the oven, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes—this helps everything set just enough for the grand reveal. Then, gently flip the cake onto a serving plate, lift the pan, and admire your glistening, irresistible Strawberry Upside Down Cake.

How to Serve Strawberry Upside Down Cake

Garnishes

Go beyond the basics by adding a sprinkle of powdered sugar, a handful of fresh mint leaves, or a swirl of softly whipped cream. Even a few whole strawberries scattered around the plate makes your Strawberry Upside Down Cake look utterly festive and ready for a special occasion.

Side Dishes

Pair your cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, tangy Greek yogurt, or even a dollop of crème fraîche. The creamy chill from these sides plays beautifully against the warm, sweet strawberries, making every bite feel indulgent.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving slices of cake in individual bowls drizzled with warm strawberry sauce or cut mini rounds with a biscuit cutter and stack them for eye-catching single-serve desserts. Strawberry Upside Down Cake also looks gorgeous on a rustic wooden platter with fresh berries.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Your Strawberry Upside Down Cake can be kept at room temperature for a day, but for maximum freshness, pop it in the fridge, where it will stay lovely for up to three days.

Freezing

To freeze, cool the cake completely and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. It freezes well for up to two months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bring it to room temperature before serving to revive that fresh-baked taste.

Reheating

A quick zap in the microwave for 10–15 seconds per slice will bring your Strawberry Upside Down Cake back to life, restoring that soft, cozy crumb and the warmth that pairs so well with the strawberries.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and drain them well before using, as extra moisture can affect the texture of your cake. The flavor will still shine through, making Strawberry Upside Down Cake work year-round.

Why did my cake stick to the pan?

Even with a good coating of butter or nonstick spray, sugar toppings can sometimes stick. Letting the cake rest for 10 minutes before flipping really helps, as does running a blunt knife around the edge before inverting.

Can I make this gluten-free?

You can swap the all-purpose flour for a one-to-one gluten-free blend—just keep an eye out in case you need to adjust baking time slightly. The cake will still be moist and bursting with strawberry flavor.

What if I want to use a different fruit?

Feel free to get creative! Peaches, blueberries, or even a mix of berries make excellent stand-ins or additions. The upside down style of cake is all about celebrating what’s fresh and in season.

Can I double the recipe for a larger group?

Definitely! Simply double all the ingredients and use a 9×13-inch pan instead. Baking time may be a bit longer, so make sure to check for doneness with a toothpick.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re baking for a celebration or just to brighten an ordinary day, Strawberry Upside Down Cake brings sunshiny flavors and easy elegance to your kitchen. Don’t wait for berry season—grab those strawberries and whip up some sweet magic that’s guaranteed to impress!