Upside Down Strawberry Cake

Name: Upside Down Strawberry Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups fresh strawberries; 2 boxes strawberry Jell-O (3 oz each); 3 cups miniature marshmallows; 15.25 oz strawberry cake mix + ingredients as per package instructions; Cool Whip or homemade whipped cream

Published: July 14, 2025

by Aileen Reed

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This recipe uses a box cake mix, making it simple to whip up in no time.
Fruity Flavor: Fresh strawberries bring a burst of sweetness and flavor that elevates the cake.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party or a summer BBQ, this cake fits right in.
Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: With 16 servings, there’s plenty to share, ensuring everyone leaves happy.
Versatile Toppings: Serve with Cool Whip or homemade whipped cream for an extra creamy touch.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes preparing your Upside Down Strawberry Cake even easier. Below are essential items you’ll need to get started.

Essential Tools and Equipment

9×13 inch cake pan
Mixing bowl
Fork
Oven

Importance of Each Tool

9×13 inch cake pan: The perfect size for baking this delicious upside-down cake evenly.
Mixing bowl: Essential for combining your ingredients smoothly, ensuring no lumps remain.
Fork: Perfect for crushing strawberries quickly and easily.
Oven: A reliable oven is crucial for baking the cake to perfection.

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 into a greased 9×13 inch cake pan. Sprinkle strawberry Jell-O over the top of the strawberries. Then sprinkle the marshmallows over the Jell-O.

Step 2: Prepare the Cake Mix

Prepare cake mix according to package directions. Pour over the marshmallows.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Bake at 350 degrees for 40-50 minutes or until the cake tests done. Let sit for about 15 minutes before running a knife around the outside of the cake.

Step 4: Flip and Serve

Flip onto a serving tray and refrigerate until ready to serve. Enjoy with Cool Whip or homemade whipped cream! Store leftovers in the refrigerator.

How to Serve Upside Down Strawberry Cake

Serving your Upside Down Strawberry Cake is a delightful experience that can elevate any occasion. This cake pairs beautifully with various accompaniments that enhance its flavor and presentation.

With Fresh Strawberries

Slice fresh strawberries on top for added texture and flavor. This also creates a beautiful visual contrast against the cake.

A Dollop of Cool Whip

Adding a generous dollop of Cool Whip not only enhances taste but also adds a creamy element to each slice.

Drizzled Chocolate Sauce

A light drizzle of chocolate sauce can complement the sweetness of the strawberries, making for a decadent dessert.

Ice Cream on the Side

Serve with vanilla or strawberry ice cream for a classic pairing that adds creaminess to the dish.

Garnished with Mint Leaves

Fresh mint leaves can be used as a garnish, providing a refreshing hint that balances out the sweetness of the cake.

Served Chilled

For an extra refreshing touch, chill your cake before serving. It makes for a delightful treat on warm days.

How to Perfect Upside Down Strawberry Cake

To ensure your Upside Down Strawberry Cake turns out perfectly every time, follow these simple tips.

Use fresh strawberries: Fresh strawberries will provide the best flavor and texture. Avoid using frozen ones, as they can make the cake soggy.
Grease the pan well: Properly greasing the pan will help in easy removal of the cake without breaking it apart.
Follow package instructions: Stick to the instructions on the cake mix box for perfect results. This ensures the right texture and flavor balance.
Check for doneness: Use a toothpick to test if the cake is done. It should come out clean when inserted into the center.
Let it cool before flipping: Allowing the cake to cool slightly makes it easier to flip onto your serving tray without falling apart.
Experiment with toppings: Don’t hesitate to get creative with toppings like nuts or different flavored whipped creams for added depth.

Best Side Dishes for Upside Down Strawberry Cake

Pairing side dishes with your Upside Down Strawberry Cake can create an unforgettable meal experience. Here are some great options:

Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad can provide freshness and balance out the sweetness of the cake.
Pecan Pie: The nutty flavor from pecan pie complements the fruity notes in your cake wonderfully.
Cheese Platter: Include soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese for an interesting contrast to the sweet flavors.
Vanilla Custard: A scoop of vanilla custard adds richness and pairs excellently with strawberry flavors.
Lemon Sorbet: The tangy nature of lemon sorbet provides a refreshing palate cleanser after dessert.
Chocolate Mousse: For chocolate lovers, mousse offers a rich complement that contrasts nicely with strawberries.
Berry Compote: A warm berry compote served alongside enhances both visual appeal and flavor harmony.
Almond Biscotti: Crunchy almond biscotti makes for an elegant side that pairs well with coffee after dessert.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making an Upside Down Strawberry Cake can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are some mistakes to avoid for the best results.

Using stale strawberries: Fresh strawberries are essential. Always use ripe and fresh strawberries for better flavor and texture.
Not greasing the pan: Failing to grease your cake pan can result in a sticky mess. Make sure to coat your pan well with cooking spray or butter.
Skipping the cooling time: Allowing the cake to cool before flipping is crucial. Skipping this step can lead to a collapsed cake or uneven layers.
Overbaking the cake: Keep an eye on your cake while it bakes. Overbaking can dry it out, so check for doneness a few minutes early.
Ignoring ingredient measurements: Precision matters! Ensure you measure your ingredients accurately, especially when preparing the strawberry cake mix.

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container.
The cake will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Upside Down Strawberry Cake

Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
The cake can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Upside Down Strawberry Cake

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and cover the cake with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 20-30 seconds or until warm.
Stovetop: In a skillet over low heat, warm individual slices covered with a lid for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this an upside down strawberry cake?

The name comes from how it’s baked with strawberries on the bottom and flipped over after baking, creating a beautiful topping of fruit.

Can I use frozen strawberries in my upside down strawberry cake?

Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw and drain them before using to avoid excess moisture in your cake.

How do I customize my upside down strawberry cake?

Feel free to add nuts or other fruits like blueberries or raspberries for added flavor and texture.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

You can substitute the strawberry cake mix with a gluten-free version available at most grocery stores.

Final Thoughts

This Upside Down Strawberry Cake is not only easy to make but also versatile. Its sweet, fruity flavors make it perfect for any occasion. Don’t hesitate to customize it according to your taste preferences; adding different fruits or toppings can create new delightful variations! Try this recipe today and enjoy every delicious bite!

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