This Strawberry Upside Down Cake is a beautiful, moist, and fruity dessert that’s bursting with juicy strawberries and sweet, buttery flavor. It’s an elegant twist on the classic pineapple version — but with vibrant strawberries that make every bite taste like summer! ☀️🍰
Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, Valentine’s Day, or just a cozy weekend treat, this cake looks stunning and tastes even better.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Cake
✅ Gorgeous presentation — the strawberries caramelize beautifully on top.
✅ Buttery, tender cake that stays moist for days.
✅ Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients.
✅ Perfect balance of tart fruit and sweet cake.
🍓 Ingredients
For the Strawberry Layer:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
For the Cake Batter:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (or coconut oil for a lighter version)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar (or ½ cup pure maple syrup)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk (or buttermilk for extra richness)
🧁 Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Make the Strawberry Layer
Pour the melted butter into the bottom of the pan.
Sprinkle evenly with brown sugar.
Arrange the sliced strawberries over the sugar mixture in a single, decorative layer. Set aside. 🍓
Step 3: Make the Cake Batter
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar (or maple syrup) until light and fluffy.
Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Stir in vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined — do not overmix.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
Pour the cake batter over the strawberries in the pan.
Spread gently and evenly using a spatula to ensure it covers all the fruit.
Step 5: Bake
Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes.
Carefully run a knife around the edges to loosen, then invert the cake onto a serving plate while it’s still warm.
Step 6: Cool & Serve
Let the cake cool slightly before slicing.
Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of fresh strawberry sauce. 😍
🌟 Tips & Variations
✨ For a deeper flavor, add 1 teaspoon lemon zest or a splash of almond extract to the batter.
✨ You can use frozen strawberries, just thaw and drain them first.
✨ Substitute part of the flour with almond flour for a nutty twist.
✨ Drizzle white chocolate over the cooled cake for extra decadence.
🍰 Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds before serving for that fresh-from-the-oven flavor.
💕 Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Upside Down Cake is simple yet impressive — soft, buttery, and loaded with caramelized strawberries that make every bite unforgettable. It’s the perfect dessert to brighten your table and bring a smile to everyone’s face.
Print
🍓 Strawberry Upside Down Cake
Ingredients
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted (or coconut oil)
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced (about 1 pint)
• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free 1:1 blend)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil or melted butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a 9-inch cast-iron skillet or round baking pan, melt butter. Stir in brown sugar until dissolved.
- Arrange strawberry slices in a single layer over the sugar mixture, overlapping slightly.
- In a bowl, whisk flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat eggs, then mix in milk, oil, and vanilla. Gradually add dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Carefully pour batter over strawberries.
- Bake 35–40 minutes, until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Flip immediately: Let cool 5–10 minutes. Place a large plate over the pan and invert carefully. Lift off the pan to reveal the glossy strawberry topping!
✨ Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream!
💡 Make ahead: Best served fresh, but leftovers keep at room temp for 2 days. Reheat gently.
PREP TIME & NUTRITION :
Prep Time : 15 mins , Cook Time : 40 mins , Total Time : 55 mins , Servings : 8 slices , Calories : 280 per slice , Net Carbs: 38g , Fats: 11g , Protein: 4g