Delight in the beauty of an Upside Down Strawberry Cake that’s perfect for any occasion! Whether it’s a family gathering, a picnic, or simply a treat for yourself, this cake combines vibrant strawberries with a fluffy cake base. It’s not only easy to make but also incredibly delicious, bringing a fresh burst of flavor to your dessert table.

Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- For the Cake Base
- For the Cake Mixture
- How to Make Upside Down Strawberry Cake
- Step 1: Prepare Strawberries
- Step 2: Add Jell-O and Marshmallows
- Step 3: Prepare Cake Mixture
- Step 4: Bake Your Cake
- Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- How to Serve Upside Down Strawberry Cake
- With Whipped Cream
- Pair with Fresh Fruits
- Add Ice Cream
- Drizzle with Sauce
- How to Perfect Upside Down Strawberry Cake
- Best Side Dishes for Upside Down Strawberry Cake
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing Upside Down Strawberry Cake
- Reheating Upside Down Strawberry Cake
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
- How do I make my cake more flavorful?
- Can I substitute other fruits in this recipe?
- What should I serve with my Upside Down Strawberry Cake?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Simple: With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up this stunning cake effortlessly.
- Bursting with Flavor: Fresh strawberries paired with strawberry Jell-O create a delightful taste that everyone will enjoy.
- Versatile Dessert: Perfect for parties, potlucks, or weeknight treats, this cake suits various occasions and preferences.
- Kid-Friendly: The fun layers and sweet flavors make it appealing to kids and adults alike!
- Customizable Options: You can easily substitute ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs.
Tools and Preparation
Gathering the right tools will streamline your baking experience. Here are some essential items you’ll need to create this delightful dessert.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 9×13 inch cake pan
- Mixing bowl
- Fork
- Oven
Importance of Each Tool
- 9×13 inch cake pan: This size is ideal for baking the entire recipe evenly and ensures your cake has enough room to rise.
- Mixing bowl: A sturdy mixing bowl allows you to combine ingredients without spills, making the process smoother.
- Fork: Using a fork to crush strawberries gives you better control over texture while infusing flavor into the cake.
- Oven: A reliable oven ensures that your cake bakes perfectly every time, giving it the right fluffiness.

Ingredients
To make this delightful Upside Down Strawberry Cake, gather the following ingredients:
For the Cake Base
- 2 c. fresh strawberries
- 2 boxes strawberry Jell-O (3 oz each)
- 3 c. miniature vegan marshmallows
For the Cake Mixture
- 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 Strawberries
- Take your two cups of strawberries and crush them with a fork.
- Pour the crushed strawberries into a greased 9×13 inch cake pan.
Step 2: Add Jell-O and Marshmallows
- Sprinkle strawberry Jell-O evenly over the top of the strawberries.
- Then sprinkle the vegan marshmallows over the Jell-O layer.
Step 3: Prepare Cake Mixture
- Prepare the strawberry cake mix according to package directions.
- Carefully pour the prepared cake mix over the layer of vegan marshmallows.
Step 4: Bake Your Cake
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Bake for 40-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Allow it to sit for about 15 minutes after baking.
- Run a knife around the outside edges of the cake to loosen it before flipping onto a serving tray.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Serve with Cool Whip or homemade whipped cream on top.
Enjoy each slice of this delicious Upside Down Strawberry Cake! Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for later enjoyment.
How to Serve Upside Down Strawberry Cake
Upside Down Strawberry Cake is a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a party or just treating yourself, these serving suggestions will enhance your cake experience.
With Whipped Cream
- Cool Whip: A classic and easy option that adds a rich, creamy layer to each slice.
- Homemade Whipped Cream: Freshly whipped cream elevates the dessert with a light and airy texture.
Pair with Fresh Fruits
- Sliced Strawberries: Fresh berries on the side complement the flavors and add a burst of freshness.
- Mixed Berries: A combination of blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries creates a colorful and delicious contrast.
Add Ice Cream
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy vanilla flavor pairs perfectly with the sweet strawberries.
- Coconut Milk Ice Cream: A dairy-free option that adds a tropical twist to your dessert.
Drizzle with Sauce
- Chocolate Sauce: A drizzle of chocolate brings decadence to your cake.
- Strawberry Sauce: Enhance the strawberry flavor by drizzling homemade or store-bought strawberry sauce over the top.
How to Perfect Upside Down Strawberry Cake
To make your Upside Down Strawberry Cake truly exceptional, consider these tips for perfection.
- Use Fresh Strawberries: Fresh fruit ensures maximum flavor and sweetness in your cake.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Gently fold in ingredients to maintain a light texture; overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
- Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick to test if the cake is baked through; it should come out clean when inserted into the center.
- Let it Rest Before Flipping: Allowing the cake to settle makes flipping easier and prevents breakage.
- Chill Before Serving: Refrigerating for at least an hour enhances flavors and makes slicing easier.
Best Side Dishes for Upside Down Strawberry Cake
Serving side dishes alongside your Upside Down Strawberry Cake can create a more balanced meal. Here are some great options:
- Vanilla Pudding: Creamy and smooth, this classic dessert pairs well with the fruity flavors of the cake.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits provides a healthy counterbalance to sweet cake.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a wholesome side that complements dessert well.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses offers a savory contrast to the sweetness of the cake.
- Nut Mix: A variety of nuts provides crunch and protein, making it an excellent snack option next to dessert.
- Herbed Salad Greens: Light greens tossed in vinaigrette offer freshness and acidity that balances the sweetness of the cake.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Creating an Upside Down Strawberry Cake can be easy, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Using the wrong pan size: Always use a 9×13 inch pan for even baking. A different size may lead to uneven cooking and a cake that doesn’t release properly.
- Not greasing the pan adequately: Make sure to grease the pan well. This prevents sticking and ensures your cake flips out smoothly.
- Skipping the cooling step: Allowing the cake to cool for about 15 minutes is crucial. Skipping this can cause the cake to break apart when flipped.
- Overbaking: Keep an eye on your cake as it nears the end of baking time. Overbaking can lead to a dry texture, ruining your delicious dessert.
- Ignoring ingredient temperatures: Use room temperature ingredients for best results. Cold ingredients can affect how well your cake rises and bakes.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover cake in an airtight container.
- It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing Upside Down Strawberry Cake
- Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
- The cake can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Upside Down Strawberry Cake
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place slices on a baking sheet and warm for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 20-30 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Place a slice in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm slowly for about 5-7 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re curious about making this delightful dessert, here are some frequently asked questions about Upside Down Strawberry Cake.
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Just make sure they are thawed and drained before using them in your recipe.
How do I make my cake more flavorful?
Consider adding vanilla extract or lemon zest to enhance the flavor of your Upside Down Strawberry Cake.
Can I substitute other fruits in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can replace strawberries with other berries or even peaches for a different fruity twist.
What should I serve with my Upside Down Strawberry Cake?
This cake pairs wonderfully with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience.
Final Thoughts
This Upside Down Strawberry Cake is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding different fruits or flavors according to your taste. We encourage you to try this delightful dessert and share it with family and friends!
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Upside Down Strawberry Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 slices 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful experience of making an Upside Down Strawberry Cake, a vibrant and flavorful dessert that’s perfect for any occasion! This cake features juicy strawberries paired with a moist cake base, creating a beautiful presentation and an explosion of taste in every bite. Ideal for family gatherings, picnics, or just as a sweet treat for yourself, this recipe is incredibly easy to follow and customizable to fit your dietary needs. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you’ll have a stunning dessert ready to impress your guests or satisfy your own cravings!
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh strawberries
- 2 boxes strawberry Jell-O (3 oz each)
- 3 cups miniature vegan marshmallows
- 15.25 oz strawberry cake mix (plus ingredients for preparation)
- Cool Whip or homemade whipped cream
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch cake pan.
- Crush the strawberries with a fork and spread them evenly in the greased pan.
- Sprinkle the strawberry Jell-O over the crushed strawberries, followed by the vegan marshmallows.
- Prepare the strawberry cake mix according to package directions and pour it over the marshmallow layer.
- Bake for 40-50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool for 15 minutes before flipping onto a serving tray.
- Chill in the refrigerator before serving, topped with Cool Whip or homemade whipped cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 100g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg