Fresh Strawberry Upside Down Cake Recipe

Fresh Strawberry Upside Down Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the sweetness of fresh strawberries with a buttery, moist cake. This Fresh Strawberry Upside Down Cake Recipe features a layer of juicy strawberries caramelized with sugar at the bottom, topped with a fluffy vanilla cake. Once baked and flipped, the strawberries create a beautiful and vibrant top layer, making this cake as visually appealing as it is delicious.

This dessert is perfect for summer when strawberries are in season, and it’s sure to impress at any gathering or as a sweet treat for your family.

Why You’ll Love This Fresh Strawberry Upside Down Cake Recipe

• Sweet & Fruity: The caramelized strawberries add a burst of sweetness that pairs perfectly with the light and fluffy cake.
• Visually Stunning: The upside-down effect creates a beautiful, colorful top layer of strawberries that’s sure to impress.
• Perfect for Summer: This cake is ideal for showcasing fresh, in-season strawberries.
• Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, this cake comes together quickly and looks like a work of art.

Key Ingredients for Fresh Strawberry Upside Down Cake

1. Fresh Strawberries

• Fresh strawberries are the star of this cake. Sliced strawberries create a juicy, sweet topping when caramelized with sugar and butter during baking.

2. Sugar

• Granulated sugar is used both in the strawberry layer and in the cake batter, adding sweetness and helping to create the caramelized fruit topping.

3. Butter

• Butter is essential for making the caramelized strawberry layer and for adding richness and moisture to the cake batter.

4. Vanilla Extract

• Vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the cake, giving it a warm and sweet aroma that complements the strawberries.

5. All-Purpose Flour

• All-purpose flour forms the base of the cake, providing structure while keeping the cake light and fluffy.

6. Baking Powder

• Baking powder helps the cake rise, ensuring a soft, tender crumb.

7. Eggs

• Eggs provide structure and richness, helping the cake hold together and stay moist.

8. Milk

• Milk adds moisture and helps create a smooth batter that results in a tender cake.

How to Make Fresh Strawberry Upside Down Cake

This fresh strawberry upside down cake is simple to make and results in a stunning dessert that’s bursting with flavor. Here’s how to prepare it:

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan. Slice 2 cups of fresh strawberries and arrange them in an even layer at the bottom of the cake pan.

Step 2: Make the Strawberry Caramel Layer

• In a small saucepan, melt 1/4 cup butter over medium heat. Stir in 1/2 cup sugar and cook for 1-2 minutes until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture starts to bubble. Pour this mixture over the sliced strawberries in the cake pan, ensuring the strawberries are evenly coated.

Step 3: Prepare the Cake Batter

• In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, and a pinch of salt. In a separate large bowl, cream together 1/2 cup butter and 3/4 cup sugar until light and fluffy. Add 2 large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with 1/2 cup milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Assemble the Cake

• Pour the cake batter over the strawberry layer in the cake pan, spreading it out evenly to cover the strawberries.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

• Bake the cake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.

Step 7: Cool and Flip

• Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Run a knife around the edges of the pan to loosen the cake, then carefully invert the cake onto a serving plate. Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Tips for Making the Best Fresh Strawberry Upside Down Cake

1. Use Fresh, Ripe Strawberries

• For the best flavor, use fresh, ripe strawberries. They will caramelize beautifully and create a juicy, sweet topping.

2. Don’t Overmix the Batter

• Mix the batter just until the ingredients are combined to avoid a dense cake. Overmixing can result in a tougher texture.

3. Let the Cake Cool Slightly Before Flipping

• Allow the cake to cool for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a plate. This ensures the caramelized strawberry layer stays intact.

4. Serve with Whipped Cream or Ice Cream

• For an extra indulgent treat, serve the cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

5. Store Leftovers Properly

• Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cake can be served cold or at room temperature.

Recipe Variations

1. Mixed Berry Upside Down Cake

• Swap out some of the strawberries for other berries like blueberries or raspberries for a mixed berry version of this cake.

2. Strawberry and Rhubarb Upside Down Cake

• Add chopped rhubarb along with the strawberries for a tart twist on the classic recipe.

3. Lemon Strawberry Upside Down Cake

• Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest to the cake batter for a bright, citrusy flavor that complements the sweetness of the strawberries.

4. Chocolate Strawberry Upside Down Cake

• Add 1/4 cup cocoa powder to the cake batter for a rich, chocolatey base that pairs beautifully with the strawberries.

FAQs: Fresh Strawberry Upside Down Cake

1. Can I Use Frozen Strawberries?

• Yes, you can use frozen strawberries if fresh ones aren’t available. Be sure to thaw and drain them well before using to prevent excess moisture in the cake.

2. Can I Make This Cake Ahead of Time?

• Yes, this cake can be made a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and bring it to room temperature before serving.

3. What Should I Serve with This Cake?

• Fresh strawberry upside down cake is delicious on its own, but it pairs beautifully with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of strawberry sauce.

4. Can I Freeze Strawberry Upside Down Cake?

• Yes, you can freeze the cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. To serve, thaw it in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before enjoying.