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Strawberry Upside Down Cake

Category: Let's Bake Something Wonderful

Lay strawberries, sprinkle dry jello and marshmallows, pour cake batter over everything. Bake for 50 minutes, cool, and flip for an upside-down delight.
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By Sophie Parker Sophie Parker
Updated on Thu, 20 Mar 2025 17:13:58 GMT
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Strawberry Upside Down Cake | tastybysophie.com

I discovered this strawberry upside down cake last year when faced with too many soon-to-spoil berries, and now it's my favorite treat to bring to gatherings! The mix of juicy strawberries, strawberry jello powder, and light white cake creates this amazing tangy-sweet taste that seems much fancier than the work it takes to make.

After tasting this at our summer block party, my neighbor wouldn't leave me alone until I shared how to make it. She couldn't believe something so tasty was actually so simple!

Ingredients Needed

  • White cake mix: Don't worry about which one - I've tried fancy brands and budget options with equally good outcomes.
  • Fresh strawberries: They're the centerpiece! Really ripe ones are best, but even firmer berries will soften up nicely while baking.
  • Strawberry jello: Just pour the dry mix over your berries - no need to prepare it first.
  • Mini marshmallows: They'll vanish during baking but leave behind an amazing sticky layer between cake and fruit.
Easy Strawberry Upside Down Cake Recipe Save
Easy Strawberry Upside Down Cake Recipe | tastybysophie.com

My Cooking Method

Getting Ready

I've learned that spray with flour (like Baker's Joy) works tons better than plain cooking spray. You don't want your beautiful berry topping stuck in the pan when you turn it over!

Handling Strawberries

I cut big strawberries into quarters and small ones in half for an even layer. Putting them cut-side down makes them look prettier once flipped. Leave small gaps between them so the jello can work its magic.

The Jello Trick

Dumping dry jello right onto the berries might seem odd, but trust me - it mixes with the strawberry juice while baking to make an awesome glaze. Just make sure you spread it around evenly.

The Big Flip

Let it cool about 20 minutes (no more!), then put your serving plate on top and flip everything over quickly but surely. If you wait too long, it'll stick to the pan.

At our family get-together, three people who said they didn't like strawberries ended up coming back for more! Something magical happens when you bake them this way - they transform completely.

Ways To Serve

This cake tastes great by itself, but try adding some freshly whipped cream to make it extra special. For a real treat, serve it slightly warm with vanilla ice cream. I've even brought it to brunches - fruit makes it okay for morning, right?

Custom Touches

Switch up the jello flavor - raspberry or cherry works wonderfully with strawberries. Try mixing different berries together - strawberries and blueberries are fantastic. Add a bit of almond extract to your cake mix for extra flavor. Toss some sliced almonds on the bottom of the pan before berries if you want some crunch.

Keeping It Fresh

The cake actually tastes better on day two after flavors blend together, though it looks prettiest right after making. Keep it in your fridge covered with plastic wrap (not aluminum foil which can mess with the berries). It stays good for about 3 days before getting too wet from the fruit.

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Strawberry Upside Down Cake Recipe | tastybysophie.com

Expert Advice

  • If your strawberries aren't very sweet, add a spoonful of sugar before the jello
  • Put parchment on the pan bottom to make sure nothing sticks
  • Dip your knife in hot water between slices for cleaner cuts

This cake has come to my rescue so many times when I needed something impressive without much work! There's nothing better than hearing everyone gasp when they see those beautiful red berries on top. It's perfect when you want people to think you worked really hard, when you actually spent just 10 minutes putting it together!

Recipe FAQs

→ Can frozen strawberries work here?
Absolutely, just thaw them fully and drain off any liquid so the cake texture isn’t messed up.
→ What flavor jello can I swap in?
Try raspberry or cherry for a similar vibe, or pick a fruit flavor that pairs well with your fruit.
→ Is this okay to make the night before?
Yep, but it’s best the day you bake it. If prepping early, chill in the fridge but let it reach room temp before serving.
→ Why do my marshmallows vanish?
They melt into a sticky-sweet layer during baking. Don’t worry—that’s how it’s supposed to work!
→ How do I tell if it’s done?
Stick a toothpick in the cake layer. If it comes out with crumbs but no wet batter, you’re good to go.

Easy strawberry cake flip

Fresh strawberries sit at the base, topped with dry cake mix, baked perfectly, and flipped for a tasty, eye-catching dessert.

Prep Time
5 min
Cook Time
50 min
Total Time
55 min
By Sophie Parker: Sophie Parker

Category: Sweet Kitchen

Skill Level: Beginner

Cuisine: American

Yield: 9 Servings (9 slices)

Dietary Preferences: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Cake Layer

01 1 package of white cake mix and any ingredients needed per box directions (likely eggs, oil, and water).

→ Fruit Layer

02 3 cups of mini marshmallows.
03 6 ounces of strawberry-flavored jello mix, powdered.
04 2 cups of fresh chopped strawberries.

Steps

Step 01

Set your oven to 350°F so it's hot and ready when you start baking.

Step 02

Make the white cake batter by following the instructions on the box. This should involve mixing it with eggs, oil, and water. Set it aside once it's smooth.

Step 03

Grease a 9×13 pan and spread chopped strawberries across the bottom in an even layer.

Step 04

Evenly spread the dry strawberry-flavored gelatin mix over the top of the fresh strawberries.

Step 05

Scatter mini marshmallows evenly on top of the strawberry and gelatin mixture so they cover the whole pan.

Step 06

Pour the prepared cake batter gently over the marshmallows, making sure it completely covers everything below.

Step 07

Place the pan in the oven and bake for about 50 minutes. To see if the cake is done, poke the center with a toothpick. It should come out clean (no sticky batter).

Step 08

Let the cake rest for 20 minutes to cool slightly. Slide a knife along the sides of the pan to loosen it, then cover the dish with a large plate and carefully flip it over so your cake lands strawberry-side up on the plate.

Notes

  1. Tastes best on the day it's baked for amazing texture and flavor.
  2. As the cake bakes, the marshmallows melt to form a gooey, sweet layer between the fruit and the cake.
  3. An awesome dessert choice for summer parties when ripe strawberries are easy to find.

Required Tools

  • A 9×13-inch pan.
  • Mixing bowl for the batter.
  • A large plate for serving.

Allergy Information

Check each ingredient for potential allergens and consult a healthcare professional if needed.
  • Includes wheat (from cake mix).
  • May contain eggs (if used in mix).
  • Could have dairy (depending on mix).

Nutritional Facts (per serving)

These details are provided for informational purposes and aren't a substitute for medical advice.
  • Calories: 387
  • Fats: 2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 89 g
  • Proteins: 5 g