Fresh Strawberry Upside Down

If you have a box of cake mix and fresh strawberries, this upside down cake makes a colorful and crowd-pleasing treat for spring or summer gatherings. The luscious berry topping bakes right into a moist yellow cake, making each slice sweet and nostalgic. In Florida strawberry season, I find myself making this every weekend for neighbors and friends who all ask for seconds.

I started making this when we got our first bumper crop of berries in the backyard patch. The marshmallow layer gives it a wonderful gooey texture and even the pickiest kids loved it.

Ingredients

• Fresh strawberries: chopped or crushed choose berries that are deeply red and fragrant for the most flavor
• Strawberry flavored gelatin: this pumps up the berry taste and also helps create a pretty glazed effect on the top
• Miniature marshmallows: they melt into the strawberry layer making it fluffy and gooey
• Yellow cake mix: any classic style works but look for one with a rich buttery flavor for best results
• Water: helps keep the cake moist and light
• Large eggs: for structure and richness fresh eggs will give the cake the best rise
• Vegetable oil: creates a super tender crumb use a neutral oil for a clean taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the dish:

Lightly grease a 9 by 13 inch baking dish so the cake unmolds easily later

Layer the strawberries and topping:

Scatter the crushed strawberries evenly on the bottom of the dish then sprinkle the dry gelatin on top of the berries and cover with mini marshmallows in a single layer

Mix the cake batter:

Combine cake mix water eggs and oil in a large bowl use an electric mixer on low speed for about 30 seconds until everything is just moistened then turn up to medium and beat for 2 minutes for a smooth fluffy batter

Pour and bake:

Carefully pour the cake batter over the marshmallow layer try not to disturb the fruit layer too much smooth with a spatula if needed then bake at 350 degrees F for about 40 to 50 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean

Cool and unmold:

Let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes this helps the topping firm up then run a knife around the edges and carefully invert the cake onto a large serving plate so the strawberry side is facing up

Save

One of my favorite memories is serving this cake at my daughter’s birthday one spring we ended up with sticky fingers and big smiles all around because nobody could wait for plates

Storage Tips

Keep any leftover cake in the fridge covered tightly so the topping stays moist and bright It will keep well for three days Simply cut a slice and let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before serving for best flavor

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find fresh strawberries try using thawed frozen berries and drain off any extra juice A white or even lemon cake mix works in a pinch for a twist on the flavor If you are out of gelatin half a cup of strawberry jam could be used instead for a different but still gooey effect

Serving Suggestions

I love topping each slice with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream This cake looks festive on a spring dessert buffet and is always a conversation starter at neighborhood barbecues

Cultural and Historical Context

Strawberry upside down cake is a playful spin on classic pineapple upside down cake and takes advantage of local berry harvests in early summer The addition of marshmallows is a vintage trick from Southern cooks that adds a uniquely fluffy texture after baking

Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes

→ How do I keep the cake from sticking to the pan?

Grease the baking dish well and run a knife around the edges before inverting. Cool for about 15 minutes first to help it release.

→ Can I use frozen strawberries?

Fresh strawberries work best for flavor and texture, but frozen berries can be used if well drained to avoid excess moisture.

→ Is it necessary to refrigerate the finished cake?

Yes, refrigerating helps set the fruit layer and preserves freshness, especially with the gelatin and marshmallows.

→ Can I substitute other cake flavors for the yellow cake mix?

Yes, white or strawberry-flavored cake mixes are great alternatives for varied flavors and colors.

→ How long does the cake last after baking?

Stored in the refrigerator, it remains fresh for up to three days. Cover tightly to prevent drying out.

→ Do I need to prepare the gelatin first?

No, simply sprinkle the gelatin powder directly over the strawberries before baking; it will set as the cake bakes.