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With just some cake mix and a batch of fresh strawberries, you can whip up this bright upside down dessert that'll wow folks at summer or spring get-togethers. The juicy fruit bakes right into a buttery yellow cake, giving each bite a cozy, sweet kick. When it's strawberry time in Florida, my weekends turn into cake-sharing parties for neighbors—they always want more.
I started making this the first time our backyard berries went wild. The gooey layer from marshmallows gives it a chewy, melty bite—even my picky eaters went back for seconds.
Delicious Ingredients
- Yellow cake mix: any classic box will do—one with buttery notes tastes best
- Large eggs: grab fresh ones for a nice fluffy rise and a richer cake
- Vegetable oil: stick with something mild so the fruit really shines
- Water: keeps things tender and light
- Miniature marshmallows: these melt and give the topping that soft, gooey texture
- Strawberry flavored gelatin: brings the fruity zing and creates a glossy, pretty top
- Fresh strawberries: pick deeply colored, fragrant ones and either chop or crush them
Easy How-To Steps
- Cool and flip:
- Give the cake about 15 minutes to chill in the pan so things settle, then gently trace around the edges with a knife and flip onto a big platter so you see that strawberry top
- Pour and bake:
- Now, gently pour your batter over the marshmallows, trying to leave the fruit layer put. Smooth out the top if you want, then bake at 350°F for 40 to 50 minutes—poke it in the middle with a toothpick to check if it's done
- Mix your batter:
- In a big bowl, stir together cake mix, oil, water, and eggs—use a mixer on low for half a minute, then on medium for two more minutes till smooth and fluffy
- Layer up the good stuff:
- Start by scattering the crushed berries on the bottom of your greased 9x13 pan. Next, dust on the dry gelatin, and top with marshmallows in a single layer
- Get your pan ready:
- Lightly spray a 9x13 inch dish so your cake will pop out later without a hitch
Pin
I’ll never forget setting this out at my daughter’s birthday in the spring—sticky hands everywhere, grins on every face, nobody bothered with plates that day
Smart Storage Ideas
Pop leftovers in the fridge with a tight cover to keep the strawberry top moist and pretty. It'll stay yummy for up to three days. If you want the cake at its tastiest, let it sit out for about 20 minutes before serving.
Swap-Out Suggestions
Can’t get your hands on fresh strawberries? Frozen berries (thawed and well drained) work fine. Out of yellow cake mix? Give white or lemon a shot. If you don’t have gelatin, try using half a cup of strawberry jam to get that gooey feel—just a different spin.
How to Serve
I always go for whipped cream or vanilla ice cream on top. This makes any spring dessert spread look cheery, and it gets folks chatting at neighborhood cookouts.
Fun Facts & Backstory
This strawberry upside down creation is a fresh twist on the old-school pineapple classic, perfect when local berries are everywhere in early summer. Marshmallows baked in are a Southern grandma’s secret—makes the topping extra fluffy and fun.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I keep the cake from sticking to the pan?
Coat your pan really well with grease. Don’t forget to loosen the edges using a knife when you’re done baking—wait about 15 minutes so it releases easily.
- → Can I use frozen strawberries?
You can for sure use frozen ones if you drain them really well, but fresh berries make it extra tasty and not watery.
- → Is it necessary to refrigerate the finished cake?
Absolutely! Chilling helps the fruit and gelatin layer stay put, and keeps it nice and fresh, too.
- → Can I substitute other cake flavors for the yellow cake mix?
Yep, white or a strawberry cake mix swap in well if you want a new twist on taste and color.
- → How long does the cake last after baking?
If you store it covered in the fridge, it keeps nice for about three days. Just make sure it doesn’t dry out.
- → Do I need to prepare the gelatin first?
Nope! Just shake the dry gelatin over the strawberries before baking. The oven will do the work and get it all set up.