Strawberry Upside Down Cake in Cast Iron Skillet (Easy Recipe)

Some desserts are just meant to be baked in cast iron, and this strawberry upside down cake is one of them. Sweet, caramelized strawberries melt into a buttery topping that soaks into the cake beneath, creating the perfect bite every time. It’s rustic, it’s Southern, and it’s the kind of recipe that brings back memories of church potlucks, summer suppers, and Grandma’s kitchen.

The best part? You don’t need to be a pastry chef to make it. With a little butter, brown sugar, fresh strawberries, and a box of cake mix, you can whip up this show-stopping dessert in under an hour.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cast iron magic – creates a golden caramelized topping and evenly baked cake.
Shortcut friendly – uses a box of Betty Crocker Pineapple Supreme cake mix.
Sweet + tangy flavor – strawberries and caramelized sugar balance perfectly.
Beautiful presentation – flip it out for a stunning red berry topping.
Crowd pleaser – perfect for potlucks, holidays, and family gatherings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1/2 stick butter (softened) – for greasing skillet.
Brown sugar – enough to coat the buttered skillet bottom.
Fresh strawberries – sliced and arranged over the sugar.
1 box Betty Crocker Pineapple Supreme cake mix (or yellow cake mix).
Ingredients listed on cake mix box (usually eggs, oil, and water).

💡 Tip: Use very ripe strawberries for the sweetest, juiciest topping.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare skillet. Grease the bottom and sides of a 10-inch cast iron skillet with softened butter. Sprinkle brown sugar evenly to cover the bottom.
Add strawberries. Arrange sliced strawberries over the sugar in a single layer. Make it pretty – this will be the top of your cake!
Mix cake batter. In a bowl, prepare the cake mix according to box instructions.
Pour and bake. Pour batter over strawberries. Bake at 325°F for about 35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Flip and serve. Cool cake 5 minutes, then carefully invert onto a serving platter. Slice and enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Expert Tips & Troubleshooting

Cake sticking? Run a knife along skillet edges before flipping.
Want extra caramelization? Add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup with the brown sugar.
Like it tangier? Add a splash of lemon juice over the strawberries before baking.
Need more strawberry flavor? Stir freeze-dried strawberry powder into the cake mix.

Variations & Serving Ideas

Strawberry-Banana Upside Down Cake: Add banana slices with strawberries.
Berry Mix-Up: Use blueberries, blackberries, or raspberries along with strawberries.
Pineapple Twist: Mix fresh pineapple chunks with the strawberries.
Strawberry Shortcake Vibe: Serve slices with whipped cream on top.
Decadent Dessert: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Storage & Make-Ahead Notes

Refrigerator: Store covered up to 3 days.
Freezer: Wrap slices tightly and freeze up to 2 months.
Reheat: Warm in microwave or oven at low heat.
Make-Ahead: Bake in the morning, flip, and serve later that day.

FAQs

Do I need cast iron for this cake?
No, but cast iron caramelizes the sugar beautifully. A regular 9-inch cake pan works too.

Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, thaw and drain well before using to prevent excess liquid.

Why Pineapple Supreme mix?
It adds a subtle tangy-sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with strawberries. Yellow cake mix is a fine substitute.

Should I serve it warm or cold?
It’s delicious both ways, but warm slices with ice cream are heavenly

Conclusion

This strawberry upside down cake in cast iron skillet is everything a Southern dessert should be: simple, sweet, and full of charm. With caramelized strawberries on top and a moist, buttery cake beneath, it’s a treat that looks as beautiful as it tastes. Whether you’re baking for Sunday dinner, a potluck, or just a weeknight treat, this recipe will earn a spot in your cast iron dessert collection.

Have you ever tried an upside down cake with strawberries? 🍓 Share your twist in the comments, and don’t forget to pin this recipe for later!