Upside-Down Strawberry Cake: A Show-Stopping Dessert for Your Book Club

Delight your book club members with this Upside-Down Strawberry Cake, an elegant and mouthwatering dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Fresh strawberries arranged in a stunning spiral under a fluffy, buttery cake make for a visually appealing and flavor-packed treat. It’s the perfect centerpiece for any gathering where books and good food come together.

Why You’ll Love This

This cake offers a perfect balance of sweet and tart with its caramelized strawberry topping and tender vanilla cake base. The strawberries become soft and jammy while baking, infusing their natural juices into the cake, adding extra moisture and flavor. This cake is not only a treat for the taste buds but also for the eyes, making it an instant hit for any occasion.

Perfect Occasion

Ideal for a book club meeting, afternoon tea, or any social gathering, this Upside-Down Strawberry Cake will surely spark conversation and admiration. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea, making it a great choice for leisurely afternoons spent discussing your latest read.

Decoration Tips

Once the cake is flipped and served upside down, consider garnishing the top with fresh strawberry slices or mint leaves to enhance its visual appeal. A light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving can also add a touch of elegance.

• Ingredients:
  • Strawberries, cut in half
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 large egg, at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup milk
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F). Line a 9-inch round pan (springform recommended) with parchment paper on the bottom. Grease the sides of the pan and the parchment paper thoroughly.
  2. Arrange the sliced strawberries in a spiral pattern at the bottom of the pan. Set aside.
  3. In a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, and pale in color.
  4. Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add the vanilla extract and the egg, mixing on high speed until smooth and fluffy.
  5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  6. Add half of the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Pour in the milk and mix until just incorporated. Add the remaining dry ingredients, mixing until just combined and no streaks of flour remain.
  7. Carefully spread the cake batter over the strawberries in the pan, ensuring not to disturb the arrangement.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
  9. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan. Run a knife along the edge of the pan, then carefully invert the cake onto a serving plate to serve upside down.

Enjoy this Upside-Down Strawberry Cake at your next book club meeting and watch as it becomes the topic of conversation, second only to the book itself!