The upside-down strawberry cake cooked in a pan is a practical and quick dessert ideal for those who do not want to turn on the oven.
Cooking in a pan, besides being more economical, makes the cake moist and soft, while the caramelized strawberries on top add a touch of natural sweetness.
One of the main advantages of this preparation is its speed: in about twenty to twenty-five minutes, you get a dessert ready to serve, without the need for special equipment.
It is also a perfect solution for those with a kitchen without an oven or for those looking for a more practical and economical alternative compared to classic oven baking.
Its peculiarity lies in the cooking technique: the strawberries are placed at the bottom of the pan with a light layer of sugar, which caramelizes during cooking, creating a shiny, sweet, and fruity surface.
The strawberry cake is then turned upside down, showing the glazed fruit, and cooked for a few more minutes on the other side.
Ideal to serve as a breakfast, snack, or dessert for a meal.
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- Difficulty: Medium
- Cost: Economical
- Preparation time: 15 Minutes
- Portions: 8
- Cooking methods: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: Spring, Summer
Ingredients for the Upside-down Strawberry Cake in a Pan
- 9 oz strawberries
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/2 lemon
- 1 2/3 cups Type 1 flour
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup sunflower oil
- 2 eggs
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 packet vanillin
- 1 knob butter
Tools
- 1 Bowl
- 1 Spoon
- 1 Pan
- 1 Lid
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Sieve
Steps for Preparing the Upside-down Strawberry Cake in a Pan
To prepare the delicious upside-down strawberry cake cooked in a pan without an oven, WATCH THE VIDEO RECIPE
Start by thoroughly washing the fresh strawberries. Pat them dry with paper towels and set aside.
In another bowl, sift and mix the flour, baking powder, and vanillin.
Then add the sugar, milk, and sunflower oil and roughly mix with a wooden spoon before adding the eggs.
Continue mixing until you obtain a homogeneous mixture.
Butter a non-stick pan d.22 and pour in the strawberries with lemon juice and sugar. Cook for two minutes over low heat, then pour the batter on top, covering all the strawberries.
Cook over low heat with a lid for 10 minutes. Then, using a spatula, detach the edges and flip the cake to the other side, using a flat plate, and continue cooking over low heat with the lid on for another 10-15 minutes.
The cooking should be slow and low to allow the batter to cook evenly without burning on the bottom. The lid helps retain moisture, keeping the cake soft and promoting a baking effect similar to that of an oven, so it is essential not to remove it.
Before turning off the heat, perform the toothpick test; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready. Let it cool and gently place it on a serving plate.
The upside-down strawberry cake is now ready to be served… enjoy!
Tips and Storage
The choice of the pan is crucial: it must have a thick bottom to distribute heat evenly and a good non-stick coating to prevent the strawberries from sticking or burning.
Choose fresh quality strawberries, ripe but not too much.
The upside-down strawberry cake can be stored at room temperature for one day
Otherwise in the fridge for 2-3 days in an airtight container
You can also freeze it in slices wrapped in plastic wrap, separating them with parchment paper. It keeps up to 1 month; to eat it, just defrost it at room temperature or heat it for a few minutes in the pan.
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FAQ
Can I use another fruit instead of strawberries?
Yes! You can replace the strawberries with apples, pears, peaches, apricots, or pineapple. The important thing is that the fruit is not too watery and is slightly caramelized before adding the batter.
Is it possible to make a sugar-free version?
Yes, you can reduce the sugar in the batter or replace it with natural sweeteners like erythritol or agave syrup. To caramelize the fruit, you can use a small amount of honey or leave it natural.
How do I flip the cake without breaking it?
Use a large plate and flip the pan with a firm motion. If the cake doesn’t release immediately, tap the bottom of the pan a few times.

