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Rhubarb Upside Down Cake
If you’re looking for an easy spring dessert that makes the most of fresh rhubarb season, this Rhubarb Upside Down Cake is always a favorite. The combination of tart rhubarb, sweet gelatin, gooey marshmallows, and fluffy cake creates a soft, fruity dessert that’s simple to make with pantry staples.
This old-fashioned rhubarb cake recipe starts with layers of chopped rhubarb tossed with flavored gelatin and sugar, then topped with marshmallows and cake batter. As it bakes, the rhubarb softens into a sweet-tart filling that pairs perfectly with whipped topping or vanilla ice cream.
One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can use strawberry, raspberry, cherry, or watermelon gelatin for slightly different flavors each time. Fresh or frozen rhubarb both work well, making this an easy dessert to enjoy throughout rhubarb season. Rhubarb is especially popular in spring and early summer when the stalks are at their peak flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Rhubarb Cake
- Easy semi-homemade dessert
- Great use for fresh garden rhubarb
- Sweet and tart flavor combination
- Perfect for potlucks and family gatherings
- Can be made with fresh or frozen rhubarb
- Delicious served warm with whipped cream or ice cream
Tips for the Best Rhubarb Upside Down Cake
- If using frozen rhubarb, thaw and drain it well before baking to prevent excess moisture.
- Lining the pan with parchment paper or foil makes flipping the cake much easier.
- Be careful not to overfill the pan.
- Let the cake cool for about 10 minutes before inverting so the topping stays together better.
- For extra flavor, try using French vanilla or butter cake mix.
Rhubarb naturally contains a lot of moisture, so draining frozen rhubarb well helps keep the cake from becoming soggy.
Rhubarb Upside Down Cake
Ingredients
- 5 cups chopped rhubarb
- 1 (6 oz.) package of Jell-O gelatin (strawberry, raspberry, cherry, or watermelon)
- ½ cup sugar
- 3 cups miniature marshmallows
- 1 package white or yellow cake mix (full size), prepared as batter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 13″x9″ baking pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil and then spray with non-stick spray.
- In a large bowl, mix together the chopped rhubarb, dry gelatin, and sugar. Spread evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
3. Sprinkle miniature marshmallows evenly over the rhubarb mixture.
4. Prepare the cake mix according to the package directions, then pour the batter over the marshmallow layer.
5. Bake for 35–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Cool for 10 minutes. If desired, carefully invert the cake onto a serving platter before serving.
7. Serve warm or chilled with whipped topping or vanilla ice cream.
Variations
- Use sugar-free gelatin for a lower-sugar version.
- Swap the boxed cake mix for your favorite homemade vanilla cake batter.
- Add sliced strawberries for a strawberry-rhubarb twist.
- Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the rhubarb layer before baking.
How to Store Leftovers
Store leftover cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This cake also tastes great cold straight from the fridge. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 15–20 seconds if desired.
Can You Freeze Rhubarb Upside Down Cake?
Yes! Allow the cake to cool completely, then wrap it tightly and freeze it for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
This easy rhubarb dessert is one of those nostalgic recipes that’s perfect for spring baking season. Whether you’re using rhubarb from your garden or picking some up at the store, this simple upside-down cake is always a crowd-pleaser.
Rhubarb Upside Down Cake
Ingredients
- 5 cups chopped rhubarb
- 1 (6 oz.) package of jello gelatin (strawberry, raspberry, cherry, or watermelon )
- ½ cup sugar
- 3 cups miniature marshmallows
- 1 package white or yellow cake mix (full size) prepared to batter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°. Line a 13"x 9" pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil and spray with non-stick spray.
- Mix together the chopped rhubarb, dry gelatin, and sugar. Pour in the bottom of the prepared pan. Top with miniature marshmallows.
- Prepare cake mix according to package directions; pour batter over the marshmallow layer.
- Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 35-45 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes; if desired invert the cake onto a serving plate. Serve with whipped topping or ice cream if desired.
Nutrition
- NO WARP DURABILITY: This nonstick 9x13 cake pan features heavy-duty construction that resists warping and heats evenly to brown beautifully and help reduce hot spots
- THOUGHTFULLY DESIGNED: Responsibly made without PFAS, PFOA, lead, or cadmium. Product design does not involve intentionally adding to the interior nonstick coating any of these substances which may otherwise be present in the environment
- CRANK UP THE HEAT: Nonstick cake pan is oven safe to 450 degrees F, great for roasting and baking needs, making this one of the best all-around cake pans for baking in the kitchen
- EASY CLEANING: This baking dish is dishwasher safe for easy cleanup, hand wash recommended for best performance
- QUALITY ASSURANCE GUARANTEE: A quality 9 x 13 baking pan for the kitchen
- 9 x 13 inch rectangular cake pan; made from aluminized steel; a mix of steel for strength and durability and aluminum for superior heat conductivity; oven safe to 450°F
- USA Pan baking pans feature our proprietary silcone nonstick coating which promotes quick release of baked goods plus fast and super easy clean up
- Our rectangular baking pan features unique corrugated surface; facilitates air flow for quick release and evenly baked goods
- Measures 9 x 13 x 2. 25 inches; Made in the USA from globally sourced materials
- USA Pan is a Bundy family company which has proudly manufactured high quality bakeware and provided jobs in the USA for over 60 years
- Package Includes: One (1) Reynolds Kitchens Unbleached Parchment Paper Roll measuring 45 feet long by 12 inches wide (45 square feet total)
- Easy and Quick Cleanup: The 12-inch wide baking parchment paper easily lines most sheet pans and cookie sheets for easy clean-up
- Unbleached and Chlorine-Free: This unbleached parchment paper is made with 75% unbleached fibers and 0% chlorine bleaching
- Dependable, Non-Stick, and Versatile: Reynolds parchment paper can be used for cooking, baking, and in the microwave, and is oven-safe up to 425 degrees Fahrenheit
- Quality Parchment Paper: Reynolds parchment paper is your go-to solution for easy cooking and clean-up
- CAKE MIX: Bake a delicious, moist white cake dessert for gatherings, parties, or entertaining family and guests
- QUICK AND EASY: Make a cake by just adding a few simple ingredients as directed and popping in the oven
- ENDLESS OPTIONS: Add your own twist to these mixes by trying Betty Crocker recipes; Turn this cake mix into a festive family activity by adding Betty Crocker Frosting or a cake decorating kit
- DELICIOUS & SPONGY: Enjoy the sweetness of this versatile cake mix and make it your own
- CONTAINS: One 14.25 oz box of Betty Crocker Favorites Super Moist White Cake Mix
- BETTY CROCKER CAKE MIX: With Betty Crocker, it's easy to bake a vanilla naturally and artificially flavored cake for dessert or just because; It's America's #1 Cake Mix brand (based on 52 weeks of Nielsen sales data for dry cake mixes ending 4/05/25)
- QUICK AND EASY: Make a cake by just adding a few simple ingredients as directed and popping in the oven; A convenient time saver in the kitchen
- ENDLESS OPTIONS: Add your own twist to our cake mixes by using as a cupcake mix, trying trusted Betty Crocker recipes, or topping with a different Betty Crocker Frosting every time
- DELICIOUS AND MOIST: Use this versatile cake mix to whip up delicious, moist cake as part of everyday moments or sweet celebrations; Ideal for making a birthday cake
- CONTAINS: Twelve 13.25 oz boxes of Betty Crocker Favorites Super Moist Vanilla Flavored Cake Mix
- One 6 oz family sized box of Jell-O Cherry Artificially Flavored Gelatin Dessert Mix
- Jell-O Cherry Artificially Flavored Gelatin Dessert Mix is a sweet treat on its own as well as a perfect ingredient for desserts
- Red Jell-O contains 90 calories per serving
- To prepare, add 2 cups boiling water to gelatin mix, stir 2 minutes until completely dissolved, stir in 2 cups cold water, then refrigerate 4 hours or until firm
- Each Jell-O gelatin dessert mix is individually packaged in a sealed pouch for freshness
- One 6 oz family sized box of Jell-O Strawberry Artificially Flavored Gelatin Dessert Mix
- Jell-O Strawberry Artificially Flavored Gelatin Dessert Mix is a sweet treat on its own as well as a perfect ingredient for desserts
- Red Jell-O contains 90 calories per serving
- To prepare, add 2 cups boiling water to gelatin mix, stir 2 minutes until completely dissolved, stir in 2 cups cold water, then refrigerate 4 hours or until firm
- Each Jell-O gelatin dessert mix is individually packaged in a sealed pouch for freshness
