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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
- 13 X 9-INCH BAKE & ROAST PAN: Ensures a perfect bake every time for your favorite recipes, and it is the ideal size for a full box of cake, brownie, or other dessert mixes
- VERSATILE USES: Great for roasting chicken and vegetables as well as making lasagnas, casseroles, roasts, biscuits, and side dishes
- SCRATCH-RESISTANT NONSTICK COATING: Nonstick coating provides excellent release while also making clean up quick and easy
- METAL-SPATULA SAFE: Safe for use with metal utensils so you can bake and serve all on one pan
- MADE WITH DURABLE STEEL: Measures 13" x 9" x 2" and is made with heavy duty gauge steel to resist warping and offer high quality baking for years to come
- 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
- What You Get: One 15.25 oz. box of Duncan Hines Perfectly Moist Classic White Cake Mix
- Flavors You Crave: Perfectly moist cake even more delicious when topped with frosting and sprinkles
- Celebrate Anytime: Perfect for birthdays, graduations, baby showers, and other celebrations, as well as potlucks, school events, and everyday family desserts
- Easy Prep: Simply add water, egg whites, and vegetable oil to this cake mix made with no artificial color dyes¹, then stir, pour, and bake. ¹No FD&C colors
- Versatile Options: Each 15.25 oz. box makes two 8 or 9-inch layer cakes, one 13 x 9-inch sheet cake, or 24 cupcakes—perfect for sharing
- The information below is per-pack only
- 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
- 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
