Strawberry Rhubarb Upside Down Cake

Photo of author
Author: Olivia
Published:
Delicious strawberry rhubarb upside down cake topped with fresh berries

introduction

This Strawberry Rhubarb Upside Down Cake is a simple, homey dessert with sweet strawberries and tart rhubarb under a soft cake. It bakes fruit first in the pan, then a batter goes on top so the fruit becomes a glossy topping when you flip the cake. If you like fruit desserts, try this blueberry muffin strawberry shortcake recipe for another easy treat.

why make this recipe

Make this cake if you want a quick fruit dessert that looks fancy but is easy to make. It uses common ingredients and one pan. The mix of sweet and tart is fresh and bright. Serve it warm with ice cream or whip cream for a simple finish.

how to make Strawberry Rhubarb Upside Down Cake

Start by preparing the fruit and putting it in the bottom of a greased cake pan. Make a smooth batter and pour it over the fruit. Bake until a toothpick comes out clean. Let it cool a few minutes, then invert the cake onto a plate so the fruit becomes the top. Keep steps steady and do not overmix the batter.

Ingredients :

2 cups strawberries, hulled and halved, 2 cups rhubarb, chopped, 1 cup sugar, 1/4 cup butter, melted, 1 cup flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 cup milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 egg

Directions :

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a round cake pan. In a bowl, mix strawberries, rhubarb, and 1/2 cup sugar. Spread evenly in the bottom of the prepared pan. In another bowl, combine melted butter, remaining sugar, flour, baking powder, salt, milk, vanilla, and egg. Mix until smooth. Pour batter over the fruit mixture in the pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow to cool for a few minutes before inverting onto a serving plate. Serve warm or at room temperature with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Store by covering with plastic wrap or placing in an airtight container.

how to serve Strawberry Rhubarb Upside Down Cake

Serve warm or at room temperature. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream pairs well. Cut into wedges and use a wide spatula to lift each slice so the fruit topping stays in place.

how to store Strawberry Rhubarb Upside Down Cake

Cover the cooled cake with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Store at room temperature for 1 day or in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat slices briefly in the microwave for a warm serving.

tips to make Strawberry Rhubarb Upside Down Cake

  • Cut fruit into even pieces so it cooks evenly.
  • Do not overmix the batter; mix until just smooth.
  • Let the cake cool 5–10 minutes before flipping to avoid breaking.
  • Use a nonstick pan or line the bottom with parchment for easier release.
  • If rhubarb is very tart, add a little more sugar to the fruit mix.

variation (if any)

  • Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the fruit for warm spice.
  • Swap half the strawberries for raspberries or blueberries.
  • Use brown sugar in the fruit layer for a caramel note.
  • Make mini cakes in muffin tins for single servings.

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen strawberries or rhubarb?
A: Yes. Thaw and drain excess liquid before mixing with sugar so the cake is not too wet.

Q: Can I use oil instead of butter?
A: You can replace melted butter with a mild-tasting oil in the batter, but the fruit layer may lose a bit of richness.

Q: How do I know when the cake is done?
A: Insert a toothpick into the cake center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: You can bake it a day ahead and store it covered in the fridge. Warm slightly before serving if you prefer it warm.

Q: Can I double the recipe for a larger pan?
A: Yes, but adjust baking time and use a larger pan. Check doneness with a toothpick and add time as needed.

Print
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Strawberry Rhubarb Upside Down Cake

  • Author: arianarecipes
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A delightful dessert featuring sweet strawberries and tart rhubarb under a soft cake, this upside down cake is simple yet impressive.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups strawberries, hulled and halved
  • 2 cups rhubarb, chopped
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup butter, melted
  • 1 cup flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 egg

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a round cake pan.
  2. Mix strawberries, rhubarb, and 1/2 cup sugar in a bowl.
  3. Spread the fruit mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared pan.
  4. Combine melted butter, remaining sugar, flour, baking powder, salt, milk, vanilla, and egg in another bowl.
  5. Mix until smooth.
  6. Pour the batter over the fruit mixture in the pan.
  7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  8. Cool for a few minutes before inverting onto a serving plate.
  9. Serve warm or at room temperature with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Notes

For best results, cut fruit into even pieces, do not overmix the batter, and let the cake cool before flipping to avoid breaking.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 20g
  • Sodium: 200mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg

Ariana’s Delicious Moments
Hi, I’m Ariana!

A self-taught home cook who loves creating everyday recipes that are simple, flavorful, and family-friendly. This blog is where I share the meals I actually make from quick weeknight dinners to sweet weekend treats.Let’s cook together!

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