This Rhubarb Raspberry Upside-Down Cake is such a treat! If you’re looking for a dessert that balances sweet and tart perfectly, this one’s for you. The rhubarb adds a zing, while the raspberries provide a vibrant pop of flavor. Every bite feels like spring on your tongue. Baking this cake fills your kitchen with the warm aroma that makes everyone curious and excited to taste.
It’s not just about the flavors, though. The gorgeous presentation with layers of fruit peeking through a fluffy cake will impress anyone at your table. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dessert and fancy enough for celebrations. Let me walk you through the steps to create this delicious masterpiece that will have your friends asking for seconds!
Why This Recipe Works
This Rhubarb Raspberry Upside-Down Cake is a delightful blend of textures and flavors, ensuring a moist and flavorful outcome. The cake features ground almonds, which lighten its structure just right. Meanwhile, the bright raspberries provide a vibrant contrast to the tart rhubarb, creating an irresistible taste experience. So, with the sweet caramel layer sitting atop these fruits, each bite finds harmony between tangy and sweet, making this cake wonderfully unique.
Why You’ll Love This Rhubarb Raspberry Upside-Down Cake
With its stunning presentation and moist texture, this cake is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a visual delight. When you slice into it, you’re met with colorful layers that promise a smile. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy family dessert, this cake never fails to impress the guests. From its eye-catching appearance to the comforting flavors, each slice offers a delicious diversion from standard desserts.

Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- 1 lb fresh rhubarb, cut into ½ to 4-inch pieces
- 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen raspberries
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 ½ cups bleached all-purpose flour
- ½ cup ground almonds
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon Diamond Crystal fine kosher salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- ⅓ cup sour cream (14% fat) or full-fat Greek yogurt
Preparing Your Pan

Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
Start by preheating the oven to 325°F. Grab a 9-inch springform pan and line its bottom with parchment paper. Give it a good buttering too. To avoid any possible leaks, wrap the outside of the pan with aluminum foil. This simple step ensures a worry-free baking experience!
Making the Caramel Layer
Create the Caramel Sauce
In a saucepan, melt the 4 tablespoons of butter alongside the ½ cup of light brown sugar until it’s bubbly. Stir constantly for about 2 minutes. After it bubbles nicely, pour this decadent mix into the prepared pan. Make sure to smooth it out to form an even layer as this will create a delicious top later!
Preparing the Fruit Mixture
Combine Rhubarb and Raspberries
In a medium bowl, combine your rhubarb and raspberries, tossing them gently with ½ cup of granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. This mixture will need to rest for a bit. This allows the flavors to meld, so just let it hang out while you move to the next steps.
Making the Cake Batter
Prepare the Cake Batter Ingredients
In a clean bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups of flour, ½ cup of ground almonds, 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Keep this mixture aside for now.
Cream Butter and Sugar
Now, grab your electric mixer and cream together 1 cup of unsalted butter with 1 ¼ cups of granulated sugar. Once this is fluffy and light, add in 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Then, crack in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition for the best texture.
Combine Dry Ingredients and Yogurt
Next, alternate adding the dry mixture and ⅓ cup of sour cream, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Just mix until everything is combined. The goal is a smooth batter without mixing too much.
Assembling the Cake
Layer the Fruit
Take your prepared fruit mixture and arrange it evenly over the caramel layer in the pan. Pour any delicious juices on top of the fruit for even more flavor!
Add the Cake Batter
Dollop the cake batter over the fruit layer. Use a spatula to smooth the top without disturbing the beautifully arranged fruit below. Finally, tap the pan gently on the counter to release any trapped air pockets.
Baking the Cake
Bake to Perfection
Place your creation in the preheated oven. You’ll want to bake it for about 1 hour 40 minutes to 1 hour 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. It’s essential to let it settle a bit before flipping it!
Serving Suggestions
When it’s ready to serve, you can enjoy slices warm or at room temperature. To elevate it further, pair with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This adds a fun touch and just the right amount of creaminess to each bite.
Tips for Success
- Always use fresh rhubarb and berries to give the best flavor.
- Don’t skip the resting time for your fruit mixture; it’s crucial for flavor enhancement.
- Keep an eye on your baking time—this cake’s height may require a bit more time to bake through.
Variations
Feel free to get creative with this recipe! You can experiment with other fruits like strawberries or peaches. A sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg can also warm the flavor and give it a lovely twist.
Storage Tips
If you have any leftover cake (which is unlikely but possible), store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It can be gently reheated in the oven to revive that freshly baked taste.
Pairing Ideas
This Rhubarb Raspberry Upside-Down Cake pairs beautifully with a steaming cup of tea or coffee. It’s also delicious alongside a glass of dessert wine or homemade lemonade for a refreshing treat.

FAQs
1. Can I use frozen rhubarb instead of fresh?
Yes, you can definitely use frozen rhubarb, just make sure it’s thawed and drained of any extra moisture.
2. Is almond flour a substitute for ground almonds?
Absolutely! Almond flour works, but it may slightly change the cake’s texture.
3. Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Certainly! To make it gluten-free, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend.
4. How can I prevent the cake from sticking to the pan?
Ensure you butter the parchment and the pan’s sides thoroughly before adding the caramel and batter.
5. Can this cake be made ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the fridge overnight before baking—perfect for an easy morning treat.
This Rhubarb Raspberry Upside-Down Cake truly highlights the beautiful balance of tart rhubarb and sweet raspberries. Its moist texture and charming appearance will surely win everyone over. On your next baking day, try making this cake, and it might just become a new favorite in your household!🍰
Print
Rhubarb Raspberry Upside-Down Cake
This cake combines tart rhubarb and sweet raspberries for a deliciously moist dessert. Its stunning presentation makes it ideal for gatherings or cozy family nights.
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 8-10 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- 1 lb fresh rhubarb, cut into ½ to 4-inch pieces
- 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen raspberries
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 ½ cups bleached all-purpose flour
- ½ cup ground almonds
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon Diamond Crystal fine kosher salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- ⅓ cup sour cream (14% fat) or full-fat Greek yogurt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F and prepare a 9-inch springform pan with parchment and butter.
- Melt butter and brown sugar in a saucepan, then pour into the prepared pan.
- Combine rhubarb, raspberries, granulated sugar, and cornstarch; let the mixture rest.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, ground almonds, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream butter and sugar, then add eggs one at a time. Mix in vanilla.
- Alternate adding the dry mix and sour cream to the wet mixture until combined.
- Layer the fruit mixture on top of the caramel, then add the cake batter.
- Bake for 1 hour 40 minutes to 1 hour 50 minutes, then cool before serving.
Notes
Use fresh rhubarb and berries for the best flavor.
Don’t skip the resting time for the fruit mixture; it enhances flavor.
Monitor baking time, as the cake’s height might need extra time to bake fully.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 75mg