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Cozy Rhubarb Upside-Down Cake Recipe with Easy Caramel Brown Sugar Topping

rhubarb upside-down cake - featured image

A cozy and comforting rhubarb upside-down cake featuring a sticky caramel brown sugar topping, perfect for spring gatherings and chilly evenings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup (100g) packed light brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup (56g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk (or almond milk for dairy-free)
  • 2 cups (about 320g) fresh rhubarb, chopped into 1-inch pieces

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a 9-inch skillet, combine 1/2 cup brown sugar and 1/4 cup melted butter. Stir until smooth and spread evenly across the bottom. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
  2. Scatter chopped rhubarb evenly over the caramel layer. Set aside.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
  4. In a large bowl, beat softened butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes.
  5. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract. Scrape sides to combine.
  6. Alternately add dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix gently for about 2 minutes.
  7. Pour batter over rhubarb and caramel in skillet, smoothing the top gently.
  8. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and edges pull away slightly.
  9. Remove from oven and cool for 10 minutes on a wire rack.
  10. Invert the cake onto a plate or serving platter. Shake gently if it doesn’t release immediately.

Notes

Butter the skillet lightly before adding caramel to prevent sticking. Let the cake rest for at least 10 minutes before flipping to avoid a messy top. Use fresh, firm rhubarb stalks for best texture. Watch caramel carefully to avoid burning.

Nutrition

Keywords: rhubarb cake, upside-down cake, caramel topping, spring dessert, easy cake recipe, cast iron skillet cake