This Pioneer Woman Rhubarb Upside-Down Cake is a tangy and moist dessert, which uses fresh rhubarb and a rich sour cream cake base. It’s a classic, foolproof recipe, ready in an hour.
Pioneer Woman Rhubarb Upside-Down Cake Ingredients
For the Rhubarb Layer:
- 3 cups chopped fresh rhubarb
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter
For the Cake Batter:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt

How To Make Pioneer Woman Rhubarb Upside-Down Cake
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
- Make rhubarb base: In a saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons butter with 3/4 cup sugar. Stir in chopped rhubarb and cook for 2–3 minutes. Pour mixture into the prepared pan.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a separate large bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract.
- Combine with sour cream: Add dry ingredients to the butter mixture alternately with sour cream or yogurt, mixing until smooth.
- Assemble and bake: Spoon the batter over the rhubarb layer and spread evenly. Bake for 40–45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and flip: Let cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Run a knife around the edges and invert onto a serving plate. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Recipe Tips
- What does rhubarb taste like? Rhubarb has a tart, tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with sweet cake.
- Can I use frozen rhubarb? Yes, just thaw and drain it well before using.
- How to keep the cake from sticking: Grease the pan well and don’t let it sit too long before flipping.
- Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, bake the day before and store covered at room temperature.
- How to serve: Great with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
What To Serve With Rhubarb Upside-Down Cake
This tangy cake pairs well with creamy and sweet toppings:
- Vanilla ice cream
- Whipped cream
- A drizzle of honey
- Lemon glaze
- Fresh strawberries or raspberries

How To Store Rhubarb Upside-Down Cake
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Bring to room temperature or warm slightly before serving.
Freeze: Wrap slices tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat gently.
Rhubarb Upside-Down Cake Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 290
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Sugar: 25g
- Protein: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes, Greek yogurt is a great substitute with a similar texture.
Why is my cake too wet?
The rhubarb may have released too much juice. Try cooking it a little longer in the pan to reduce moisture.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute.
Does rhubarb need to be peeled?
No, just wash and trim the ends before chopping.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, double the ingredients and use a 9×13-inch pan, adjusting baking time accordingly.
Try More Recipes:
- Pioneer Woman Rhubarb Upside-Down Cake
- Pioneer Woman Rhubarb Crisp
- Pioneer Woman Cinnamon Rhubarb Bread
Pioneer Woman Rhubarb Upside-Down Cake
Description
A tangy twist on a classic dessert, this rhubarb upside-down cake features a buttery fruit layer and soft, moist cake.
Ingredients
Rhubarb Layer:
Cake Batter:
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
- Cook rhubarb with butter and sugar for 2-3 minutes. Pour into pan.
- Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Beat butter and sugar. Add eggs and vanilla.
- Mix in dry ingredients alternately with sour cream.
- Spread batter over rhubarb layer.
- Bake 40-45 minutes. Cool 10 minutes, then invert onto a plate.
