Rhubarb cake is a delightful dessert that perfectly balances the tartness of rhubarb with a sweet, moist cake. This cake is an excellent way to enjoy the unique flavor of rhubarb, especially when it’s in season. Whether you’re a rhubarb enthusiast or trying it for the first time, this cake will surely become a favorite. With its vibrant color and delicious taste, rhubarb cake is perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to casual weeknight desserts. Let’s dive into the recipe and learn how to make this delicious rhubarb cake!
Ingredients for Rhubarb Cake
For the Cake:
- 2 cups fresh rhubarb, chopped
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
How to Make Rhubarb Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Rhubarb
- Chop the Rhubarb:
- Start by washing the rhubarb stalks thoroughly. Trim off the ends and chop the rhubarb into small, bite-sized pieces. Set aside 2 cups of chopped rhubarb for the cake.
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
- Cream the Butter and Sugar:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes using an electric mixer.
- Add Wet Ingredients:
- Add the buttermilk and vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar. Mix until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Mix the Batter:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix the batter.
- Fold in the Rhubarb:
- Gently fold the chopped rhubarb into the cake batter, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
Step 3: Prepare the Topping
- Mix Sugar and Cinnamon:
- In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup of granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Mix well.
- Melt the Butter:
- Melt 1/4 cup of unsalted butter and set it aside.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake the Cake
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- Pour Batter into the Dish:
- Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Add the Topping:
- Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the top of the cake batter. Drizzle the melted butter over the cinnamon-sugar topping.
- Bake the Cake:
- Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown and the cake should feel firm to the touch.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
- Cool the Cake:
- Allow the cake to cool in the baking dish for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing. This helps the cake to set and makes it easier to cut.
- Serve:
- Serve the rhubarb cake warm or at room temperature. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
About the Main Ingredients
Rhubarb
Rhubarb is a unique vegetable often used in desserts due to its tart flavor. It is typically in season from spring to early summer. Rhubarb’s tartness pairs well with sweet ingredients, making it a perfect addition to cakes, pies, and jams. When preparing rhubarb, it’s important to note that only the stalks are edible; the leaves contain oxalic acid and should not be consumed. Rhubarb is also a good source of fiber, vitamins K and C, and calcium.
Buttermilk
Buttermilk is a fermented dairy product that adds a tangy flavor and moist texture to baked goods. In this rhubarb cake, buttermilk helps to create a tender crumb and enhances the overall flavor. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a substitute by adding a tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to a cup of milk and letting it sit for about 5 minutes.
Butter
Butter provides richness and flavor to the cake. In this recipe, both the cake batter and the topping include butter, contributing to a moist and delicious texture. When creaming butter with sugar, it’s important to use softened butter to ensure it blends smoothly and creates a light, airy batter.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon adds warmth and depth to the flavor of the cake, particularly in the topping. The combination of cinnamon and sugar creates a sweet, slightly spicy crust on top of the cake that complements the tart rhubarb beautifully. Cinnamon is a common spice in many desserts and is known for its aromatic and flavor-enhancing properties.
Sugar
Sugar is a key ingredient that balances the tartness of the rhubarb and adds sweetness to the cake. Both granulated and brown sugar can be used in baking, but granulated sugar is used in this recipe for both the cake batter and the topping. The sugar also helps to create a caramelized crust on the top of the cake when combined with cinnamon and butter.
This rhubarb cake is a delightful dessert that showcases the unique flavor of rhubarb in a moist, delicious cake. The combination of tart rhubarb, sweet cinnamon-sugar topping, and rich, buttery cake makes for a perfect treat that can be enjoyed year-round. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or simply to enjoy with family and friends, this rhubarb cake is sure to be a hit. Enjoy baking and savoring every bite of this delightful dessert!
