Rhubarb Cake with Butter Sauce

Rhubarb Cake with Butter Sauce

Rhubarb Cake with Butter Sauce is a delightful treat that encompasses the perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors, making it an irresistible dessert. Picture a moist and tender cake, bursting with the tangy notes of fresh rhubarb, complemented by a rich, velvety butter sauce drizzled generously on top. This recipe is not only easy to follow with step-by-step directions, but it also brings a sense of nostalgia and warmth to your kitchen. Whether you’re enjoying it after a family meal or serving it at a gathering, it’s a cake that promises to be a crowd-pleaser and is well worth making.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Rhubarb Cake is crafted for everyone who loves a delightful dessert that’s simple to prepare. It’s family-friendly and perfect for those who appreciate a sweet treat without the fuss. With minimal ingredients, the cake comes together quickly, making it an excellent choice for anyone short on time but big on flavor. The vibrant color and unique flavor profile of rhubarb make it a special addition to your dessert repertoire, and the buttery sauce elevates the experience, creating a memorable dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients for Rhubarb Cake with Butter Sauce

• 2 cups diced fresh rhubarb: This tangy vegetable adds a unique flavor and a pop of color to the cake.
• 1 cup buttermilk: This ingredient ensures the cake remains moist and fluffy.
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and enhances the flavors.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Creates a luscious texture in the cake.
• 2 tsp vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the overall flavor.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of any good cake.
• 1 tsp baking soda: Acts as a leavening agent for a light and airy texture.
• 1/4 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness.
• For the Butter Sauce:
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter: Richness that enhances the sauce.
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream: Adds creaminess and indulgent flavor.
  • 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the sauce beautifully.
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract: Provides additional flavor to the sauce.

Step-by-Step Directions for Rhubarb Cake with Butter Sauce

1. Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F): Ensure your oven is prepped and ready for baking.

2. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish: Use butter or cooking spray to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.

3. Beat the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.

4. Add vanilla and mix well: Stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

5. Prepare the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined.

6. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Alternately add the flour mixture and buttermilk to the creamed butter mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.

7. Incorporate the rhubarb: Gently fold in the diced rhubarb, ensuring it’s evenly distributed throughout the batter.

8. Pour the batter into the prepared pan: Spread it evenly with a spatula.

9. Bake for 40–45 minutes: Bake until the cake is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

10. Prepare the butter sauce: In a saucepan, combine the butter, heavy cream, and sugar over medium heat. Stir constantly until the mixture reaches a gentle simmer and the sugar is dissolved.

11. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla: Once the sauce is smooth and creamy, remove it from the heat and mix in the vanilla extract.

12. Serve warm: Pour the warm butter sauce over slices of cake just before serving.

Tips & Tricks for Rhubarb Cake with Butter Sauce

To make your Rhubarb Cake even more delightful, consider using fresh rhubarb when it’s in season for the best flavor and texture. If you want to elevate the presentation, sprinkle some powdered sugar on top before serving. Adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side can provide a lovely contrast to the warm cake and sauce, creating an explosion of flavors. If you prefer a slightly spiced version, adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance the cake’s aroma and warmth. Lastly, ensure your butter is at room temperature for the perfect creaming consistency in the batter.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

This Rhubarb Cake pairs beautifully with a variety of accompaniments. Serve it with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance the tartness of the rhubarb. A sprinkle of crushed almonds or walnuts on top can add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that complements the cake well. For beverages, consider pairing it with a cup of tea or coffee to round off the dessert experience. Hosting a gathering? Allow guests to build their dessert by providing various toppings like fresh berries or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Nutritional Information for Rhubarb Cake with Butter Sauce

When indulging in Rhubarb Cake with Butter Sauce, you’ll undoubtedly want to balance it with nutritional awareness. A typical serving of this cake, excluding the butter sauce, contains approximately 320 calories. Most of the calories come from sugar and butter, so enjoy it in moderation! Remember, life is about balance; serving it with a fruit salad or yogurt can make for a lighter meal while still enjoying this luscious cake.

Storing Tips & Variations for Rhubarb Cake with Butter Sauce

If you have leftover cake, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. You can also refrigerate the cake to extend its shelf life for up to a week. For freezing, wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap and keep them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply place a piece in the microwave for 30 seconds or until warmed through. For a healthier option, consider substituting half of the granulated sugar with applesauce or using whole-wheat flour. You could also experiment with adding other fruits, like strawberries or blueberries, alongside the rhubarb for a unique twist.

Conclusion for Rhubarb Cake with Butter Sauce

Rhubarb Cake with Butter Sauce is a must-try recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your dessert repertoire. Its perfect balance of sweetness and tang, combined with the rich butter sauce, creates an unforgettable experience for your taste buds. Don’t wait another moment—gather your ingredients and get ready to bake this scrumptious cake that will delight family and friends alike!

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen rhubarb for this recipe?
Yes, frozen rhubarb can be used, but ensure it’s thawed and drained to avoid excess moisture in the cake.

2. How can I store leftover butter sauce?
Store any leftover butter sauce in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

3. Is there a way to make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.

4. What can I serve instead of butter sauce?
A drizzle of warm vanilla custard or a dollop of whipped cream would also pair wonderfully with the cake.

5. Can I add nuts to this recipe?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans can be added to the batter for added texture and flavor.

Print Recipe

Rhubarb Cake with Butter Sauce

A delightful dessert combining sweet and tart flavors, featuring a moist rhubarb cake topped with a rich butter sauce.

Prep Time15 minutes mins

Cook Time45 minutes mins

Total Time1 hour hr

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Butter Sauce, dessert, Easy Dessert, Rhubarb Cake, Sweet and Tart

Servings: 10 servings

Calories: 320kcal

Ingredients

For the Cake

• 2 cups diced fresh rhubarb Adds a unique flavor and a pop of color to the cake.
• 1 cup buttermilk Ensures the cake remains moist and fluffy.
• 1.5 cups granulated sugar Sweetens the cake and enhances the flavors.
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened Creates a luscious texture in the cake.
• 2 tsp vanilla extract Adds warmth and depth to the overall flavor.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour The foundation of the cake.
• 1 tsp baking soda Acts as a leavening agent for a light and airy texture.
• 0.25 tsp salt Balances the sweetness.

For the Butter Sauce

• 0.5 cup unsalted butter Richness that enhances the sauce.
• 0.5 cup heavy cream Adds creaminess and indulgent flavor.
• 1 cup granulated sugar Sweetens the sauce beautifully.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract Provides additional flavor to the sauce.

Instructions

Preparation

• Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F).
• Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
• In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
• Stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined.

Mixing

• Alternate adding the flour mixture and buttermilk to the creamed butter mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
• Gently fold in the diced rhubarb, ensuring it’s evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Baking

• Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.
• Bake for 40–45 minutes, until the cake is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Butter Sauce Preparation

• In a saucepan, combine the unsalted butter, heavy cream, and sugar over medium heat. Stir constantly until the mixture reaches a gentle simmer and the sugar is dissolved.
• Remove from heat and mix in the vanilla extract.

Serving

• Pour the warm butter sauce over slices of cake just before serving.

Notes

Consider using fresh rhubarb when in season for the best flavor and texture. You can also sprinkle powdered sugar on top before serving or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. For a spiced version, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter.