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Slice of rhubarb cake drizzled with butter sauce on a plate
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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
Cook Time45 minutes
Total Time1 hour
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.