Rhubarb Cake With Butter Sauce Recipe

Try This Sweet & Zesty Rhubarb Cake With Butter Sauce Recipe

My summer garden’s prized rhubarb cake with butter sauce sparkles with unexpected charm.

Sweet stalks from nearby patches create magical dessert moments.

Wild rhubarb patches whisper rural culinary secrets across kitchen counters.

Bright pink stems promise delightful surprise in every tender slice.

Rich butter sauce adds decadent moisture to this classic treat.

Home bakers can easily master this simple yet impressive dessert.

Seasonal ingredients combine for a memorable experience you will absolutely adore.

Reheating Rhubarb Cake Leftovers

  • Store leftover rhubarb cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, keeping the butter sauce separate in a sealed jar.
  • Warm individual slices in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, or reheat in a preheated 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until slightly crisp and warm.
  • Keep the butter sauce refrigerated and gently reheat in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly to prevent separation.
  • Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

What To Serve With Rhubarb Cake

  • Pair Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: Top warm rhubarb cake with a scoop of smooth, cold vanilla ice cream that creates delightful temperature contrast and complements the cake's tartness.
  • Sip Chilled White Wine: Select a crisp Riesling or Gewürztraminer with slight sweetness that balances the rhubarb's tangy flavor and cuts through the rich butter sauce.
  • Enjoy Fresh Mint Tea: Brew light, refreshing mint tea that cleanses the palate and provides a cool herbal note against the cake's sweet and buttery profile.
  • Serve Whipped Mascarpone: Dollop creamy mascarpone cheese alongside the cake, offering a luxurious, smooth accompaniment that enhances the dessert's richness.

Rhubarb Cake Twist Ideas

  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, ensuring the cake remains moist and tender for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Vegan Adaptation: Substitute butter with coconut oil, use plant-based milk, and replace dairy cream with coconut cream to create a dairy-free and egg-free alternative.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar, reducing overall calories while maintaining the cake's delightful flavor profile.
  • Seasonal Berry Remix: Swap rhubarb with seasonal berries like strawberries or raspberries to create a fresh, fruity variation that complements the butter sauce perfectly.

FAQs

  • Can I use frozen rhubarb instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen rhubarb. Thaw and drain excess moisture before adding to the batter to prevent a soggy cake.

  • How do I know if the rhubarb is ripe and ready to use?

Choose rhubarb stalks that are firm, crisp, and bright pink or red. Avoid stalks that are soft, wilted, or have brown spots.

  • What if I don't have heavy cream for the butter sauce?

You can substitute heavy cream with whole milk or half-and-half, though the sauce might be slightly less rich and creamy.

  • Is rhubarb safe to eat raw?

No, rhubarb leaves are toxic and should never be consumed. Only use the stalks in cooking, and always remove and discard the leaves before preparing.

What Makes Rhubarb Cake Irresistible

  • Comforting Dessert: Enjoy a warm, homey treat that brings pure comfort with its soft cake texture and rich butter sauce, ideal for family gatherings.
  • Quick Weekend Delight: Prep and bake this delicious dessert in under an hour, making it a fantastic go-to recipe for spontaneous sweet cravings or unexpected guests.
  • Seasonal Celebration: Showcase the tangy, vibrant flavor of rhubarb in a dessert that transforms this classic spring ingredient into a delectable cake experience.

Ingredients For Rhubarb Cake

Cake Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: A soft, powdery base for the cake's tender crumb.
  • Sugar: Sweet crystals that add delightful sweetness to the dessert.
  • Baking Powder: A magical rising agent that helps the cake become fluffy.
  • Salt: A tiny pinch that balances and enhances the cake's flavors.
Fresh Produce:
  • Rhubarb: Tart, pink stalks that bring a tangy punch to the cake.
  • Milk: Creamy liquid that adds moisture and richness.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Butter, Melted: Rich and golden fat that provides incredible flavor and softness.
Butter Sauce Ingredients:
  • Butter: Smooth, creamy base for the luxurious sauce.
  • Sugar: Sweet crystals that create a silky sauce.
  • Heavy Cream: Rich and velvety liquid that gives the sauce its dreamy texture.

Steps To Make Rhubarb Cake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350°F.

Grab your 9×13 inch baking pan and give it a generous coat of grease to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a spacious mixing bowl, whisk together:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Granulated sugar
  • Baking powder
  • Salt

Ensure everything is well combined and free of lumps.

Step 3: Incorporate Wet Ingredients

Fold in these delightful ingredients:
  • Freshly chopped rhubarb
  • Creamy milk
  • Melted butter

Stir gently until the batter just comes together – don’t overmix!

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Pour the vibrant batter into your prepped pan.

Slide it into the heated oven and bake for 45 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean with no wet batter clinging to it.

Step 5: Craft Luxurious Butter Sauce

In a saucepan, combine:
  • Butter
  • Sugar
  • Heavy cream

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium heat.

Keep stirring and let it bubble for one minute.

Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Step 6: Serve and Indulge

Slice the warm cake and drizzle with the luscious butter sauce.

Enjoy the perfect balance of tart rhubarb and sweet, creamy sauce.

Tips For Rhubarb Cake Success

  • Stir the batter just until ingredients are combined to keep the cake tender and avoid a tough texture.
  • Chop rhubarb into uniform 1/2-inch pieces to ensure even baking and consistent texture throughout the cake.
  • Use the toothpick test to confirm the cake is fully baked – it should come out clean with no wet batter when inserted into the center.
  • Constantly stir the butter sauce while boiling to prevent burning and create a smooth, silky consistency.
  • Serve the cake warm with slightly cooled butter sauce for the most delightful flavor and texture combination.
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Rhubarb Cake With Butter Sauce Recipe

Rhubarb Cake With Butter Sauce Recipe


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4.8 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Sweet rhubarb cake delights taste buds with its tangy twist and luxurious butter sauce. Homemade comfort embraces classic dessert lovers, offering a delectable journey through nostalgic flavors and seasonal charm.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 cups diced rhubarb (fresh or frozen and thawed)
  • 2 cups milk
  • 6 tablespoons melted butter

Leavening and Seasoning:

  • 4 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Butter Sauce Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream

Instructions

  1. Prepare a rectangular baking vessel by thoroughly coating with butter, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking.
  2. Combine dry ingredients in a spacious mixing bowl, creating a uniform powder mixture with flour, granulated sweetener, leavening agent, and seasoning crystals.
  3. Gently fold chopped rhubarb stalks into the dry mixture, ensuring even distribution and minimal disruption of the ingredient structure.
  4. Incorporate liquid components – milk and melted dairy fat – into the mixture, stirring with gentle, deliberate motions until ingredients are just integrated.
  5. Transfer the resulting batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading evenly to create a consistent depth across the surface.
  6. Position the pan in a preheated culinary warming chamber set at 350°F, allowing the confection to transform for approximately 45 minutes.
  7. Verify cake doneness by inserting a slender testing implement into the central region; it should emerge without clinging batter residue.
  8. While cake cools, craft the accompanying liquid enhancement by combining dairy fat, crystalline sweetener, and rich cream in a heating vessel.
  9. Elevate the mixture to a vigorous bubbling state over moderate thermal intensity, maintaining constant circular motion for one complete minute.
  10. Allow the sauce to rest momentarily, softening its temperature while retaining luxurious consistency.
  11. Present the golden-hued cake adorned with a cascading ribbon of velvety butter sauce, serving while temperature remains invitingly warm.

Notes

  • Adjust rhubarb tartness by adding a sprinkle of sugar to the chopped stalks before mixing into the batter to balance the flavor profile.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute regular flour with a cup-for-cup gluten-free baking blend to accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • Consider toasting chopped nuts like pecans or almonds and folding them into the batter for an extra layer of crunch and nutty depth.
  • Enhance the butter sauce by adding a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon to complement the rhubarb’s tangy notes.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 26 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 42 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 45 mg
Angelina Wiles

Angelina Wiles

Content Editor & Culinary Enthusiast

Expertise

Food Writing and Editing, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine, Baking and Pastry Arts, Sustainable Cooking Practices​

Education

Portland Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Emphasis on sustainable cooking practices, vegetarian cuisine, and food writing.​

​Oregon Culinary Institute
Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts
Focus: Specialized training in artisanal baking, pastry techniques, and dessert presentation.


Angelina’s love for cooking started with handwritten family recipes and weekend trips to farmers’ markets around Portland. She followed her passion with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Portland Community College, then perfected her sweet side with a Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts at Oregon Culinary Institute.
Angelina believes recipes should feel like a conversation, not a science project. She’s all about helping readers trust themselves in the kitchen with simple steps, fresh ideas, and easy twists on classic meals.
When she’s not editing recipes, she’s baking bread, sipping coffee, or getting inspired by the changing seasons.

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