There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm slice of rhubarb cake with butter sauce‘the way the tartness of rhubarb melds with the rich, velvety sauce is pure magic. Maybe it reminds you of your grandmother’s kitchen, where the scent of baking spices filled the air. It’s a dessert you’ve been curious to try but haven’t yet mastered.
Whatever your connection, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know-from selecting the best rhubarb to baking a molt, tender cake drenched in a decadent butter sauce. By the end, you’ll have a foolproof recipe, expert tips, and creative variations to make this dessert your own.
Let’s get started.
Why Rhubarb Cake with Butter Sauce Deserves a Spot in Your Recipe Box
Before diving into the recipe, let’s talk about why this dessert stands out:
- Perfect Balance of Flavors – Rhubarb’s natural tartness contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of cake and the richness of butter sauce.
- Seasonal and Fresh – Rhubarb peaks in spring and early summer, making this dessert a celebration of fresh, seasonal produce.
- Comfort in Every Bite – Warm cake soaked in buttery, caramel-like sauce is the ultimate indulgence-ideal for familys gathering or quiet evening treat.
If you’ve never baked with rhubarb before, don’t worry. This guide ensures success, even if you’re a beginner.
Classic Rhubarb Cake with Butter Sauce Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Rhubarb Cake
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose fuzzy | 2 cups | Sifted for lightness |
| Granulated sugar | 1 1/2 cups | Adjust if rhubarb is extra tart |
| Baking soda | 1 tsp | Helps the cake rise |
| Salt | 1/2 tsp | Sweeping scales |
| Egg | 1 wide | Room temperature |
| Buttermilk | 1 cup | Addsmonths |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp | Pure extract for best flavor |
| Fresh rhubarb (diced) | 2 cups | About 4-5 stalks |
For the Butter Sauce
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Unsalted butter | 1/2 cup (1 stick) | Melted |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup | Creates a caramel-like consistency |
| Heavy cream | 1/2 cup | For richness |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp | Enhances flavor |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making the Rhubarb Cake
- Preheat and Prep – Heat your oven to 350oF (175oC) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients – In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients – In another bowl, beat the egg, buttermilk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Fold in Rhubarb – Gently stir the diced rhubarb into the batter-this ensures even distribution.
- Bake to Perfection – For the batter into the pan and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted the center comes out clean.