Welcome to the delightful world of baking with our Rhubarb Cake with Butter Sauce! This lovingly crafted treat combines the tartness of fresh rhubarb with the rich, buttery goodness of a homemade sauce, making it both unique and utterly irresistible. Did you know that rhubarb was once used as a popular medicinal plant in ancient times for its various health benefits? Today, it’s a beloved ingredient in many desserts, cherished for its tangy flavor. This cake is not just a treat for the taste buds; it’s a perfect family-friendly dessert that’s simple to make and even more delightful to eat. If you’ve tried making a classic apple pie, you’ll find this recipe similarly easy yet wonderfully distinct, adding a new flavor profile to your dessert repertoire. Dive in with us, enjoy the process, and savor the results!
What is Rhubarb Cake with Butter Sauce?
Now, what exactly is Rhubarb Cake with Butter Sauce? Well, imagine a moist cake bursting with the tangy goodness of rhubarb, topped with a rich and creamy butter sauce that seeps into every nook and cranny of the cake. It’s called this because it delivers a one-two punch of flavor—tart and tangy meets sweet and buttery. You may ask, “Why butter sauce?” Well, because as they say, ‘the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach’, and this buttery drizzle surely seals the deal! Are you curious yet? Let’s get started and satisfy that sweet tooth!
Why You’ll Love This
There are so many reasons to fall in love with Rhubarb Cake with Butter Sauce. Firstly, its delightful combination of flavors offers something different from the usual sweet treats. Not only does it satisfy a sweet craving, but making it at home also allows you to use budget-friendly ingredients, making it cost-effective. The richness of the butter sauce perfectly complements the tartness of the rhubarb, creating an enticing flavor profile. Compared to other simple cake recipes like a lemon drizzle cake, this rhubarb treat stands out with its unique twist, tempting you to try your hand at making it. Gather those rhubarbs, roll up your sleeves, and get baking!
How to Make:
Quick Overview
This Rhubarb Cake with Butter Sauce is straightforward, delicious, and bound to please! With its easy preparation, rich taste, and the creamy factor of the butter sauce, it’s a treat worth the effort. It requires minimal ingredients and around an hour for prep and baking time, making it perfect even for busy days.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups diced rhubarb (fresh or frozen, thawed and drained)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (for sauce)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (for sauce)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for sauce)
Step-by-Step
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In another bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture alternately with the buttermilk. Mix until just combined.
- Fold the diced rhubarb into the batter gently.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the cake bakes, make the butter sauce: melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat, then add the sugar and heavy cream, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Let the cake cool slightly, then serve warm slices with the butter sauce drizzled on top. Enjoy!
What to Serve Rhubarb Cake with Butter Sauce With:
Pair this delightful cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a beverage, try a glass of chilled rosé or a hot cup of herbal tea to complement the rich flavors of the cake.
Top Tips for Perfecting:
- If rhubarb is out of season, frozen rhubarb works perfectly—just make sure to thaw and drain it properly.
- For a healthier twist, substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
- Ensure your cake is not overbaked by checking it at the 45-minute mark with a toothpick test.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply microwave individual slices on medium power for a few seconds to restore warmth without drying out the cake.
FAQs
Can I use other fruits instead of rhubarb?
Yes, strawberries or apples can make a delicious alternative.
What if I don’t have buttermilk?
You can make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar.
How can I make this dessert vegan?
Use vegan butter and a non-dairy alternative for buttermilk and cream.
Conclusion
Create this delightful Rhubarb Cake with Butter Sauce, and you’ll have a new favorite dessert that’s sure to impress family and friends alike. Happy baking!
Ingredients
- 2 cups diced rhubarb (fresh or frozen, thawed and drained)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (for sauce)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (for sauce)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for sauce)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In another bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture alternately with the buttermilk. Mix until just combined.
- Fold the diced rhubarb into the batter gently.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the cake bakes, make the butter sauce: melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat, then add the sugar and heavy cream, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Let the cake cool slightly, then serve warm slices with the butter sauce drizzled on top. Enjoy!
Notes
For best results, serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.