Delicious Rhubarb Cake Recipe

Rhubarb Cake Recipe

Rhubarb is a unique vegetable often used in desserts for its tart flavor, which pairs beautifully with sweet ingredients. This Rhubarb Cake is a delightful treat that combines a moist, tender crumb with a crunchy streusel topping. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is straightforward and yields a delicious result every time. Also check out braum’s menu.

Why You’ll Love This Rhubarb Cake

  • Perfect Balance of Flavors: The tartness of rhubarb is balanced by the sweetness of the cake and streusel.
  • Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible to all.
  • Versatile: Enjoy it as a dessert, breakfast, or afternoon snack.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for gatherings, potlucks, or family dinners.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups diced rhubarb

For the Streusel Topping:

  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
  • ¼ cup chopped pecans (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Rhubarb Cake Recipe

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray and set it aside.

2. Prepare the Rhubarb

Wash the rhubarb stalks thoroughly and trim off any leaves (they are toxic). Cut the stalks into 1-inch pieces until you have 2 cups of diced rhubarb.

3. Make the Streusel Topping

In a small bowl, combine:

  • ½ cup flour
  • ½ cup sugar
  • ½ cup cold butter (cut into small cubes)

Use your fingers or a pastry blender to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. If desired, add ¼ cup chopped pecans for extra crunch. Set aside.

4. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together:

  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt

5. Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a separate bowl, use an electric mixer to beat:

  • 1 cup sugar
  • ½ cup softened butter

Mix until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).

6. Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in:

  • 2 eggs (one at a time)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Mix until fully incorporated.

7. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix, as this can make the cake dense.

8. Fold in the Rhubarb

Gently fold the 2 cups of diced rhubarb into the batter using a spatula.

9. Assemble the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the batter.

10. Bake the Cake

Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The streusel should be golden brown.

11. Cool and Serve

Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips for the Best Rhubarb Cake

✅ Use Fresh Rhubarb: Fresh rhubarb provides the best texture and flavor. If using frozen rhubarb, thaw and drain excess liquid before adding it to the batter.

✅ Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can lead to a tough cake. Mix just until ingredients are combined.

✅ Adjust Sweetness: If your rhubarb is very tart, increase the sugar in the cake batter slightly.

✅ Extra Crispy Streusel: For a crunchier topping, bake the cake for an additional 5-10 minutes.

✅ Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Variations to Try

🍓 Strawberry-Rhubarb Cake: Replace 1 cup of rhubarb with 1 cup of diced strawberries for a classic flavor combination.

🍋 Lemon Zest Addition: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest to the batter for a bright, citrusy twist.

🌾 Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

🥮 Oat Streusel: Replace ½ cup flour in the streusel with ½ cup rolled oats for a heartier texture.

Serving Suggestions

  • With Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds richness.
  • Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
  • Dusting of Powdered Sugar: A light sprinkle adds a decorative touch.

Final Thoughts

This Rhubarb Cake is a must-try for anyone who loves the unique tartness of rhubarb paired with a sweet, buttery cake and crunchy streusel. It’s easy to make, versatile, and sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

Give it a try and enjoy this delightful spring and summer treat! 🍰

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