If you’ve been searching for a delightful dessert that feels like a warm hug in every bite, this Warm Rhubarb Cake with Butter Sauce Recipe is exactly what you’ve been waiting for. It’s a perfect blend of tart rhubarb and tender cake, accented by a luscious, silky butter sauce that brings the flavors to a whole new level. This cake isn’t just a treat; it’s a cozy experience, ideal for sharing with family and friends or savoring on a quiet afternoon. The combination of the cake’s moist crumb and the butter sauce’s rich sweetness will have you coming back for seconds, guaranteed.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Warm Rhubarb Cake with Butter Sauce Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role, from creating the perfect cake crumb to balancing the tanginess of the rhubarb with sweetness and richness.
- 4 cups plain flour: The foundation for the cake’s structure, ensuring it stays soft and fluffy.
- 2 cups white sugar: Adds sweetness and helps achieve a golden-brown crust.
- 4 teaspoons baking powder: Gives the cake its light, airy texture by helping it rise beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweet and tart notes.
- 4 cups rhubarb, cut into small pieces: Offers a tart punch and beautiful pink flecks throughout the cake.
- 2 cups milk: Provides moisture for a tender crumb and smooth batter consistency.
- 6 tablespoons melted butter: Adds richness and buttery flavor to the cake itself.
- 1/2 cup butter for sauce: The base for the luscious butter sauce that elevates the cake.
- 1 cup granulated sugar for sauce: Sweetens the butter sauce and helps it thicken perfectly.
- 3/4 cup whipping cream for sauce: Adds creaminess and a silky texture to the sauce, making every bite decadent.
How to Make Warm Rhubarb Cake with Butter Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by warming your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, grease your baking pan with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking, and ensure an easy release after baking.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. This combination creates the base that will support the rhubarb’s lovely tartness and ensures even rising in the oven.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, blend the milk and melted butter until perfectly smooth. This step ensures the batter has a rich, tender texture.
Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Together
Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Overmixing can result in a dense cake, so keep it light and easy.
Step 5: Fold in the Rhubarb
Carefully fold the chopped rhubarb into your batter. This keeps the fruit pieces intact and distributes their tangy flavor evenly throughout the cake.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and slide it into the oven. Bake for about 45 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean — a perfect sign your cake is ready.
Step 7: Make the Butter Sauce
While the cake bakes, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the granulated sugar, letting it dissolve fully before whisking in the whipping cream. Simmer gently until the sauce thickens to a smooth, glossy finish that is pure indulgence.
Step 8: Serve Warm and Enjoy
Once your cake is out of the oven, let it cool slightly, then cut into generous slices. Drizzle each piece with warm butter sauce for a delightful, melt-in-your-mouth experience.
How to Serve Warm Rhubarb Cake with Butter Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar or add a few fresh mint leaves for a touch of color contrast. A dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream can also beautifully complement and cool down the warm richness of the cake and sauce.
Side Dishes
Serve the cake alongside a simple cup of tea or a lightly brewed coffee to balance the sweetness. Fresh berries on the side can also enhance the tart notes of the rhubarb, making it a perfectly balanced dessert spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming party presentation, serve individual portions in small ramekins or on pretty dessert plates, topped with a drizzle of butter sauce and a sprig of mint. You could even layer the cake pieces with whipped cream and fresh fruit to create a trifle-style dessert that impresses guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow the cake to cool completely before storing. Wrap leftover slices tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. Stored at room temperature, it will keep well for up to 2 days without losing moisture.
Freezing
You can freeze individual cake slices by wrapping each piece in plastic wrap and placing them into a freezer-safe bag or container. This Warm Rhubarb Cake with Butter Sauce Recipe freezes beautifully, maintaining both taste and texture for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Warm leftover cake slices gently in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or in an oven preheated to 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes. Reheat your butter sauce separately on low heat to maintain its silky consistency, then drizzle over the warmed cake for that fresh, just-baked sensation.
FAQs
Can I substitute rhubarb with another fruit?
Absolutely! While rhubarb lends a unique tangy flavor, you can experiment with tart fruits such as green apples, cranberries, or sour cherries. Keep in mind that the balance of tartness and sweetness might shift slightly.
Is the butter sauce necessary, or can I skip it?
The butter sauce adds a rich, luxurious finish that elevates the Warm Rhubarb Cake, but if you’re seeking a lighter dessert, the cake is delicious on its own or with a simple dusting of powdered sugar.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Try replacing the plain flour with a high-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Because rhubarb adds moisture, the cake’s texture should stay wonderful, but check baking powder ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free as well.
Can this cake be made vegan?
To veganize this recipe, use plant-based milk like almond or oat milk and replace butter with vegan butter or coconut oil. For the sauce, substitute the cream with full-fat coconut milk and use a vegan sugar alternative.
What is the best way to pick rhubarb for this cake?
Choose firm, bright-colored stalks without blemishes or wilting. Avoid thick, woody pieces and trim off leaves completely, as they are toxic. Fresh rhubarb adds the perfect tang and color to the cake.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly comforting about a Warm Rhubarb Cake with Butter Sauce Recipe that brings a cozy feeling with every bite. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just to brighten an ordinary day, this recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite. So go ahead, give it a try, and experience the delightful harmony of tart rhubarb and creamy butter sauce wrapped in a tender cake. Your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Warm Rhubarb Cake with Butter Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Warm Rhubarb Cake with Butter Sauce is a delightful dessert featuring a tender, golden-baked cake generously studded with tart rhubarb pieces. Topped with a rich, creamy butter sauce, this recipe balances sweetness and tang perfectly, making it an ideal treat for family gatherings or cozy evenings.
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 4 cups plain flour
- 2 cups white sugar
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups rhubarb, cut into small pieces
- 2 cups milk
- 6 tablespoons melted butter
Butter Sauce Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup whipping cream
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s at the right temperature for baking the cake evenly.
- Prepare Pan: Grease a baking pan thoroughly with butter or cooking spray to prevent the cake from sticking during baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the plain flour, white sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined and aerated.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the milk with the melted butter until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined, avoiding overmixing which can toughen the cake.
- Add Rhubarb: Fold the chopped rhubarb pieces carefully into the batter to distribute them evenly without breaking up the fruit.
- Bake Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for approximately 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Prepare Butter Sauce: While the cake bakes, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the granulated sugar and stir until it dissolves completely. Then whisk in the whipping cream and simmer gently until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Serve: Once baked, serve the warm rhubarb cake drizzled generously with the prepared butter sauce for a rich and comforting dessert experience.
Notes
- Ensure rhubarb pieces are small and evenly cut to bake uniformly in the cake.
- Do not overmix batter to maintain a light, tender crumb.
- Use fresh rhubarb for the best tart flavor; frozen rhubarb may add excess moisture.
- The butter sauce can be prepared ahead and gently reheated if needed.
- This cake is best served warm but can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
