Rhubarb Cake

Make old-fashioned rhubarb cake for a quick and easy dessert this spring & summer!

This is a snacking cake recipe rather than a fancier layer cake for ease but make no mistake it is a perfect dessert for rhubarb season.

The simple cake has sweet flavor with plenty tangy rhubarb for contrast, the creamy caramel frosting only adds more decadence.

Simple to Make

This is an incredibly easy rhubarb cake recipe, there’s nothing fancy in terms of ingredients or technique. This is intentional so that you can have a dessert the entire family will love but also allow you to get outside and enjoy the season.

Rhubarb

Rhubarb is one of the spring seasonal foods that most everyone recognizes. It is definitely one those of us in the north cherish as it’s the first bit of fresh fruit after a long winter – that is until we get tired of it.

This recipe was tested with fresh rhubarb, however; frozen well drained rhubarb would likely work.

Do use chopped or diced rhubarb instead of sliced for best overall results. This way the rhubarb’s tartness will be throughout the cake and not so overpowering in certain bites.

If you need a great way to use up even more rhubarb, double the recipe and bake in a 9X13″ pan – making it a perfect thing to take to potlucks or picnics to feed a crowd.

Buttermilk

Buttermilk is the only ingredient that might be a bit special – something many of us may not always keep on hand.

If you don’t have buttermilk but don’t want to run to the store, make some sour milk instead. Simply mix 1/2 cup regular milk with 1/2 Tablespoon of vinegar and let it sit for 10 minutes before proceeding with your recipe.

The powdered buttermilk sold in the baking aisle of most grocery stores will work wonderfully, in this recipe.

Use plain milk or plant milk alternative if desired. The flavor will be slightly different but you’ll still end up with a wonderful, moist cake.

Salted Butter

I used salted butter simply because I always have it on hand. If you prefer to use unsalted butter, add 1/2 teaspoon salt to the flour mixture and proceed with the original recipe.

Frosting Options

I’ve included a recipe for caramel frosting that I thought was quite delightful. It’s the same frosting, I recommend for my rhubarb cookies recipe. However, it isn’t your only option.

Certainly use any favorite frosting – vanilla, chocolate, even cream cheese would be quite nice.

A simple vanilla glaze would also work and make the cake even easier to whip up.

It is a sweet cake, so feel free to skip the frosting and simply dust with powdered sugar prior to serving, if desired.

How to Serve

This is one of those great recipes that don’t need much to serve and enjoy.

Keep it simple and serve pieces with your favorite beverages.

One can never go wrong by pairing the cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream in the early summer.

If you opted to skip the frosting, consider serving it topped with whipped cream and a spoonful of stewed rhubarb, for an extra special touch.

How to Store

Generally, I keep the leftover cake right in the pan, covered with aluminum foil to keep it airtight. Plastic wrap would also work.

Feel free to move leftovers into an airtight container of your choice. Store leftovers in the fridge, where they should keep for up to 4 days.

The cake also freezes quite well. Store the leftover baked and cooled (frosted or unfrosted) cake in a freezer bag and freeze.

Use up any frozen cake within 6 months for optimum flavor and freshness.

Simply thaw frozen cake in the fridge prior to serving.

Looking for other rhubarb recipes?

Try these rhubarb muffins a sweet way to start the day.

Or use up your rhubarb by canning it up into an easy pie filling for winter baking.

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