Rhubarb Cake with Butter Sauce

Rhubarb Cake with Butter Sauce is a classic old-fashioned dessert that highlights the perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors. This easy cake is baked in a 9 x 13 pan, making it ideal for potlucks, picnics, and family gatherings. Tender chunks of rhubarb bake into a soft, moist cake, while the warm butter sauce adds a rich and comforting finish that makes every bite irresistible.

Ingredients

For the cake
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 4 cups diced rhubarb
• 2 cups milk
• 6 tablespoons butter, melted

For the butter sauce
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 3/4 cup heavy cream

Instructions

For the cake
• Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9 x 13-inch baking pan.
• In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
• Add diced rhubarb, milk, and melted butter.
• Stir just until combined, avoiding overmixing.
• Pour batter evenly into prepared pan.
• Bake for 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
• Remove from oven and allow cake to cool slightly.

For the butter sauce
• Combine butter, sugar, and heavy cream in a heavy saucepan.
• Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring frequently.
• Boil for 1 minute, then remove from heat.
• Let sauce cool slightly before serving.

To serve
• Cut cake into squares.
• Spoon warm butter sauce generously over each serving.
• Reheat sauce gently if needed.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serve the cake warm or at room temperature with freshly warmed butter sauce.
• Leftover cake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Keep the butter sauce in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days; reheat gently before serving.
• For potlucks or picnics, assemble the cake and sauce separately to prevent the cake from becoming soggy during transport.
• The cake can also be frozen without the sauce for up to 2 months; thaw completely before serving.

Variations

1. Strawberry Rhubarb Cake – Replace 2 cups of rhubarb with 2 cups of diced strawberries for a sweeter, fruitier flavor.
2. Orange Rhubarb Cake – Add 1 tablespoon of orange zest to the batter for a bright citrus twist.
3. Vanilla Bean Butter Sauce – Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or scraped vanilla bean to the butter sauce.
4. Cinnamon Rhubarb Cake – Stir 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon into the dry ingredients for added warmth.
5. Almond Rhubarb Cake – Add 1/2 teaspoon almond extract to the batter for subtle nutty notes.
6. Coconut Butter Sauce – Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream for a tropical flavor.
7. Lemon Rhubarb Cake – Add 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice and zest to the batter for extra tang.
8. Brown Sugar Butter Sauce – Replace white sugar with brown sugar in the sauce for a caramel-like richness.
9. Gluten-Free Rhubarb Cake – Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
10. Dairy-Free Option – Use plant-based milk and vegan butter alternatives for a dairy-free cake and sauce.
11. Rhubarb Upside-Down Cake – Layer rhubarb and sugar at the bottom of the pan before pouring in the batter.
12. Nutty Rhubarb Cake – Add 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for texture.
13. Spiced Butter Sauce – Add 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg or cardamom to the sauce for depth of flavor.
14. Mini Sheet Cakes – Bake in two smaller pans to make sharing or gifting easier.
15. Rhubarb Pudding Cake – Pour extra butter sauce over the cake to soak in like a pudding.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen rhubarb?
   Yes, frozen rhubarb can be used directly without thawing to prevent excess moisture.
2. Is this cake very tart?
   The butter sauce balances the tartness, creating a perfectly sweet-tart dessert.
3. Can I make the cake ahead of time?
   Yes, bake a day ahead and reheat slightly before serving.
4. Can I freeze this cake?
   Yes, freeze without the butter sauce for best results.
5. Does rhubarb need to be peeled?
   No, simply wash and dice the rhubarb; peeling is optional.
6. Can I reduce sugar in the cake or sauce?
   Slightly reducing sugar is possible, but the butter sauce needs sweetness to balance the rhubarb.
7. What type of milk works best?
   Whole milk gives the best flavor and texture, but any milk can be used.
8. How do I know when the cake is done?
   Insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean.
9. Can I double the butter sauce?
   Absolutely, extra sauce makes the cake even more indulgent.
10. Is this cake best served warm?
    Yes, serving the cake warm with warm sauce provides the best taste experience.

This Rhubarb Cake with Butter Sauce is a timeless dessert that never fails to impress. Simple ingredients, easy preparation, and bold flavor make it a reliable favorite for any occasion. Whether served warm with extra sauce or enjoyed the next day, this cake delivers comforting, homemade goodness in every bite.

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