Decadent Rhubarb Cake with Butter Sauce

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Update : April 5, 2026

why make this recipe

This Decadent Rhubarb Cake with Butter Sauce is the perfect dessert to impress your family and friends. Rhubarb adds a lovely tartness that balances beautifully with the sweetness of the cake and the rich butter sauce. It’s not just delicious; it’s also a great way to use fresh rhubarb in your cooking. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a weekend treat, this cake is sure to delight everyone who tries it!

how to make Decadent Rhubarb Cake with Butter Sauce

Ingredients

  • 2 cups rhubarb, chopped
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 cup powdered sugar (for the butter sauce)
  • 1/4 cup butter (for the butter sauce)
  • 1-2 tablespoons milk (for the butter sauce)

Directions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a cake pan.
  2. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, combining well.
  4. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, and mix until well combined.
  6. Fold in the chopped rhubarb.
  7. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
  8. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  9. For the butter sauce, melt 1/4 cup butter in a saucepan, then stir in powdered sugar and milk until smooth.
  10. Serve the cake warm with the butter sauce drizzled on top.

how to serve Decadent Rhubarb Cake with Butter Sauce

Serve this cake warm, drizzled with the creamy butter sauce. It pairs nicely with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra special touch. This dessert is great for gatherings or simply as a comforting snack with a cup of tea or coffee.

how to store Decadent Rhubarb Cake with Butter Sauce

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. The butter sauce can also be stored separately in the refrigerator for a few days; just warm it up before serving again.

tips to make Decadent Rhubarb Cake with Butter Sauce

  • Make sure to chop the rhubarb into small, even pieces to distribute the tartness throughout the cake.
  • Allow the cake to cool slightly before adding the butter sauce to help it absorb some of the flavors.
  • You can sprinkle a bit of cinnamon on top of the cake before serving for an extra flavor boost.

variation

For a twist on this recipe, you can add nuts such as walnuts or pecans to the batter for added crunch. Alternatively, mix in other fruits like strawberries or apples to complement the rhubarb’s tartness.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen rhubarb for this cake?
Yes, you can use frozen rhubarb. Just make sure to thaw it and drain excess moisture before adding it to the batter.

2. What can I use instead of butter in the cake?
If you prefer, you can use vegetable oil or a dairy-free butter substitute to make the cake dairy-free.

3. How do I know when the cake is done baking?
The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If it comes out with wet batter, let it bake a few more minutes.

Print
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Decadent Rhubarb Cake with Butter Sauce


  • Author: jena
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A delightful cake featuring the tartness of rhubarb balanced by a rich butter sauce, perfect for any occasion.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups rhubarb, chopped
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 cup powdered sugar (for the butter sauce)
  • 1/4 cup butter (for the butter sauce)
  • 12 tablespoons milk (for the butter sauce)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a cake pan.
  2. Cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, combining well.
  4. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in another bowl.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, and mix until well combined.
  6. Fold in the chopped rhubarb.
  7. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
  8. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  9. Melt 1/4 cup butter in a saucepan for the butter sauce, then stir in powdered sugar and milk until smooth.
  10. Serve the cake warm with the butter sauce drizzled on top.

Notes

The cake can be paired with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 20g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: rhubarb, cake, butter sauce, dessert, American dessert

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