As spring arrives, many of us start thinking about shedding our winter coats and donning something lighter – including our cooking habits. With the season’s fresh produce finally within reach, we’re excited to share 18 scrumptious rhubarb cake recipes that are sure to brighten up your day. From classic streusel cakes to innovative flavor combinations, these mouthwatering treats showcase the tart and tangy beauty of rhubarb in all its glory. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just looking for a new springtime dessert to impress your friends, we’ve got you covered with this collection of show-stopping recipes.
Classic Rhubarb Streusel Cake
This moist and flavorful cake is a perfect showcase for the tart sweetness of rhubarb, topped with a crumbly streusel topping. A classic dessert that’s sure to please!
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup fresh rhubarb, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1/4 cup streusel topping (see below)
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Streusel Topping:
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add softened butter and mix until just combined.
3. Beat in eggs, then stir in rhubarb pieces.
4. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top.
5. Sprinkle streusel topping evenly over the cake.
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Strawberry Rhubarb Coffee Cake
A sweet and tangy twist on classic coffee cake, this recipe combines the freshness of strawberries with the tartness of rhubarb, all wrapped up in a buttery, crumbly crust.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 large egg
– 1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced
– 1 cup rhubarb, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add softened butter, egg, strawberries, rhubarb, and vanilla extract; mix until just combined.
4. Pour batter into prepared baking dish and smooth top.
5. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Dust with confectioners’ sugar, if desired. Serve warm.
Rhubarb Upside-Down Cake
This classic dessert features tender cake infused with the sweet-tart flavor of rhubarb, topped with a caramelized brown sugar and butter crust.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup diced fresh rhubarb (about 3 stalks)
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and line with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add melted butter, eggs, and rhubarb to the dry ingredients; stir until just combined.
4. Pour batter into prepared baking dish.
5. Sprinkle brown sugar evenly over the top of the batter.
6. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes before flipping onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Rhubarb and Custard Cake
This moist and flavorful cake combines the tartness of rhubarb with the richness of custard, making it a perfect dessert for springtime celebrations. With its sweet and tangy flavors, this cake is sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup whole milk
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup diced fresh rhubarb
– 1/2 cup custard (homemade or store-bought)
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Fold in diced rhubarb.
6. Pour batter into prepared baking dish and smooth top.
7. Drizzle custard over the batter.
8. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
9. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Vegan Rhubarb Almond Cake
Vegan Rhubarb Almond Cake Recipe
Experience the sweet and tangy flavor combination of rhubarb and almond in this moist and delicious vegan cake.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup almond flour
– 1/2 cup sugar
– 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
– 1/2 cup non-dairy milk (such as soy or oat)
– 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup fresh rhubarb, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1/4 cup sliced almonds
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease two 6-inch round cake pans or one 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, combine almond flour, sugar, applesauce, non-dairy milk, baking soda, and salt. Mix until smooth.
3. Stir in vanilla extract and rhubarb pieces.
4. Pour the batter into prepared pans or baking dish.
5. Sprinkle sliced almonds on top (optional).
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Let the cakes cool before serving.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Rhubarb Crumble Cake
This rhubarb crumble cake is a perfect springtime treat, combining the tartness of fresh rhubarb with the warmth of sweet spices and a crunchy oat topping.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 large egg
– 1 cup rhubarb, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1/2 cup rolled oats
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add softened butter, egg, and rhubarb to the dry ingredients; mix until just combined.
4. Pour batter into prepared baking dish.
5. Mix oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Sprinkle evenly over the cake batter.
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Lemon Rhubarb Pound Cake
This moist and flavorful pound cake combines the brightness of lemon zest with the tartness of rhubarb, creating a unique and delicious dessert perfect for springtime.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups (190g) unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
– 4 large eggs, at room temperature
– 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 cup (120g) chopped fresh rhubarb
– 2 3/4 cups (315g) all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time.
3. Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and chopped rhubarb.
4. Add flour and baking powder; mix until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
6. Bake for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 55-60 minutes
Rhubarb Yogurt Cake
This moist and flavorful cake combines the tartness of rhubarb with the creaminess of yogurt, creating a perfect balance of flavors. Perfect for springtime or anytime you want to brighten up your day.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup plain yogurt
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup diced rhubarb (about 4 stalks)
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together yogurt, eggs, and melted butter.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Fold in the diced rhubarb.
6. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
8. Let cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Spiced Rhubarb Ginger Cake
This moist and aromatic cake combines the sweetness of rhubarb with the warmth of ginger and a hint of spice, perfect for a cozy afternoon treat.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup diced fresh rhubarb
– 2 tbsp crystallized ginger, finely chopped
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
5. Fold in rhubarb and ginger.
6. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
7. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Rhubarb and Coconut Cake
This sweet and tangy cake combines the flavors of rhubarb and coconut, resulting in a moist and aromatic dessert perfect for any occasion. With its unique combination of ingredients, this recipe is sure to impress your friends and family.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (200g) all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup (50g) unsweetened shredded coconut
– 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk, at room temperature
– 2 large eggs, at room temperature
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 cup (60g) chopped fresh rhubarb
– Unsalted butter, melted
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9-inch (23cm) round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, coconut, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and melted butter. Add chopped rhubarb and stir to combine.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Rhubarb Sour Cream Cake
Treat your taste buds to a delightful combination of sweet and tangy flavors with this Rhubarb Sour Cream Cake recipe. Moist and fluffy, this cake is perfect for springtime celebrations or as a weekend treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup sour cream
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup diced fresh rhubarb (about 3 stalks)
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine butter and sour cream. Beat until smooth.
4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Fold in the rhubarb mixture.
6. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
8. Let cakes cool before dusting with confectioners’ sugar.
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Gluten-Free Rhubarb Cake
This moist and flavorful cake is a perfect way to celebrate the arrival of spring, with the sweet-tart flavor of rhubarb shining through. Made with gluten-free flours, this cake is a great option for those with dietary restrictions.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1 cup rhubarb, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 8-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and baking powder.
3. Add melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract; mix until well combined.
4. Fold in rhubarb pieces.
5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Let cool before serving.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Rhubarb and Orange Polenta Cake
A moist and flavorful cake that combines the sweetness of orange with the tartness of rhubarb, all wrapped up in a creamy polenta crust.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup polenta
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup rhubarb jam
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1 tsp baking powder
– Salt to taste
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9-inch (23cm) springform pan and set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together polenta, sugar, eggs, and melted butter until smooth.
3. Stir in rhubarb jam and orange juice until well combined.
4. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top.
5. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Let cool completely before dusting with confectioners’ sugar, if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Rhubarb Chocolate Marble Cake
A sweet and tangy combination of rhubarb and chocolate creates a unique and delightful cake experience.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 large egg
– 1 cup rhubarb jam or preserves
– 1 cup milk
– 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (at least 60% cocoa)
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 8-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter until light and fluffy. Beat in egg.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients, milk, and rhubarb jam to the wet ingredients, alternating between wet and dry, beginning and ending with dry.
5. Melt chocolate chips in a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl. Allow to cool slightly.
6. Pour batter into prepared pans. Dollop melted chocolate on top of each batter.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
8. Let cakes cool before dusting with confectioners’ sugar and serving.
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Rhubarb Buttermilk Cake
This moist and flavorful cake combines the tartness of rhubarb with the tanginess of buttermilk, making it a perfect springtime dessert or snack. With its subtle sweetness and lovely texture, this cake is sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup diced rhubarb (about 4-5 stalks)
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine softened butter, buttermilk, eggs, and diced rhubarb. Whisk until smooth.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared baking dish and smooth top.
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Rhubarb Cardamom Bundt Cake
This moist and flavorful bundt cake combines the tartness of rhubarb with the warm, aromatic spice of cardamom. Perfect for a brunch or dessert, this unique cake is sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1 cup fresh rhubarb, chopped
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9-inch bundt pan and set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and cardamom.
3. In a large bowl, combine softened butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Fold in chopped rhubarb.
6. Pour batter into prepared bundt pan and smooth top.
7. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
8. Allow cake to cool before dusting with confectioners’ sugar.
Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
Rhubarb and Raspberry Cake
A sweet and tangy combination of rhubarb and raspberries creates a unique and delicious cake that’s perfect for springtime celebrations.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs, at room temperature
– 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup (120ml) unsalted butter, softened
– 2 tablespoons rhubarb jam or preserves
– 1 cup (120g) fresh raspberries, chopped
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 8-inch (20cm) round cake pans and line with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, beat sugar and eggs until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
4. Add softened butter and mix until combined.
5. Stir in rhubarb jam, chopped raspberries, and flour mixture.
6. Divide the batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Allow cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
9. Dust with confectioners’ sugar, if desired.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Rhubarb Caramel Drizzle Cake
Moist vanilla cake infused with the tartness of rhubarb, topped with a rich caramel drizzle – this dessert is sure to impress!
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup milk
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 cup chopped fresh rhubarb
– 1/4 cup caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 8-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and sugar. Add softened butter and mix until crumbly.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Pour into dry ingredients and mix until smooth.
4. Fold in chopped rhubarb.
5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.
6. Allow cakes to cool completely before drizzling with caramel sauce.
Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes
Summary
Spring is here, and what better way to celebrate than with a delicious rhubarb cake? This season, try one (or all!) of our 18 mouth-watering recipes featuring the star of the show: rhubarb. From classic streusel cakes to vegan almond cakes, and from coffee cakes to marble cakes, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re in the mood for a sweet and tangy treat or a warm and comforting dessert, these rhubarb cake recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings. So go ahead, get baking, and welcome spring with a slice (or two!) of rhubarb goodness.
