Description
This Moist Rhubarb Cake is a soft, tender dessert that perfectly balances sweet and tart flavors. Made with fresh rhubarb and simple pantry ingredients, it delivers a rich, moist crumb and a lightly crisp sugar topping, making it ideal for spring baking, brunch, or a comforting homemade treat.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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 (room temperature)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup half and half (or buttermilk)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 2 cups fresh rhubarb (sliced into 1/2-inch pieces)
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9×9-inch baking pan.
- Mix lemon juice with half and half and let sit for 5 minutes to create a buttermilk substitute.
- Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
- Toss rhubarb with 1 tablespoon of flour to prevent sinking.
- In a separate bowl, whisk remaining flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add half the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, then add the milk mixture, followed by the remaining dry ingredients. Mix gently.
- Fold in the rhubarb evenly without overmixing.
- Spread batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Sprinkle sugar over the surface for a light crust.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter and better texture.
- Cut rhubarb into small, even pieces for consistent baking.
- Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the cake soft and tender.
- Tossing rhubarb in flour helps prevent soggy spots.
- The cake tastes even better the next day as flavors develop.
- Store covered at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate up to 5 days.
- Freeze slices individually for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg