Rhubarb Cake with a Spice Kick

This rhubarb cake is a delightful blend of tartness, sweetness, and a warm spice undertone. With tender rhubarb nestled on top of a soft cake, each bite offers a harmonious play of contrasting flavors and textures. The rhubarb's tartness is balanced perfectly with a sweet, spiced cake base, making it a wonderful choice for both everyday snacks and special occasions. This cake captures the essence of comfort food while bringing an exciting twist with its aromatic spices. The addition of nutmeg, cinnamon, and ginger adds depth, making this dessert truly stand out. Whether enjoyed warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or cold with a dollop of whipped cream, this rhubarb cake is a crowd-pleaser. Its simple preparation is complemented by the sophisticated play of flavors, and it's a great way to celebrate the versatility of rhubarb. Perfect for brunch gatherings or as a delightful afternoon treat, this cake promises to satisfy your tastebuds. Get ready to dive into a dessert that's as flavorful as it is comforting.

Ingredients

Rhubarb Topping

450 g rhubarb, cleaned and cut to desired size
150 g sugar
Zest of 1/2 lemon
4 tbsp unsalted butter
2 pinches of salt

Cake Batter

85 g softened butter (6 tbsp)
125 g brown sugar
50 g white sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/8 tsp ground cloves
2 pinches of nutmeg
120 ml buttermilk
195 g flour

Preparation Time

Total Time: 80 minutes (20 minutes prep, 60 minutes cooking)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Rhubarb: Select a baking dish and cut the rhubarb stalks according to its size. Clean the rhubarb and slice larger stalks lengthwise to ensure similar thickness.
Cook the Rhubarb: In a pan, mix sugar and lemon zest. Add butter and salt. Heat the pan and add rhubarb, stirring occasionally until rhubarb softens, sugar dissolves, and a bit of juice is released. Remove from heat.
Make the Cake Batter: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes light and airy.
Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Add eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix in baking powder, salt, and all the spices, ensuring even distribution throughout the batter.
Blend in Buttermilk: Pour in buttermilk and stir. Don’t worry if the mixture appears grainy.
Incorporate Flour: Slowly add flour, mixing just until no lumps remain.
Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a baking dish and arrange the cooked rhubarb on the bottom. Pour a little syrup from the pan if desired. Avoid overfilling with juice.
Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 180°C (350°F).
Assemble the Cake: Pour the cake batter evenly over the rhubarb in the baking dish.
Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 35 minutes. Use a wooden skewer to check for doneness. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool slightly. Use a knife to ensure the edges are not sticking to the sides. Place a plate on top and swiftly invert the dish to release the cake. Enjoy your rhubarb cake!

Tips

Substitutions: You can use Greek yogurt instead of buttermilk for a creamier texture.
Storage: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days.
Serving: Warm the cake slightly before serving for the best experience.

Nutritions

Calories: Approximately 280 per serving
Protein: 3 g
Fats: 11 g
Carbs: 41 g

Variations

Gluten-Free: Substitute regular flour with almond or coconut flour for a gluten-free alternative.
Vegan: Replace butter with coconut oil and use coconut milk in place of buttermilk.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or dollop of whipped cream.
Pair with a hot cup of coffee or a refreshing iced tea.

Best Places

Here’s a list of great places to enjoy unique rhubarb desserts from around the world:

Pasticceria Marchesi - Celebrated for its artisanal pastries with a unique twist on traditional recipes. Location: Via Montenapoleone, Milan, Italy.
Tart Bakery - Famed for its delicious and innovative tart creations. Location: 555 O’Farrell Street, San Francisco, USA.
Balthasar - Offers a delightful array of classic and inventive baked goods. Location: Jægersborggade 72, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Maison Bertaux - Known for its artistic pastries and rich history. Location: Greek Street, London, UK.
Café Central - Enjoy classic Viennese coffeehouse vibes with delectable cakes. Location: Herrengasse 14, Vienna, Austria.
Pierre Hermé - Renowned for its high-class pastries with unique flavors. Location: Rue Bonaparte, Paris, France.
Afternoon Tea Revisited - A contemporary twist on traditional British tea and cakes. Location: Orchard Road, Singapore.
Pasticceria Galleria Iginio Massari - Offers a luxurious pastry experience. Location: Via Miglio 7, Brescia, Italy.
Shakespeare and Co. - Known for its comforting desserts and nostalgic decor. Location: Grand Boulevard, Dubai, UAE.
Söderberg Bakery - A hidden gem for exquisite Swedish fika pastries. Location: Broughton Street, Edinburgh, Scotland.