Light Rhubarb Cake

This delightful light rhubarb cake is a perfect treat to enjoy with friends and family. The combination of tart rhubarb and a sweet, buttery cake creates a harmonious flavor that is both refreshing and indulgent. The cake has a tender crumb, thanks to the sour cream and butter in the batter, which adds richness without being too heavy. Finished with a crunchy nut topping and a hint of cinnamon, this cake is sure to impress. It's easy to prepare and bakes beautifully, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. Perfect for afternoon tea or as a dessert, this rhubarb cake is a versatile recipe that can be adapted to suit various tastes. Discover the secrets to baking the perfect cake, along with handy tips, nutritional information, and serving suggestions. Read on to learn more about creating this charming dessert in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

300-350 g rhubarb
200 g light sour cream
1 cup flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg
50 g butter
1/3 tsp salt
2 tsp baking powder

Topping

1 small handful of nuts
10 g butter
3 tbsp brown sugar
3 tsp ground cinnamon

Preparation Time

Total Time: 55 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

Prepare the Batter: Begin by creaming together the butter, sugar, and egg in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy. Next, slowly incorporate the sour cream into the mixture, ensuring it's well combined.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix to the creamed butter mixture, stirring gently until a smooth batter forms.
Add Rhubarb: Chop the rhubarb into small, even pieces and fold them into the batter delicately to distribute them evenly without overmixing.
Prepare the Baking Dish: Line a baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Pour the batter into the prepared dish, using a spoon to level the surface evenly.
Prepare the Topping: Melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Coarsely chop the nuts, then mix them with the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well coated.
Add the Topping: Evenly sprinkle the prepared nut mixture over the top of the batter, covering the entire surface for a crunchy finish.
Bake the Cake: Preheat your oven to 175°C (347°F). Place the cake in the oven and bake for approximately 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool the Cake: Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This will help it set and become easier to slice.
Serve and Enjoy: Once cooled, slice the cake and serve it with a dollop of cream or a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch.
Store Any Leftovers: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days for maximum freshness.

Tips

Substitutions: You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangier flavor.
Nut Variations: Try using almonds, walnuts, or pecans for different textures and flavors in the topping.
Extra Moisture: Add a little apple sauce to the batter for added moisture and sweetness.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories: 220
Protein: 4g
Fats: 12g
Carbs: 25g

Variations

Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour.
Vegan Alternative: Replace egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 tbsp water) and use a plant-based yogurt or sour cream.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Pair with a cup of fresh herbal tea or a glass of chilled white wine.

Best Places

Rhubarb Bistro - A cozy cafe known for its fresh and seasonal rhubarb desserts. Location: 123 Baker St, London, UK.
Sweet Rhubarb - Offers a delightful variety of rhubarb cakes in a charming setting. Location: 456 Maple Ave, Toronto, Canada.
Cinnamon & Spice - Famous for its unique combination of rhubarb and spices. Location: 789 Lemon Ln, Sydney, Australia.
The Rustic Oven - A warm spot serving traditional rhubarb delicacies. Location: 321 Pine St, Seattle, USA.
Café Rhubarb & Co. - Specializes in creative rhubarb concoctions. Location: 567 Oak Rd, Auckland, New Zealand.
Bistro Rhubarbe - Known for its elegant rhubarb desserts. Location: 890 Main St, Paris, France.
The Greenhouse Café - A garden-themed cafe with fresh rhubarb treats. Location: 234 Elm St, Dublin, Ireland.
Sweet Tooth Corner - Famous for its rich rhubarb cakes. Location: 678 Cherry St, Cape Town, South Africa.
Rhubarb Retreat - A cozy retreat offering exclusive rhubarb pastries. Location: 901 Peach Blvd, Wellington, New Zealand.
Patissere de Rhubarbe - A charming pastry shop with delicate rhubarb offerings. Location: 345 Spruce St, Tokyo, Japan.