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Scandinavian Rhubarb Cake Recipe


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3.9 from 88 reviews

  • Author: admin
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Scandinavian Rhubarb Cake is a delightful traditional dessert featuring tangy fresh rhubarb baked into a soft, moist cake. Lightly sweetened and spiced with cinnamon, it offers a perfect balance of flavors and a tender crumb that’s ideal for springtime or any occasion. The cake is topped with a cinnamon sugar blend and optional pearl sugar for added texture and sweetness. Serve it slightly warm or at room temperature, paired with whipped cream or vanilla sauce for an authentic Nordic treat.


Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup whole milk

Fruit

  • 2 1/2 cups fresh rhubarb, chopped into 1/2-inch pieces

Topping

  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon pearl sugar (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan to ensure the cake will release easily after baking.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to distribute the leavening agents and seasoning evenly.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cake texture.
  4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the creamed butter and sugar, beating well after each addition to maintain a smooth batter. Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
  5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the flour mixture, stirring until just combined to avoid overmixing and developing gluten.
  6. Fold in Rhubarb: Gently fold the chopped rhubarb into the batter, ensuring it is evenly distributed without breaking down the fruit too much.
  7. Assemble in Pan: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared cake pan to ensure consistent baking.
  8. Add Topping: In a small bowl, mix together the sugar and ground cinnamon, then sprinkle evenly over the cake batter. Optionally, scatter pearl sugar on top for extra crunch and sweetness.
  9. Bake: Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully baked.
  10. Cool: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents sogginess and enhances texture.
  11. Serve: Slice and serve the cake slightly warm or at room temperature. It pairs wonderfully with lightly sweetened whipped cream or a vanilla sauce for an authentic Scandinavian experience.

Notes

  • If using frozen rhubarb, thaw it fully and drain excess moisture to avoid a soggy cake.
  • This cake pairs beautifully with lightly sweetened whipped cream or a rich vanilla sauce for added indulgence.
  • For a traditional Scandinavian flavor, substitute part of the milk with buttermilk to add a pleasant tanginess.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Scandinavian