Celebrate the arrival of spring with a delightful Rhubarb Buckle! This classic dessert features a tender, buttery cake that embraces the tartness of fresh rhubarb, resulting in a perfect balance of flavors. It’s easy to make and an ideal way to showcase this vibrant vegetable. Whether served as a cozy dessert after a family dinner or at a sunny brunch with friends, this Rhubarb Buckle is sure to impress and satisfy.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
- Servings: 9 servings
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 197
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 85mg
Why Make This Rhubarb Buckle
Rhubarb Buckle is not only delicious but also offers a lovely way to embrace seasonal produce. Its light texture, coupled with the tangy notes of rhubarb, creates a dessert that’s both satisfying and addictive. The cake is moist and tender, making it a delightful treat any time of the day. Plus, it’s versatile enough to enjoy on its own, with a scoop of ice cream, or even paired with whipped cream for a more indulgent treat.
How to Make Rhubarb Buckle
Ingredients:
- 2 cups rhubarb, chopped
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Directions:
### Step 1: Preparation
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch square baking pan to prevent the buckle from sticking.
### Step 2: Mixing Rhubarb
In a medium bowl, combine the chopped rhubarb with 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Stir well and set aside to allow the rhubarb to release some of its juices.
### Step 3: Creaming Butter and Sugar
In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and the remaining sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process will help create a lovely texture in your buckle.
### Step 4: Adding Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the egg and add the vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well combined and smooth.
### Step 5: Combining Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually incorporate this dry mixture into the creamed mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the flour mixture to ensure even blending.
### Step 6: Folding in Rhubarb
Gently fold in the prepared rhubarb mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this could lead to a denser cake.
### Step 7: Baking the Buckle
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
### Step 8: Cooling and Dusting
Once baked, remove the buckle from the oven and let it cool in the pan for a few minutes. Dust with powdered sugar if desired before slicing and serving.
How to Serve Rhubarb Buckle
Rhubarb Buckle is wonderful served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a lovely brunch spread, offer it with fresh coffee or tea. You can even enjoy it cold; it tastes delightful either way!
How to Store Rhubarb Buckle
To store your Rhubarb Buckle, allow it to cool completely before sealing it in an airtight container. It can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to a week. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just ensure to wrap it well to prevent freezer burn.
Expert Tips for Perfect Rhubarb Buckle
- Select fresh rhubarb for the best flavor and texture. Look for firm, red stalks with no blemishes.
- For a sweeter buckle, consider adding more sugar to the rhubarb mixture if desired.
- If you don’t have rhubarb on hand, feel free to substitute it with chopped strawberries or another fruit for a different flavor twist.
- Be careful not to overbake the buckle; check it at the 35-minute mark.
- For added texture, you can sprinkle some oats or chopped nuts on top before baking.
Delicious Variations
- Berry Twist: Mix in a cup of fresh blueberries or strawberries with the rhubarb for added sweetness.
- Spiced Buckle: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the flour mixture for a warm flavor profile.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I use frozen rhubarb in this recipe?
Yes, frozen rhubarb works well. Just thaw and drain the excess moisture before using it in the recipe. -
How can I make this buckle less sweet?
Reduce the granulated sugar in the recipe to your taste. You can also balance sweetness by adding a touch of lemon juice to the batter. -
Is it necessary to dust with powdered sugar?
No, dusting with powdered sugar is optional. You can serve it plain or with a glaze for added sweetness! -
What’s the best way to tell when the buckle is done?
A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few crumbs attached. -
Can I add nuts to my Rhubarb Buckle?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans can add a delightful crunch to the texture.
Conclusion
Rhubarb Buckle is a charming dessert that captures the essence of spring with its delightful blend of flavors. Easy to prepare and undeniably delicious, it brings warmth and nostalgia to any table. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. So gather your ingredients, embrace the rhubarb, and indulge in this tasty treat—you’ll be glad you did!
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Rhubarb Buckle
- Author: lydia
- Total Time: 55
- Yield: 9 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Celebrate spring with a tender, buttery cake featuring the tartness of fresh rhubarb, perfect for any cozy gathering.
Ingredients
- 2 cups rhubarb, chopped
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch square baking pan.
- In a medium bowl, combine rhubarb with 1/2 cup of granulated sugar and set aside.
- In another bowl, cream together softened butter and remaining sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and add vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually incorporate this into the creamed mixture, alternating with milk.
- Gently fold in the prepared rhubarb mixture until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for a few minutes and dust with powdered sugar if desired before serving.
Notes
For a sweeter buckle, consider adding more sugar to the rhubarb mixture. Can substitute rhubarb with strawberries or other fruits.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 40
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 197
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg





