Celebrate the bright, tangy flavor of spring with this classic Rhubarb Buckle! Featuring tender, juicy rhubarb baked into a soft, buttery cake and topped with a golden cinnamon crumble, this old-fashioned dessert is the perfect mix of sweet and tart. This rhubarb buckle recipe is easy to make and ideal for brunch, afternoon coffee, or a cozy homemade treat. Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dessert everyone will love.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
- Servings: 12
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 200
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
Why Make This Rhubarb Buckle
Rhubarb buckle is a delightful dessert that perfectly balances tart and sweet flavors, making it a favorite among fruit lovers. This easy-to-make buckle features tender rhubarb nestled in a rich, buttery cake, bringing together all the cozy goodness of a homemade treat. Whether enjoyed as a snack or served alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert, rhubarb buckle is sure to please. The comforting aroma while it bakes fills your kitchen with warmth, making it even more inviting. Plus, with its straightforward preparation and minimal ingredients, it’s perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
How to Make Rhubarb Buckle
Ingredients:
- 2 cups diced rhubarb
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 egg
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan to ensure your buckle doesn’t stick.
Step 2: Mixing
In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air, giving your buckle a lovely texture. Add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well until everything is combined.
Step 3: Combining Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. Mixing these dry ingredients together first helps to evenly distribute the leavening agent and spices in your batter.
Step 4: Blending
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix; this ensures your buckle stays tender. Finally, gently fold in the diced rhubarb until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 5: Baking
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The top will turn a lovely golden brown.
Step 6: Cooling
Once baked, let the buckle cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This waiting period allows the buckle to set properly.
How to Serve Rhubarb Buckle
Rhubarb buckle is fantastic on its own, but you can elevate it by serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. It also pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea, making it an ideal choice for brunch gatherings or afternoon snacks.
How to Store Rhubarb Buckle
To store your rhubarb buckle, keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it, where it will stay fresh for up to a week. For even longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap before placing it in a freezer-safe container.
Expert Tips for Perfect Rhubarb Buckle
- For a sweeter buckle, consider increasing the sugar slightly or mixing in some strawberries with the rhubarb.
- If you prefer a more cake-like texture, add an additional egg for richness.
- Make sure your butter is at room temperature; this helps to create a fluffy batter.
- Try using fresh rhubarb for the best flavor, but frozen rhubarb can be a great alternative as well, just thaw and drain any excess moisture before using.
Delicious Variations
- Berry Buckle: Add in 1 cup of your favorite berries like blueberries or strawberries to the batter.
- Nutty Crunch: Mix in 1/2 cup of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra texture.
- Coconut Twist: Fold in 1/2 cup of shredded coconut for a fun tropical flair.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use frozen rhubarb?
Yes, you can use frozen rhubarb! Just thaw it and drain off any excess moisture to ensure your buckle isn’t soggy. - What’s the best way to cut rhubarb?
Use a sharp knife and cut off the ends before slicing the stalks into uniform pieces, about 1 inch long. Discard any leaves, as they are toxic. - Can I make this buckle ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the batter and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking, or bake it ahead and reheat it gently before serving. - What is the difference between a buckle and a crumble?
A buckle is a cake-like dessert with fruit mixed in, whereas a crumble typically has a crumbly topping made from flour, butter, and sugar placed over the fruit. - How do I know when the buckle is done baking?
The buckle is done when it’s golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If you see batter on the toothpick, give it a few more minutes.
Conclusion
Rhubarb buckle is a delightful homemade dessert that combines the tartness of rhubarb with a tender, moist cake. Its simplicity makes it accessible for any level of baker, and its delicious flavor will keep everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re enjoying it warm from the oven or as a chilled afternoon treat, this buckle is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. So, gather your ingredients, bring out that mixing bowl, and let’s get baking! Enjoy every delicious bite!
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Rhubarb Buckle
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful dessert that balances tart and sweet flavors, featuring tender rhubarb in a rich, buttery cake.
Ingredients
- 2 cups diced rhubarb
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 egg
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, until just combined. Fold in the diced rhubarb.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the buckle cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For a sweeter buckle, consider increasing the sugar slightly or mixing in some strawberries with the rhubarb. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
