Rhubarb Custard Cake

Rhubarb should be a staple in every home garden. Its beautiful foliage makes an attractive statement, and its crimson-colored stalks are tasty. That said, some gardeners shy away from growing rhubarb because they feel as if it takes up too much space and is suitable only for strawberry rhubarb pie. If that’s you, this effortless rhubarb custard cake will change your mind.

There are many delicious rhubarb recipes, and this easy cake recipe is a go-to during rhubarb season. Made with a humble box of your favorite cake mix, a sprinkling of sugar, plenty of fresh (or frozen) rhubarb and a healthy pour of heavy cream, it’s like the best dump cake recipe and cobbler recipe mashup. If you love easy summer desserts that take minutes to prepare, this rhubarb cake with cake mix will become a fast favorite.

Rhubarb Custard Cake Ingredients

• Yellow cake mix: For this easy rhubarb and custard cake, choose your favorite brand of yellow cake mix and prepare it as directed on the package.
• Sugar: A sprinkle of sugar helps the cake brown in the oven and sweetens the rhubarb a bit to counter its tart flavor.
• Rhubarb: Rhubarb is a perennial plant that returns year after year. It tastes great in sweet desserts like this rhubarb custard cake and shines in savory dishes like rhubarb beef.
• Heavy cream: A splash of cream over the batter before baking creates a moist and fluffy cake with an ultra-tender crumb.
• Garnish: Enjoy this rhubarb and custard cake naked or garnish it with homemade whipped cream and a few mint leaves.

Directions

Step 1: Mix the cake batter

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Prepare the yellow cake batter according to the package directions.

Step 2: Sprinkle with sugar and rhubarb

Pour the cake batter into a greased 13×9-inch baking pan, and sprinkle it evenly with chopped rhubarb and sugar. Slowly pour the cream over the top.

Editor’s Tip: While some recipes suggest dusting berries and produce with flour to prevent them from sinking, the rhubarb is supposed to sink to the bottom of the cake as it bakes in the oven.

Step 3: Bake and serve

Bake the cake for 40 to 45 minutes or until golden brown. Remove and cool on a wire rack for 15 minutes.

Slice the cake and serve on plates garnished with homemade whipped cream and mint if desired.

Rhubarb Custard Cake Variations

• Try other fruits: This cake can be made with other fresh or frozen fruit, such as peaches, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries or cherries.
• Change the cake flavor: While yellow cake mix offers a classic taste and appearance, experiment with other cake mix flavors. Red velvet, spice or strawberry cake mix are just a few that we think could work nicely for rhubarb cake with cake mix.
• Add mix-ins: Add up to 1 cup of chopped nuts or dried fruit, such as cherries or cranberries, for added texture or crunch.
• Go big with toppings: Whipped cream and a sprig of fresh mint keep things light. For added richness, try a dollop of homemade strawberry cream cheese frosting or a drizzle of strawberry sauce for a burst of berry goodness.

How to Store Rhubarb Custard Cake

This rhubarb and custard cake is best stored in the refrigerator to preserve freshness. Remove it and let it stand at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes before serving.

How long does rhubarb custard cake last?

When properly stored, rhubarb custard cake will stay fresh for four to five days.

Can you freeze rhubarb custard cake?

Yes! This rhubarb and custard cake freezes beautifully. To freeze cake, wrap it tightly in a layer of storage wrap followed by a layer of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Freeze it for up to three months. To serve, thaw it completely overnight in the refrigerator.

Rhubarb Custard Cake Tips

Is fresh or frozen rhubarb best for rhubarb custard cake?

For this rhubarb custard cake, you can use either fresh or frozen rhubarb. If using frozen rhubarb, measure it while frozen, then thaw it completely. Drain it in a colander, but do not press the liquid out. We find both fresh and frozen work terrific in this cake, with frozen rhubarb producing an ever-so-slightly wetter cake. That said, frozen rhubarb is harvested and frozen at the peak of ripeness. Therefore, it will still have all the same punch and flavor as fresh rhubarb.

When is the best time to serve rhubarb custard cake?

Enjoy rhubarb custard cake any time of the day. It’s great al fresco with a tall glass of lemonade or sweet tea for dessert after an evening cookout with friends and family, or sneak a slice for brunch. Like our favorite coffee cake recipes, this dessert can be disguised as breakfast with a hot cup of tea or coffee.