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A slice of warm, golden Traditional Norwegian Rhubarb Cake with a Tender Crust, topped with a dollop of whipped cream, on a white plate.

Traditional Norwegian Rhubarb Cake with a Tender Crust (Rabarbrakake)

This Traditional Norwegian Rhubarb Cake, or Rabarbrakake, features a tender, buttery crust filled with vibrant, sweet-tart rhubarb. Simple to prepare and universally appealing, it's a delightful Scandinavian classic perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Norwegian, Scandinavian
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

Wet Ingredients
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter (1/2 stick), melted
  • cup milk
  • 2 eggs room temperature
Dry Ingredients
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
Star Ingredient
  • 1 large stalk rhubarb chopped (about 1 1/2 cups)
Optional Garnishes
  • Powdered sugar for dusting
  • Whipped cream for serving

Equipment

  • Standard mixing bowls (one large, one small)
  • Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer)
  • small saucepan
  • 8-inch springform pan
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Rubber spatula
  • Toothpick

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8-inch springform pan with butter or cooking spray.
  2. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Remove from heat and stir in the milk. Set this mixture aside to cool slightly.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the eggs and granulated sugar together. Continue beating until the mixture is light, pale, and fluffy, which takes about 3-5 minutes.
  4. With the mixer on low speed, slowly pour the slightly cooled melted butter and milk mixture into the egg and sugar mixture. Mix until just combined.
  5. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
  6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in the large bowl. Mix on low speed until the batter is just combined and no streaks of flour remain. Be careful not to overmix.
  7. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared springform pan. Arrange the chopped rhubarb pieces evenly over the top of the batter. Ensure the rhubarb pieces do not touch the sides of the pan, as they can stick during baking.
  8. Place the pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
  9. Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before carefully removing the springform pan sides. This allows the cake to set properly. Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar or serve with a dollop of whipped cream. Enjoy your homemade Traditional Norwegian Rhubarb Cake with a Tender Crust!

Nutrition

Calories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 4gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 2gSugar: 30gVitamin A: 5IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Use unsalted butter for best flavor control; melt it gently. Whole milk creates a richer cake, but any milk will work. For the best flavor, fresh rhubarb is ideal; if using frozen, thaw completely and pat dry to avoid excess moisture. You can substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Enhance the flavor by adding a pinch of lemon zest or ground cardamom to the dry ingredients.
For the perfect cake, choose fresh, firm rhubarb stalks and chop them uniformly into 1/2-inch pieces for even cooking. Ensure the butter and milk mixture is warm, not hot, when adding to the eggs to avoid scrambling. Do not overmix the batter to prevent a tough cake. Keep rhubarb pieces away from the pan sides to prevent sticking. Always test the cake's center with a toothpick; it should come out clean. Allow the cake to cool fully before slicing to help it set.
Serve warm or at room temperature with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or crème fraîche. Store the cooled cake tightly; it stays fresh at room temperature for 2-3 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days. Individual slices can be frozen for up to 3 months. For a spiced version, add 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon or cardamom. Mix 1/2 cup of fresh strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries with the rhubarb for a berry medley. A simple streusel topping can add extra crunch. Incorporate 1 teaspoon of orange or lemon zest for brighter flavors.
To prevent a soggy cake bottom, ensure rhubarb is well-drained (if frozen) or lightly toss fresh rhubarb with a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch before placing it on the batter.
Nutrition information is estimated based on common ingredients and serving sizes and may vary.

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