Simple Strawberry Rhubarb Cake
If you’re craving a dessert that’s as pretty as it is delicious, you’re in for a treat with this Simple Strawberry Rhubarb Cake. Picture this: soft, buttery cake bursting with juicy strawberries and tangy rhubarb, all baked to golden perfection. Every bite is a balance of sweet and tart, tender and crisp honestly, it’s hard to stop at just one slice. This is the kind of cake you bake when you want to impress without stressing, and trust me, it’s going to become your go-to for spring and summer gatherings (or, let’s be real, any time you need a little slice of happiness).
Why You’ll Love Simple Strawberry Rhubarb Cake
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Perfect for brunch, dessert, or even as a sweet afternoon snack with a cup of tea.
Budget-Friendly: Strawberries and rhubarb are often super affordable in season and the rest of the ingredients are pantry staples.
Quick and Easy: No fancy equipment or complicated steps just straightforward baking magic.
Customizable: You can switch up the fruit or add a sprinkle of nuts on top if you like. It’s totally up to you.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients in Simple Strawberry Rhubarb Cake
Here’s what makes this cake so special it’s all about simple ingredients that work together beautifully. Let’s break it down:
Strawberries: Sweet juicy berries that add vibrant color and natural sweetness.
Rhubarb: The perfect tart partner to those sweet strawberries. It softens as it bakes and adds a lovely contrast.
Butter: For that rich tender crumb that makes this cake so irresistible.
Sugar: Just the right amount of sweetness to balance the tart fruit.
Eggs: They give structure and help the cake rise beautifully.
Flour: The base that holds everything together creating a light yet satisfying cake.
Baking Powder: For a little lift and fluffiness.
Vanilla Extract: A touch of warm sweet flavor that rounds everything out.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Equipment
Start by preheating your oven to the temperature listed in your recipe card. This gets everything ready for even baking.
Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time followed by the vanilla. In a separate bowl whisk together the flour and baking powder. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet until just combined.
Prepare Your Cooking Vessel
Grease your cake pan or line it with parchment paper. This helps the cake release easily and keeps cleanup simple.
Assemble the Dish
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Scatter the strawberries and rhubarb evenly over the batter pressing them in slightly.
Cook to Perfection
Bake until the cake is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The fruit will bubble a little and the cake will smell amazing.
Finishing Touches
Let the cake cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps it set and makes slicing easier.
Serve and Enjoy
Slice and serve warm or at room temperature. It’s lovely on its own or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 290
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
How to Serve Simple Strawberry Rhubarb Cake
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream
Serve with fresh berries on the side for extra brightness
Pair with a cup of coffee tea or even a chilled glass of rosé
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
Use room temperature butter and eggs for a smoother batter
Don’t overmix once you add the flour to keep the cake tender
If using frozen fruit don’t thaw it before adding to the batter
FAQ’s
1 Can I use frozen strawberries and rhubarb
Yes just add them straight from the freezer no need to thaw
2 How do I store leftovers
Keep covered at room temperature for a day or refrigerate for up to 3 days
3 Can I make this cake gluten free
Absolutely use your favorite 11 gluten free flour blend
4 Can I add other fruits
Definitely blueberries raspberries or peaches work beautifully
5 What size pan should I use
An 8 or 9 inch round or square pan works well
6 Can I make this cake ahead of time
Yes it tastes great the next day as the flavors meld even more
7 How do I keep the fruit from sinking
Toss it lightly in flour before adding to the batter
8 Can I reduce the sugar
Yes feel free to cut it back a little especially if your fruit is very sweet
9 Do I need to peel the rhubarb
Nope just trim and chop it
10 Can I add a streusel topping
Yes a buttery streusel would be delicious
Conclusion
This Simple Strawberry Rhubarb Cake is everything you want in a homemade dessert easy satisfying and bursting with fresh flavor. It’s the kind of cake that feels special without being fussy and it’s sure to brighten any table. So go ahead and give it a try I promise you’ll be glad you did.
Print
Simple Strawberry Rhubarb Cake
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 45 mins
- Total Time: 1 hr
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Simple Strawberry Rhubarb Cake is a moist, tender cake bursting with sweet strawberries and tangy rhubarb. It’s easy to make and perfect for spring and summer desserts.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup chopped fresh rhubarb
- 1 cup sliced fresh strawberries
- 2 tbsp coarse sugar (for topping, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round or square cake pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
- Mix in the sour cream until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the rhubarb and strawberries gently.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle with coarse sugar if using.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
- You can substitute plain yogurt for sour cream if preferred.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: strawberry rhubarb cake, easy cake, spring dessert, summer cake, fruit cake