Deliciously Sweet Rhubarb Buckle to Brighten Your Day

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Rhubarb Buckle is a timeless dessert that combines the tartness of fresh rhubarb with a soft, buttery cake base and a cinnamon-sugar crumble topping. Its tender texture and irresistible flavor will remind you of cozy afternoons spent in the kitchen, and it’s a great way to use up seasonal rhubarb when it’s at its peak. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal effort—perfect for both beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike.

Whether you're hosting a family gathering, enjoying an afternoon snack, or simply craving something sweet, this rhubarb buckle offers a satisfying, well-balanced dessert that will have everyone coming back for more. The buttery, moist cake combined with the slight tartness of the rhubarb and the sugary, cinnamon topping creates a comforting balance of flavors that you’ll love every bite of.

Ingredients

• 2 cups diced rhubarb

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• 2 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ cup milk

• ¼ cup brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch square baking pan.

2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until fluffy.

3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

5. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, until just combined.

6. Gently fold in the diced rhubarb.

7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.

8. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle the mixture over the batter.

9. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Servings and Timing

• Yield: 9 servings

• Total time: 1 hour

• Prep time: 15 minutes

• Cook time: 40-45 minutes

Variations

• Add nuts: Try adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra crunch and flavor.

• Other fruits: While rhubarb is the star of this recipe, you could swap it for other fruits like strawberries, blueberries, or apples if you’re looking for a different flavor profile.

• Coconut topping: For a tropical twist, sprinkle shredded coconut on top of the cinnamon-sugar mixture before baking.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover rhubarb buckle in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want it to last longer, keep it in the fridge for up to 5 days.

• Reheating: To reheat, simply microwave a slice for about 20-30 seconds or warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through. You can also serve it cold or at room temperature.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen rhubarb instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen rhubarb, but make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the batter to prevent excess moisture.

2. How do I know when the rhubarb buckle is done baking?

The buckle is done when a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean, or with just a few crumbs attached.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the rhubarb buckle ahead of time and store it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature.

4. Can I freeze this rhubarb buckle?

Yes, you can freeze the buckle. Once it has cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw and bake at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes.

5. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make this recipe dairy-free, substitute the butter with a plant-based butter or margarine, and use a dairy-free milk alternative like almond milk.

6. Can I add more rhubarb to this recipe?

Yes, you can increase the amount of rhubarb slightly, but be mindful that too much rhubarb may cause the batter to become too moist and affect the texture.

7. What is the difference between a buckle and a crumble?

A buckle is a type of cake-like dessert that’s typically topped with fruit and a crumbly streusel topping, while a crumble usually refers to a fruit dessert with a more pronounced crumble topping and no cake base.

8. Can I use brown sugar in the batter instead of granulated sugar?

Yes, you can substitute some or all of the granulated sugar with brown sugar for a richer, more caramelized flavor.

9. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the baking powder you use is gluten-free as well.

10. Can I add a glaze on top?

Yes, a simple powdered sugar glaze would be a wonderful addition on top of this buckle. Combine powdered sugar with a little milk or lemon juice and drizzle over the cooled buckle.

Conclusion

This rhubarb buckle is a warm, comforting dessert that will quickly become a staple in your recipe collection. It combines the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, and its moist, buttery texture will make it an instant favorite. Whether served as a dessert or a breakfast treat, this easy-to-make buckle is sure to brighten any day.