The Norwegian Rhubarb Cake, or “Rabarbrakake,” is a beloved springtime staple in Scandinavian households. With its buttery crumb and tart rhubarb pieces nestled in a soft cake base, this treat perfectly balances sweetness and tang. A sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top adds a warm, cozy touch that’s hard to resist. Simple to prepare and packed with rustic charm, this cake shines at brunch, teatime, or as a comforting dessert. It’s an ideal recipe for using fresh rhubarb from your garden or local market. Whether served warm with a dollop of whipped cream or enjoyed as-is, this cake evokes the timeless coziness of traditional Nordic baking.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
-
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
-
1 cup granulated sugar
-
2 large eggs
-
1/2 cup whole milk
-
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
-
2 teaspoons baking powder
-
1/2 teaspoon salt
-
2 cups rhubarb, chopped
-
2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for topping)
-
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)
Directions:
-
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
-
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1 cup sugar until light and fluffy.
-
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
-
Add the milk and mix until incorporated.
-
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
-
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
-
Gently fold in the chopped rhubarb.
-
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
-
In a small bowl, combine the 2 tablespoons of sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle evenly over the batter.
-
Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
-
Let cool slightly before serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour
Kcal: 290 kcal | Servings: 8 servings
Discovering the Heart of Norwegian Baking: Rabarbrakake
Rhubarb season is a much-anticipated time in many parts of the world, but in Norway, it brings with it the opportunity to revisit a treasured classic Rabarbrakake, or Norwegian Rhubarb Cake. This simple, rustic dessert is a testament to the Norwegian way of baking: using seasonal, locally grown ingredients to create comforting, flavorful dishes that nourish both body and spirit.
Unlike flashy, overly sweet confections, the Rabarbrakake embraces restraint. It celebrates the natural tartness of rhubarb, balancing it with buttery cake and just the right touch of sugar and spice. While easy to prepare, it delivers an unforgettable experience that’s equal parts nostalgia and indulgence.
A Slice of Nordic Tradition
In Norwegian cuisine, desserts aren’t typically overly sweet or decadent. They’re practical, approachable, and crafted with what’s seasonally available. This philosophy is beautifully reflected in Rabarbrakake.
Rhubarb grows easily in the cool climate of Norway and is one of the earliest plants to emerge in the spring. Generations of home bakers have welcomed its arrival with open arms, crafting jams, sauces, and most deliciously cakes. Norwegian Rhubarb Cake is often one of the first sweet bakes of the season, signaling the end of the long winter and the beginning of brighter, warmer days.
Historically, this cake was served with afternoon coffee, or kaffetid, a cherished Scandinavian tradition where friends or family gather for conversation, strong coffee, and a light pastry. Rabarbrakake isn’t just a dessert; it’s a social experience a warm gesture of hospitality and a moment to slow down.
Simplicity is the Secret
One of the defining traits of this cake is its simplicity. It’s the kind of recipe that gets passed down through generations, scribbled on index cards or remembered by heart. You won’t need fancy ingredients or elaborate techniques just pantry staples and fresh rhubarb.
Its charm lies in this minimalism. The batter is rich and buttery, the rhubarb adds moisture and tartness, and the cinnamon-sugar topping creates a caramelized, crackly crust. The result is a cake that feels both comforting and sophisticated, a reflection of the humble yet refined nature of Norwegian home cooking.
Why Rhubarb Works So Well
Rhubarb is a polarizing ingredient in some parts of the world, often seen as too tart or tricky to use. But for seasoned Nordic bakers, it’s a favorite. In Rabarbrakake, rhubarb’s natural acidity cuts through the richness of the cake, creating a dynamic balance of flavors. It also brings a beautiful contrast in texture, softening as it bakes but still offering a pleasant bite.
This contrast is part of what makes the cake so appealing. Every forkful delivers a medley of buttery crumb, tangy fruit, and sweet cinnamon like a hug in dessert form. And because rhubarb varies in color from deep red to pale green, each cake has its own visual character as well.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Though Rabarbrakake is rooted in tradition, it’s incredibly versatile. In Norway, it’s commonly enjoyed with coffee in the late afternoon or served as a simple dessert after dinner. But it also works wonderfully as a brunch item, a holiday table centerpiece, or even a sweet treat for a picnic.
The cake’s portability and forgiving texture make it perfect for travel. It doesn’t require refrigeration, can be made in advance, and actually tastes better after a few hours when the flavors have had time to meld. Top it with whipped cream or a dollop of sour cream, or enjoy it plain it’s delicious any way you serve it.
Tips for the Perfect Rabarbrakake
Although this cake is straightforward, a few thoughtful techniques can take it from good to great:
1. Use Fresh Rhubarb if Possible
While frozen rhubarb can work in a pinch, fresh stalks provide the best texture and color. Always trim off the leaves (they’re toxic) and choose firm, crisp stalks.
2. Don’t Overmix the Batter
Like many cakes, overmixing can lead to a tough texture. Mix just until the ingredients are combined to keep the crumb tender and light.
3. Play With Spices
Cinnamon is traditional, but you could also try cardamom or even a touch of ground ginger for a twist. These warming spices enhance the rhubarb’s brightness.
4. Let It Cool Slightly Before Serving
Serving it warm is lovely, but letting it cool for at least 15–20 minutes allows the structure to set and the flavors to come together.
5. Consider Add-Ons
While the traditional cake is plain, some like to add slivered almonds on top for crunch or a dusting of powdered sugar for presentation. A touch of vanilla extract in the batter can also deepen the flavor.
Rabarbrakake Around the World
While this cake is deeply Norwegian, variations of rhubarb cakes can be found across many cultures. German Rhabarberkuchen, for instance, often includes a custard or streusel topping. British rhubarb desserts tend toward crumbles and pies. What sets Rabarbrakake apart is its light texture, restrained sweetness, and cultural context.
It’s a cake that reflects the Norwegian values of simplicity, frugality, and connection to the land. Its beauty lies in how it transforms a few basic ingredients into something utterly comforting.
Baking as a Cultural Connection
For many Norwegian-Americans and people with Scandinavian heritage, baking this cake is a way to reconnect with their roots. The smell of butter and rhubarb baking in the oven may stir up memories of grandmothers and great-grandmothers who made similar cakes in rural kitchens far from modern conveniences.
Sharing this recipe today allows home bakers to experience not just a dish, but a slice of history a living tradition passed down through the hands of generations.
Even if you don’t have Scandinavian ancestry, baking Rabarbrakake is a wonderful way to explore a new culture through food. It’s easy, accessible, and full of heart a lovely way to celebrate spring and the pleasures of seasonal baking.
Conclusion:
Rabarbrakake isn’t just a rhubarb cake it’s a story told in butter, sugar, and tradition. It’s about the joy of eating what’s in season, the pride of baking from scratch, and the warmth of sharing something homemade with those you love. Whether you’re new to rhubarb or a lifelong fan, this cake has something timeless to offer.
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s simple yet deeply satisfying, steeped in heritage but endlessly adaptable, this Norwegian Rhubarb Cake is a perfect choice. One bite, and you’ll understand why it’s been cherished for generations.
So the next time rhubarb starts to pop up at your local market or garden, gather your ingredients, heat up your oven, and bake yourself into a Nordic tradition that’s as sweet as it is enduring.
