Introducing the delectable Rhubarb Upside-Down Cake, a tantalizing dessert that perfectly balances the tartness of rhubarb with the sweetness of a moist, buttery cake. With just a few simple steps, you can create a culinary masterpiece that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 8
Ingredients:
- 3 stalks of rhubarb
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 2/3 cup milk
- 1 egg
Instructions:
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Preheat your oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cake bakes evenly and thoroughly.
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Prepare the rhubarb: Wash and trim the rhubarb stalks, then slice them into half-inch pieces. Grease a 10-inch cast iron skillet to prevent sticking.
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Create the topping: In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of sugar, 2 cups of flour, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg. Mix well and sprinkle this mixture evenly over the prepared rhubarb in the skillet.
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Drizzle with butter: Once the rhubarb is coated with the sugar-flour mixture, drizzle it with 1/4 cup of melted butter. This adds richness and enhances the caramelization of the rhubarb during baking.
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Prepare the cake batter: In a separate mixing bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups of flour, 3/4 cup of sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground nutmeg. Cut in the softened butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
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Add wet ingredients: In the same bowl, add the milk and egg to the dry ingredients. Beat the mixture until smooth and well combined. This creates a luscious, moist batter for your cake.
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Spread batter over rhubarb: Carefully spread the prepared batter over the rhubarb mixture in the skillet. Ensure that the batter is evenly distributed to guarantee a uniform bake.
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Bake to perfection: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. This indicates that the cake is fully baked and ready to be enjoyed.
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Invert and serve: Once baked, remove the skillet from the oven and immediately loosen the edges of the cake with a knife. Then, carefully invert the skillet onto a serving dish. The beautiful caramelized rhubarb will now be on top, showcasing its vibrant color and irresistible aroma.
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Enjoy: Serve the Rhubarb Upside-Down Cake warm, allowing the flavors to meld together perfectly. This delightful dessert pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat that will leave everyone craving more.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 396.5
- Fat Content: 13.3g
- Saturated Fat Content: 8.1g
- Cholesterol Content: 56.6mg
- Sodium Content: 241mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 66.4g
- Fiber Content: 1.6g
- Sugar Content: 44.3g
- Protein Content: 4.6g
Recipe Notes:
- Rhubarb Selection: Choose rhubarb stalks that are firm and brightly colored for the best flavor and texture in your cake.
- Cast Iron Skillet: Using a cast iron skillet adds to the rustic charm of this dessert and helps to caramelize the rhubarb beautifully.
- Storage: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat slices in the microwave or oven before serving.
- Variations: Feel free to customize this recipe by adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or a handful of chopped nuts to the batter for extra flavor and texture. You can also experiment with different fruits, such as apples or peaches, for a seasonal twist on this classic dessert.