I was looking for something different to do with rhubarb when I came across a fruited pudding cake recipe in the Favorite Recipes of America – Desserts cookbook from 1968. The original recipe calls for “any fruit, fresh or canned”, so I figured “Why not rhubarb?” Thus, this old fashioned rhubarb pudding cake was born.
The recipe is quite sweet, even with the tartness of rhubarb. You can cut back on the sugar if you like.
This rhubarb pudding cake recipe has a delicate sugar crust, and rich custard pudding bottom. It's super easy to make using fresh or frozen rhubarb, and can also be made gluten free.
The boys are not huge rhubarb fans, but they love this recipe. This is the sort of thing my grandmother would have made. I hope you and your family enjoy it, too.
Contents
Old Fashioned Rhubarb Pudding Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups of rhubarb, chopped
- 1 3/4 cup sugar, divided
- 3 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 cup sifted flour
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2/3 cup boiling water
Directions
Cover the bottom of an 8 or 9 inch square baking pan with fruit. (I prefer an 8 inch or 9 inch square glass baking dish. You can also use a deep dish glass pie plate.)
Mix 3/4 cup sugar, butter, baking powder, salt, extracts, milk and flour together. Add a little more milk if it is too thick to pour; pour over fruit.
Mix remaining sugar and cornstarch in a small bowl; sprinkle over mixture in pan. Pour boiling water over the top. ( I know this sounds strange, but trust me, it works to create a pudding around the rhubarb in the bottom of the pan.)
Bake at 375°F for 45 minutes. Yield: 9 servings.
The sugar topping creates a glaze on the top of the cake, something like a creme brûlée. It also creates the pudding at the bottom.
Serve warm with ice cream, if desired. Or let it your rhubarb pudding cake cool a bit, and then slice and invert on a plate. This shows off the pudding.
You may also substitute a gluten free flour blend, such as Namaste Gluten Free Flour. With the Namaste flour, I bake an extra ten minutes.
Shares and Pins always much appreciated if you enjoy the recipe!
Printable Recipe
PrintOld Fashioned Rhubarb Pudding Cake
This rhubarb pudding cake recipe is easy to make using fresh or frozen rhubarb. A simple hot water trick allows the cake to make its own sauce while baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 cups rhubarb, chopped
- 1 3/4 cup sugar, divided
- 3 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 cup sifted flour
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2/3 cup boiling water
Instructions
- Cover the bottom of an 8 or 9 inch square pan with fruit. (I prefer an 8 inch or 9 inch square glass baking dish. You could also use a deep dish glass pie plate.)
- Mix 3/4 cup sugar, butter, baking powder, salt, extracts, milk and flour together. Add a little more milk if it is too thick to pour; pour over fruit.
- Mix remaining sugar and cornstarch in a small bowl; sprinkle over mixture in pan. Pour boiling water gently over the top of the cake.
- Bake at 375°F for 45 minutes, a little longer for gluten free flours.
Notes
- Note: You may also substitute a gluten free flour blend such as Namaste Foods Gluten Free Flour Blend. If using gluten free flour, add 10-15 minutes to bake time.
Keywords: cake, rhubarb, pudding cake, spring
More Rhubarb Recipes to Enjoy
Blessed with a bounty of rhubarb? You may also enjoy these easy rhubarb recipes for drinks, preserves and desserts:
- Rhubarb-Cherry wine
- Rhubarbade
- Strawberry Rhubarb Jam
- Old Fashioned Rhubarb Custard Pie
- Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble
- Rhubarb-B-Q Sauce and Rhubarb Orange Compote
- Rhuberry Spread – Naturally Sweetened Strawberry Rhubarb Jam
These recipes work with fresh or frozen rhubarb, so you can enjoy them anytime you have a supply on hand. You can also mix rhubarb and strawberries, or rhubarb with other fruit.
For easy to make bread recipes for the some of the commonly used breads (sandwich bread, corn bread, tortillas…), check out my book “Never Buy Bread Again – The Bread Book for Beginning Bakers“.
You can also get more seasonal recipes, plus other common sense tips, when you subscribe to the Common Sense Home newsletter.
Originally published in 2012, last updated 2019.
Heidi Engan says
There seems to be some mistakes in the recipe. the one I got emailed to me didn’t have vanilla or almond extract on it . Also on both this page and on the emailed one it says to Mix 3/4 cup sugar, butter, baking soda, salt, extracts, milk and flour together (add a little more milk if it is too thick to pour); But there is no baking soda listed on the ingredients . Are we suppose to add baking soda or baking powder?
Catherine peake says
powder in step 2!????
★★★★
Jane Weber says
I would use a little fresh squeezed OJ instead of almond extract.
Toni says
Oj, sounds good. I am not crazy about the almond flavor.
Mary Linda Graham says
I don’t know if the baking powder is possibly the culprit. I have a recipe for the cakey type “cobbler”, and it uses 3 tsp of baking powder. It is easy at 1c. flour, 1c. milk, 1c. sugar, a stick of melted butter, 3 tsp baking powder. Mix and then add the fruit. Now it calls for canned fruit so there is juice so if you use fresh fruit you have to mix the fruit with sugar ahead of time so there will be juice. Not sure how it will work with rhubarb. It has a cake and glue affect also but tastes really good.
CommonSenseIdea says
Sorry about that, Heidi. I was in a hurry this morning and trying to do too many things at once. The recipe has been corrected. No baking soda, only baking powder (I had baking soda in my head with another recipe). 1/2 teaspoon each vanilla extract and almond extract.
Heidi Engan says
LOL , thanks for answering I was worried people would have failure because of the difference. I looked up the recipe and found it last night, BTW it was soooo good thanks for sharing. Heidi
CommonSenseIdea says
Thanks for leaving me a note about it. Another friend caught it, too. I think I need a personal assistant. 😉
Brigid says
I will have to try that when I can get some rhubarb again. No one seems to grow it around here, and I only rarely see it in the stores. Growing up, it was everywhere, and Mom, being Norwegian/Swedish, had all KINDS of recipes involving rhubarb.
CommonSenseIdea says
The original recipe said any fruit, but I think plums or tart berries would be good alternatives to rhubarb.
jaime says
I just made this with blueberries! So good!!! Thanks for the recipe.
Laurie Neverman says
You’re welcome.
Debbie says
I wish I could grow it here in the south I think it is to hot for it to grow here but I sure wish I had access to it. I would love to make this recipe.
Laurie Neverman says
Yes, rhubarb needs cooler temps to thrive. Maybe another fruit like tart cherries would work almost as well?
Judy Wilber says
I have seen rhubard in the fruit freezer section of my grocery store.
Laurie Neverman says
It’s not super common, but it does freeze well and frozen rhubarb works just fine in this recipe.
SandiD says
I grow it in Ky and we have very hot weather and it does well.
BB says
Friends here in Huntsville, TX grew it this year until the floods hit and drowned all but one plant in 2 feet of water. I think it could only survive as an annual because we don’t have cold enough winters to make it a perennial.
I got some before the rains hit and it was delicious.
Grandma Judy says
Publix has it frozen…..and sometimes fresh!
Sharon Roye says
can this be doubled TIA
Laurie Neverman says
The original recipe can be doubled, but you’ll need to add extra baking time.
Diann Hovey says
I priority mail my mom rhubarb from Iowa to texas,and she receives it well. I wrap the sticks in wet paper towels then seal either with my seal machine or just seal good in gallon baggies. She just loves it and freezes it,so she has rhubarb whenever she wants it. I get several batches a year from my plants. Love finding new Rhubarb recipes.
Laurie Neverman says
Good to know it holds up to shipping.
Kim says
We have made this three times in the last month. So very good.We already have the berries and peaches lined up for a little variety.
CommonSenseIdea says
Kim, that sounds great!
Carol says
Thank you so much for posting this recipe. My mom used to make this for us when we were children and now that I have my own rhubarb plants I was hoping to find the same recipe she used.
This is the closest I have found so excited to get baking it again.
CommonSenseIdea says
You’re welcome.
Sarah says
Just realized I am all out of milk do you think I can use half and half and just thin it with water?
Laurie Neverman says
Probably, given that non-dairy milks work.
David Dee says
Why does it look like you’re using unripe rhubarb? When we harvest ours, it’s a deep red all the way through.
Laurie Neverman says
There are different varieties of rhubarb that have a range of colors. Most are more green than red, even at maturity. Depth of color does not indicate ripeness.
Mary Couchman says
I am so glad to find this recipe. I had lost my mother’s recipe and this is just the best ever. Thanks for sharing.
Laurie Neverman says
You’re more than welcome.
Hennie Cook says
The most delicious rhubarb recipe I ever made! Everybody loves it. Thanks.
Laurie Neverman says
Yeah!
Amyee says
I agree! Such a dleicious pudding, I have made this with the tinned black Dorris plums. Absolutely Devine!
★★★★★
Margie Harris says
I love rhubarb and am anxious to try this recipe.. my mom just cooked it and spread it on toast. If you find out something that helps your psoriasis, I’m anxious to know.. I have scalp psoriasis and would love to get it resolved. Thanks for an interesting newsletter.. Margie
Laurie Neverman says
My mom did a lot of rhubarb spread, too. Grandma was more into coffee cakes and such.
So far everything I’ve tried just takes the edge off the itching or soothes it for a short time, but I’m going to keep trying internal and external remedies. While researching, I was surprised to discover how widespread psoriasis is, and how bad it can be for some people. I even saw a guy on youtube using a Brazilian wax kit to take scales off his legs – ewwwwwwww. That has to hurt! There are oral medications that inhibit the immune response, but those have a long list of side effects. The most commonly recommended treatment by most physicians is steroid cream, but that usually only works for a short time before it flares up again. This may be a long journey.
Glad you enjoyed the newsletter!
Kitty Streubel says
A note to Margie Harris and Laurie Neverman…On psoriasis…. If you can find someone with a ‘kangen water machine’ made by enagic in your area, that will share the water and the medicinal water with you it will totally get rid of your psoriasis. You will also need the 2.5 acid , 11.5 alkaline and 6.0 acidic water that it makes. I have seen it over and over again, and never seen this fail. There is a protocol for the use of the medicinal waters that you have to use directly on the psoriasis. If you email me and can find someone to share with you I will tell you how to do it.
On the recipe…. I am so looking forward to trying this…. I have rhubarb coming out of my ears!
Joanne Atkisson says
how do I get the book…Common Sense Homesteading 101? I receive these newsletters but have never gotten the book. Don’t you need my address?
Thx!
Laurie Neverman says
Check your inbox. 🙂 I should probably send the link out again for others who may have missed it.
SHIRLEY LAWRENCE says
I got this recipe somewhere last year and could not believe how easy it was. I passed it on to neighbours who made it. Their families asked for more. And didn’t usually. One them came to me for it again yesterday as it was requested for today’s, Father’s day, dinner. I am making it today too.
Laurie Neverman says
My son says, “Score!” We love it, too. Today I’m leaning towards strawberry shortcake. 🙂
kris herman says
If using frozen rhubarb, should it be thawed first?
Laurie Neverman says
Thawed or partially thawed should both work. Just bake a little longer if it’s only partially thawed.
Eileen Jentsch says
How can I tell when my rhubarb is ready to use. The plant is huge but I am not sure when to cut and use it. This is just the second year for the plant and I cut it back in fall. Help!
Laurie Neverman says
You can find detailed harvest information in the post – https://commonsensehome.com/growing-asparagus-and-rhubarb/
Bonnie says
This is one of our favorite recipes. New rhubarb almost ready. This recipe is delicious and addictive! I use rhubarb right out the freezer, without thawing, and it works just fine.
Theresa says
Can u double this & put it in 9 x 13 for a potluck!
Laurie Neverman says
Yes, we double it all the time.
Char says
Thanks, that was my thought
Jackie says
Thank you! I’ve been scrolling reviews looking for this very question/answer. I’m feeding a docking crew today and a 9×9 pan just wasn’t going to cut it. Can’t wait to try it!
Sharon says
How long to you cook, if doubled?
Laurie Neverman says
I usually add about 5-10 minutes.
PAM says
this sounds wonderful. can’t fine rhubarb in texas where we live. i have some growing it will be next year before its ready. can i use fresh peaches or apricots. thank you
Laurie Neverman says
I’m sure either of those would work well.
Steve Lindley says
I made this tonight using rhubarb from my garden. I cut down a little on the sugar. My tip is make sure the fruit is FULLY covered with the pudding mix or the fruit will leak out during cooking. I added just enough boiling water to put all the pudding mix just under water. It was simple and delicious. I think you could use almost any fruit.
Laurissa says
Thank you for sharing! I will most definitely try this!! I love old recipes
Ann says
I made this yesterday, substituting whole wheat pastry flour, 1 tsp cinnamon instead of almond extract, & reduced sugar. Delicious!
mari strazzeri says
Wow! My daughter and I are baking it right now. We doubled the recipe…so do we bake it longer than 45 min?? Looks amazing so far…crust is glossy and hard just like a meringue. Thanks for sharing…
Laurie Neverman says
Probably about 5 minutes longer.
Meredith says
I am trying this recipe for Easter as my mother in law cant have strawberries but likes rhubarb. Looking forward to a new recipe thatsxalso easy, yeah! On another note i saw your post bout psoriasis just a suggestion to try goat milk soap, my sister started making it to help her daughter with eczema which she doesnt have anymore. If are interested in trying it but cant find it near you let my know my sister sells it. Best Wishes and Thank you for the recipe.
Laurie Neverman says
I’ve used goat milk soap for some time now and prefer it, but thanks for thinking of me.
Becky Dietzler says
I make this for my husband who is diabetic. I use Truvia in place of sugar, unsweetened Almond Milk for the milk and soy flour for the flour. It does not spike his blood sugar. I have made it with rhubarb, rhubarb and strawberries, blueberries and with peaches. All were very good.
Sibylle says
Thanks so much for this! I was scrolling through the comments to see if anyone has tried a milk alternative. I am going to try it with my vanilla soy milk and margarine. I hope it turns out!
Yvonne paterek says
Do you know how many cabs would be in 1 serving. Asking because I have a type 1 diabetic grandson..:(
Cristina says
Becky, how much Truvia did you use in place of the sugar? Thanks!
Debbie says
When using a sugar substitute like Splenda – is the sugar amount still 1:1?
Valerie says
Wow, that was really good and soooo easy! I’m not one that really likes warm fruit desserts, but I had a bunch of rhubarb I had to use. I’m glad I used it on this! Thanks for the recipe.
Laurie Neverman says
Thanks for the feedback!
Joi says
Hi,
I just saw this delicious looking recipe today on FB (surprise!). I have family who cannot have gluten (thanks for the suggestion of gluten-free flour) and no dairy. I have to be so careful with the ingredients but would love to try this this summer!
So two questions, what would you suggest as a butter replacement? For the milk replacement, almond milk may work brilliantly and sugar replaced with Agave.
Would appreciate your thoughts!
Laurie Neverman says
I think I’d opt for coconut milk over almond milk if you can tolerate it, because of the higher fat content. As for a butter replacement, ghee would be my first choice if you’re only avoiding lactose, palm shortening if you must avoid all dairy (Tropical Traditions has an organic palm oil that is responsibly raised and harvested, which I reviewed here). Coconut oil would be my next choice if you don’t have either of the above, but the other two give a texture more similar to butter, from my experience.
LittleLinda says
In my experience, in most cooking & baking, water is a perfectly reasonable replacement for milk. Since most of the expensive alternates still don’t have the protein that milk does, it doesn’t act the same in recipes (it’s not usually due to fat, or skim milk wouldn’t work). For my family, the only reason to cook with almond or other milk alternate is for the flavor, which in this case you probably wouldn’t even notice.
Tawny says
Oh thank you for sharing this! I have lots of rhubarb in my yard! I can’t wait to make it! Maybe tonight or tomorrow for company! Yum! When you reduce the sugar (which I’m thinking of doing since we tend to like things not overly sweet), where do you reduce it? In the batter or the topping or both? What do you recommend reducing it to for someone who is interested in reducing it?
Laurie Neverman says
I’d probably cut back a little in both. Just be aware that the sugar is responsible for that crackled crust and proper browning of the recipe.
Dawn says
Laurie – have you ever tried xylitol or coconut sugar in this recipe? I am just wondering in either or both would be a good substitute for the white sugar and still achieve the top crackle and browning.
Laurie Neverman says
No, I haven’t tried them, but I’d love to hear how they work out if you do.
Kim says
I just tried this using coconut sugar in place of white sugar. I still reduced the amount of sugar, since I don’t like things overly sweet. It is delicious, it has a crackled appearance, but the coconut sugar gives it a darker brown appearance throughout, as compared to the online picture. (since it is a brown colored sugar). My neighbor happened to give me just enough rhubarb to make this recipe . So glad I stumbled upon it, as I was looking for something a little different.
Laurie Neverman says
How much sugar did you end up using? Thanks for letting me know that it worked out.
Dawn says
Thanks Kim for reporting back! I plan to cut back the sugar amount as well as we like our food made with usually much less than recipes call for. I am going to try it with both xylitol and coconut sugar and I will let you know how it goes 🙂
Kim says
Your welcome Laurie and Dawn! I didn’t have white sugar on hand and have been mostly using coconut sugar these days, since I heard it has a lower glycemic index. I think I did use just under 3/4 cup in the batter and just a little bit less than 3/4 cup in the topping ( instead of the 1 cup). So, I just reduced it a little, but I will probably reduce it more next time. It did not seem overly sweet with the amount I used, though. My husband thought it was really good . I would say it definitely has a darker appearance though and I’ve never made it the other way, so not sure if the top is as it should be. Let me know what you think.
I will definitely make this again using other fruit, since I don’t get rhubarb very often.
Laurie Neverman says
Thanks, Kim. I’ve been meaning to try other sweeteners, but that mysterious “spare time” keeps disappearing. 🙂
Yvette Chilcott says
Your recipe is EXCELLENT! We all love it here, thanks for posting it.
Laurie Neverman says
Glad you enjoyed it, and thanks for leaving a comment.
Joe says
Tried this recipe and It was to die for…thanks..
Laurie Neverman says
Glad it worked out well.
David Marsh says
We grow Rubarb in Victoria Aus but it needs a good sun shade to limit not block harsh sun then goes beserk in autumn when temp comes down to the 20 `s C with some rain and heavy dews.
Red Variety is sweeter than green, shows red flesh when cut, but harder to grow ( more delicate ) and needs regular watering.
Tastes better straight from ground.
Laurie Neverman says
I’ve been trying to get a patch of red started. One year it drowned, one year it froze, but this year I found a neighbor I can get a start from, so I’m hopeful we have a winner.
Valerie Zentmyer says
Ok I had my students make this for a lab and 4/6 kitchens pans over flowed on to the bottom of the oven almost causing a fire alarm??? I am pretty sure most followed the recipe exactly. Does anyone use bigger pans??
Laurie Neverman says
Did you use 8×8 or 9×9 pans? The most commonly found size I’ve found while searching online for glass pans in the last couple of years is 8×8. My 9×9 pans are older and have become hard to find. 9×13 would be overkill, but an 11×7 pan would probably work.
Nona Church says
I want to try this!!
Laurie Neverman says
It’s a reader favorite. 🙂
Patti says
Did you grease your baking dish? Looks delicious, am making it this afternoon. Our rhubarb is plentiful this year.
Laurie Neverman says
You don’t really need to, as the pudding won’t scoop out cleanly no matter what you do, but you can if you like. It may make cleanup a little easier.
Patti says
Turned out great! Tastes like my MILs Rhubarb Custard Pie, only its cake & much easier! Thanks for the recipe!
Laurie Neverman says
Glad that is worked out well for you. Thanks for letting me know.
Kim Coburn says
Hi, I have only non stick pan not glass. Will that make any difference?
Kim
Laurie Neverman says
That should be fine.
Bonnie Kitterman says
I made this last week, soooo very yummy. Best rhubarb recipe I have ever tried. Easier than pie, more tasty. Made it just like the recipe said.
Laurie Neverman says
Glad you enjoyed it!
Jennifer Turner says
I have this in the oven right now! Didn’t have butter, so used margarine, do you think that will work?
Laurie Neverman says
I don’t normally use margarine, but it should make a cake.
Fern says
Just made this. It’s wonderful. My mom used to make an absolutely perfect peach pudding with the same recipe. I just never thought to switch out the fruit. Watching the sugar content of the fruits, I’m ready to experiment. Thank you!
Laurie Neverman says
Glad you enjoyed it! Tell your friends. 😉
Susan Saxer says
I have tons of rhubarb and I cannot wait to make this.
Susie C says
I have canned rhurbarb made like a sauce, could this be used? If not i can get fresh… Thank you for your time..
Laurie Neverman says
I think fresh would be better, but it would probably work. Care to try it and share the results? The original recipe did say, “any fruit, fresh or canned”…
Gloria Jean Liuzzo says
I was searching through Pinterest to find a different rhubarb recipe since I have so much from my garden and I found you. I jumped up off the computer and started making it. I usually him and haw if I should try a recipe or not, but this was so easy and I had everything else. Well it just came out of the oven and it looks divine. Too hot to eat right now but I’m sure it will be like heaven. I love rhubarb and have other fruits in my garden also. Strawberries are on their second round and the blackberries are red and getting ripe. So my next try will either be with blueberries and blackberries or a mixed berry custard dessert. One thing, I was low on milk and I just had enough, I see that other ladies are substituting, but how about buttermilk? I have powdered, would that work also? Thank you for posting and I joined your newsletter, can’t wait to read it. I never make box cakes, always home made, old fashion and trusted recipes handed down. I need all the rhubarb recipes I can get my hands on so keep them coming. Oh my Lord, it is heaven…… I’ll be making another one because this won’t last an hour between me and my two boys. Thanks again..
Laurie Neverman says
I generally like the taste of buttermilk in recipes, especially paired with fruit, so I think that would work. Powdered has usually worked fairly well the few times I’ve tried it in the past, but there’s only one way to tell for sure.
Mary says
I made this recipe twice now and my guests have licked the bowl. Even my picky guests loved it. I was considering making it and taking it with me on a trip. Has anyone made this the night before it was served? How did it turn out? Thank you.
Laurie Neverman says
It’s best hot out of the oven, but not bad the second day. The “pudding” gets soft set, but as long as you don’t cover it while it’s still hot, the top crackle will stay “crackly”.
Sandy says
Everyone loves this recipe. Usually top it with a little frozen yoghurt rather than ice cream. Made it a little saucier and increased the water to 2 cups and only use vanilla. It’s perfect every time.
arleen says
My husband loves this, made it couple times before with fresh rhubarb, and i don’t remember leaving a comment. So I am correcting that now. We also have several packages of rhubarb from our garden froze and going thru the comments, I see where it says it worked well. So that’s what I’m doing this am 🙂 So that’s great. This recipe is so easy to do. ty
Laurie Neverman says
Glad you enjoy it, and thanks for sharing your experience.
Carole says
Made this tonight. It was delicious! Thank you!
★★★★
Laurie Neverman says
You’re welcome
Rose Smith says
I am going to try this as soon as I get some rhubarb. Looks delicious.
Julie gamble says
Has anyone tried this with a strawberry rhubarb combination? I love this combination in pie, so I’m thinking of trying this recipe with those fruits together.
Laurie Neverman says
I haven’t (the rhubarb is awfully good alone), but I’m sure it would be delicious, as I do make a strawberry-rhubarb crumble, and jam, too.
Bonnie says
This is one of our favorite recipes. New rhubarb almost ready. This recipe is delicious and addictive!
Sally Dea says
no eggs , right????? Just put it in the oven… hope that is right. Can’t wait to try it….
Laurie Neverman says
No eggs. 🙂
Sally Dea says
thanks. Mine was a little pastey…. I did bake it a little longer than the 45 minutes… I didn’t think it was quite done, maybe I overbaked…. Also I used a larger glass pan, so I did 1 1/2 recipe, so who knows…. was probably something I did. Husband didn’t complain… he loved it.
Sue says
I made this last night. Did not care for it while warm. The next day. Wow. Wonderful flavor. Thank you for this recipe. Going to try with different berries also.
★★★★★
Laurie Neverman says
Glad it was a winner the next day. We like it both ways, but it is amazing how much it changes once it cools.
Kristan says
I am making an assumption that I don’t have to use almond extract?! I did see that I can use my frozen rhubarb. Plan to make tonight/tmrw. But wanted to ask about the almond extract because neither of us like it.
Laurie Neverman says
No, you can substitute vanilla instead if you prefer.
Jane says
Absolutely delicious! Thank you for sharing
★★★★★
Laurie Neverman says
You’re welcome! Glad you enjoyed it.
Joan Harding says
Made this last night for dinner with gluten-free cup-for-cup flour. Delish. Second helpings all around. Love having a recipe without strawberries to enjoy that rhubarb taste. Even my husband who typically skips desserts had seconds. No ice cream needed here! Thanks!
Laurie Neverman says
Glad your family enjoyed it, Joan.
kristi says
I think you meant to say it is 4 servings not 9 ;o) I can’t wait to make it this weekend!
Laurie Neverman says
You can make it as many servings as you like, as long as you enjoy it.
Christine says
This took 5 minutes and we all loved it. Thank you!
★★★★★
Laurie Neverman says
You’re welcome.
Marg says
Loved this recipe. Making it for thesecond time in two days. Used freshly grated nutmeg in rhubarb and just used vanilla for flavouring. Think I will try this frozen mixed fruit.
★★★★★
Laurie Neverman says
Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for taking time to comment.
John Delorey says
This is a very close recipe to my Aunt Sylvia’s Blueberry Pudding – this being a bit better (more precise ratios, etc.). By the way – you can use ANY fruit in the bottom – fresh or frozen – and add a spice or lemon if the fruit suggests it. Thanks for this great update on an old family favorite!
★★★★★
Tammy says
I used this recipe last summer. It was GREAT . This year I’m using half rhubarb and half strawberries. It’s in the oven now, I’m sure it will be just as good!!
★★★★★
Laurie Neverman says
My neighbor made it with strawberries and rhubarb and said it turned out great. 🙂 Glad you enjoyed it.
KRH says
I just made this with strawberries and rhubarb, myself! I grew up eating “blueberry batter cake” which is essentially the same as this pudding cake with blueberries. I have found, through the years, that frozen fruit sometimes yields more sauce than fresh (which we prefer). I found your recipe after making the change to the blueberry recipe that I have. The recipe differences are the addition of the extracts, 1/4 less sugar for the topping, and 1/4 cup more boiling water. We prefer to pour cream or half and half over the top while it is warm and then eat leftovers the next day cold and straight from the pan. Thanks for sharing. I LOVE rhubarb and am baffled at why so many readers had strange outcomes. I’m wondering if they varied the recipe.
Laurie Neverman says
Adding cream sounds yummy. We often eat our with yogurt or ice cream.
I suspect recipe variations.
Sue Kueck says
I have it in the oven now. Didn’t see to reduce the sugar in time. Hope it’s not too sweet. So easy. I can’t wait to try it.
★★★★
Laurie Neverman says
Everyone’s tastes are different. Many enjoy the recipe “as is”, too.
Susan says
Great recipe. Followed the printed recipe, no deviations, and it was a hit. It’s a keeper.
Laurie Neverman says
Glad it worked well for you.
Kelly says
Fantastic recipe – husband and kids loved it. Great use of our endless supply of rhubarb!
Have you ever doubled the recipe? Does the chemistry all still work well?
Laurie Neverman says
Glad you enjoyed it. Yes, I’ve doubled it in a 9×13 pan and it works fine, although it may take a little longer for the center to cook through.
Sharon Sharpe says
I made this last weekend, so delicious! I got confused and put the whole 1 3/4 cup of sugar in all at once along with the baking powder. Wrote myself a note to divide up the sugar next time. I should have read the recipe more thoroughly but I will make it again when rhubarb is in season next year.
★★★★★
Laurie Neverman says
I’m glad it was still tasty, even with the mistake. It also works well with stone fruits, like peaches or plums, if you happen to have some of those frozen.
Megan says
Oh my goodness! This is delicious!!! I made it for my BIL’s birthday tonight and as soon as the guys took the first bite their eyes got huge. “Okay, from now on you make nothing by this!”
I added apple pie spice and it was the perfect compliment. So good!
★★★★★
Laurie Neverman says
So glad that it worked out well for you. Thank you for letting me know.
Jada says
Instead of putting the cup of sugar and cornstarch on top of the batter, can “turbinado sugar” be sprinkled?
Laurie Neverman says
I’m sure that wouldn’t be bad, but I don’t know exactly how it will turn out. If you try it, can you stop back in and let me know how it turns out?
Kathy G says
This was a lovely dessert, but way too much sugar for my liking. How would one cut the topping sugar in half, and would the water need to be decreased accordingly? The texture was lovely–just sweetened the rhubarb more than I care for….
Laurie Neverman says
Maybe try cutting the sugar in the batter to 1/4 cup, the sugar in the topping to 1/2 cup and the boiling water in the topping to 2/3 cup.
KitchenChef says
To adjust for the excessive sweetness, I bumped up the rhubarb to 4 cups and added 1/2 T cornstarch to the pudding sugar. It worked great
Lisa says
Love Love Love this! Super easy pudding cake! Super yummy and it’s so awesome how it makes it’s own crust!!! I will be making this again!!!!
★★★★★
Suzanne Gansen says
It is delicious!
Lisa Fritz says
I want a bigger cake. Can you double this & use a 9X13 pan?
Laurie Neverman says
Yes, you can double the recipe. You may need to increase your cook time by 5-10 minutes.
Don Hauck says
Thank you very much.
Laurie Neverman says
You’re welcome. Enjoy!
Don Hauck says
Can the recipe be doubled to use a 9×13 pan?
★★★★★
Jacquie says
Made this tonight & my family ate the whole thing. It’s safe to say I’ll be making this again.
★★★★★
Laurie Neverman says
Glad that your family enjoyed it, and thanks for letting me know.
Paul Tominac says
I can see why kids would like this as it is more sweet than rhubarb—rhubarb is several flavors down on the list, I’d liken it to a rhubarb flavored cream donut—cream and donut coming on top, then rhubarb. The recipe notes it could use less sugar—one cup alone for the “crust”—I used larger crystal decorative sugar and that allowed for a lot less sugar.
So yes, this is an easy to make and it tastes good but I would think a reworking aimed at bringing forward the tart sense of the rhubarb would make this a great recipe.
★★★★
Sherry says
Love, love, love IT
★★★★★
Laurie Neverman says
Great! 🙂
KitchenChef says
Although this recipe is a keeper, it is WAY TOO SWEET.
The recipe, as written, at 2 cups rhubarb, has way too little fruit for the 1 cup amount of sugar for the pudding part. I made it exactly as written the first time and nowhere near enough rhubarb.
I’ve made it twice now using 4 cups of rhubarb and it is MUCH better that way. To accommodate the thickening needs of the extra fruit, I bumped up the cornstarch to 1 1/2 tablespoons total and it worked great.
★★★★
Dave says
Can tapioca starch (tapioca flour) be used instead of corn starch?
Laurie Neverman says
I have not tried it in this recipe, but if you do, I’d suggest two tablespoons of tapioca starch.
Ann says
This is delicious warm or cold. And it is so easy to make. I will be making this again during rhubarb season and maybe try substituting other fruit (and different amounts of sugar?)
Alex says
Absolutely delicious!
A big hit.
Thanks so much for this recipe
????
Laurie Neverman says
You’re very welcome.
Patricia says
Love this easy and very tasty recipe. I use almond milk and oil in place of butter (being vegan).
Turns out great every time. Glad to hear you can use frozen rhubarb and other fruit as well.
We have a bumper crop of rhubarb this year.
★★★★★
Laurie Neverman says
Glad that it worked out well for you, even with the changes.
Nancy says
Hi Laurie, Just wondering if the recipe has been corrected? ‘m not sure if I’m aware of all the changes that were needed. Thanks!
Laurie Neverman says
The recipe is accurate as currently displayed on the site. Some people have been sharing different adjustments they’re using to make it dairy free or reducing the sugar.
Michelle says
This was so easy and so delicious. Thank-you for the recipe!
★★★★★
Laurie Neverman says
You’re very welcome, Michelle.
Jan says
This is our favorite summer dessert–but I now have stockpiled rhubarb in my freezer, so we will enjoy it year round!
Laurie Neverman says
Glad to hear that you enjoy it.
Carol says
Made this today.
Added a few frozen raspberries for color. Cut back on the sugar to 1/2 cup in flour mixture and 3/4 cup in sugar cornstarch mixture ….. still very sweet ( I like tart and will cut back even more next time )
Patty says
Wonderful recipe! The only tweaks I made was on my first try I added some strawberries for color and it was terrific! The second time I added fresh blueberries, and oh my goodness, it was so yummy! They gave a beautiful color to the cake too.
★★★★★
Laurie Neverman says
Glad that it worked out well for you, and thanks for taking time to leave a comment and let me know about that and adding berries.
Amie h says
If using other fruit do I need to adjust the sugar?
★★★★★
Laurie Neverman says
The recipe is plenty sweet, so feel free to reduce the sugar if you like dessert less sweet. These are the original proportions that were suggested for use with “any fruit”, but we find them sweet even for tart rhubarb.
Lisa Elliot says
Oh my goodness. This is absolutely delicious! So easy to make and really gives a different spin on the tart rhubarb. Thank you so much for the recipe!!
Laurie Neverman says
Glad you enjoyed it, Lisa.
Maureen McLellan says
This is delicious and I love the texture. I would use an 8 x 8 pan next time, as there isn’t enough batter to cover the rhubarb in a 9 x 9 pan.
★★★★
Lorrain says
Fantastic recipe and the results were absolutely delicious. Will make this over and over and will try other fruits as well when I’m low on rhubarb.
Thanks ever so much for sharing it????????????????
★★★★★
Laurie Neverman says
Thank you for commenting, Lorrain. So glad you enjoyed it.
Isabelle says
This was so delicious!!! Thank you!
I made it Gluten Free, Vegan and refined sugar free. Changed the milk for rice milk, the butter for vegan butter and the sugar for old fashioned brown sugar, used 1/4 cup less sugar than called for. Baked it 10 minutes longer.
★★★★★
Laurie Neverman says
Glad it worked well for you.
What do you mean by “old fashioned brown sugar”? Would that be rapidura or sucanat or palm sugar or coconut sugar or maple sugar or…?
Louise says
I just removed my rhubarb pudding cake from the oven, I have been making this recipe for the past two years, and tried others but my family seems to prefer this delicious one. My question is we have an abundance of red rhubarb, I,ve stewed it, canned it, baked with it, now this recipe can it be frozen?? Thanks Lou
Laurie Neverman says
I chop and freeze rhubarb every year. It works great.
Glad you enjoyed the recipe.
Brenda says
Made this for dessert tonight but was out of cornstarch so I used arrowroot flour. We loved it but the pudding was a bit gummier due to the arrowroot and so I was worried the leftovers wouldn’t be as wonderful as the dish was straight from the oven. Well, no need to worry about leftovers because my husband loved it so much he ate it ALL! Going to get some tart cherries and give those a whirl. Thanks for a recipe that is sure to be a classic in my house!
★★★★★
Laurie Neverman says
Thanks for sharing your experience, Brenda, and I’m glad the recipe went over well.
Sara Moulder says
I was planning on making rhubarb bread, when my husband requested something else be made with the rhubarb. I made your recipe instead! OMG! It was absolutely delicious! I made it without changing a thing. As my husband said, “ mmm, mmm, mmm.”????
★★★★★
Laurie Neverman says
Glad you both enjoyed it.
Mary L Anderson says
I just found this recipe this year. It is so good. Every time I make it people who tell me they don’t eat desserts or don’t eat rhubarb try it and love it. Rhubarb is done for the year here but we have some in the freezer so going to try it with that. Hopefully, it doesn’t need much modification to use the frozen. Thanks for a delicious dessert.
★★★★★
Laurie Neverman says
Glad you enjoyed the recipe, Mary, and thank you for letting me know.
Previously frozen thawed rhubarb works just fine. Just increase the baking time if it’s still cold.
Gina says
Made this past summer, granddaughters loved it, and so did we. Doubled recipe to a 9 x 13. They have asked me to make this for Christmas dinner…. several bags in the freezer, so will do. Thanks for a deliciously different way to use rhubarb. A favorite fruit of mine~
Laurie Neverman says
Glad you enjoy it, Gina. Thanks for letting me know.
Joanne Lincoln says
I looked through all the comments but nobody specifically said apples could be used. What do you all think, and what modifications would I need to make? Thank you!
Laurie Neverman says
Give it a try and let us know how it works out? I’d opt for a tart, juicy apple, diced, with peels on for color.
Jackie says
This rhubarb pudding cake was s hit. It was still tart and with the crunchy top. I was happy to find a recipe a little different than crumble. Simple and easy to make. No need to chsnge anything. Great recipe. Putting in my favorites to always make when we have rhubarb. I am going to look at other recipes with commonsensehome.com to see what other ones are appealing. Thanks for the wonderful recipe
★★★★★
Laurie Neverman says
I’m glad you enjoyed the recipe, Jackie, and thank you for your kind words.
Sunny from Norway says
Such a quick and delicious recipe! The rhubarb was nice and soft, with a good balance of sweetness, and the cake had a little bit of crunch on the top. Didn’t have almond extract, so I used about 1/4 tsp almond essence, and it turned out great.
It was really good just on its own, but we served it warm with a little bit of custard and a sprinkling of cinnamon, and it was absolutely superb! This recipe definitely went straight onto our list of favorite spring/summer desserts. Thanks for the recipe!
★★★★★
Laurie Neverman says
So glad that it worked out well for you.
Jan says
I thought this was too sweet and the fruit got lost. I would like to try it again, adding maybe 1/2 cup more fruit (I used rhubarb and strawberries, and less sugar. I think I’ll try 1/2 cup in the fruit so you still get some of the tartness of the rhubarb, maybe a littles less in the topping. It did go together very quickly. We liked it enough to give is another go.
★★★
Jan says
WINNER! We need more stars. Here’s what I like:
EASY: no creaming the butter. No sifting dry ingredients together first. One bowl.
TASTY: Tart and sweet. Crispy crust on top is the clencher.
FLEXIBLE: iused 4 cups of rhubarb on purpose. Accidentally used 1 C water. Both changes worked fine.
Only one suggested edit: Pretty sure this recipe only serves 4!
★★★★★
Laurie Neverman says
Thanks for sharing your changes (and that they worked).
C & T Lavender says
Has anyone made this substituting maple syrup for sugar in the bottom? If so, how did it turn out & what adjustments did you make please? Thank you.
Laura says
Just made this recipe without the extracts as I didn’t have any at the moment. It was absolutely delicious. I have made a chocolate pudding cake often and thought this was an interesting idea. So glad I tried it. The butter adds to the flavour wonderfully. Thanks so much!
★★★★★
Laurie Neverman says
Glad it worked well for you.
Betty Krahling says
It is so delicious and I have made it many times following the recipe just as it is printed here. Everyone has loved it and it is so easy.
Laurie Neverman says
I’m glad it worked out well for you.