Discover the magic of rhubarb pie with strawberries
Rhubarb Cake with Strawberries in Many Forms
As soon as the first strawberries start to redden in the gardens and pink-green rhubarb peeks out from the leaves, it's clear that the time has come for one of the most fragrant desserts of the season – rhubarb cake with strawberries. This combination of sweet and sour tastes like spring itself and offers countless variations that will delight any lover of homemade baking.
The rhubarb season usually lasts from April to June, while strawberries peak in late May and June. This short period is ideal for indulging in one of the favorite recipes for rhubarb cake with strawberries. Whether you prefer a crunchy crumble, a smooth cream cheese filling, or classic yeast dough, the possibilities are endless.
Why Rhubarb and Strawberries?
The combination of rhubarb and strawberries is no coincidence. Rhubarb has a distinctly sour taste by itself, which, in combination with the natural sweetness of strawberries, creates a perfectly balanced harmony. Moreover, both crops are rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber, allowing you to enjoy something sweet with fewer regrets.
Additionally, rhubarb contains valuable minerals such as calcium, potassium, and manganese. Although often used as a fruit, botanically it is considered a vegetable. When baking, it is important to remember one crucial rule: never consume large amounts of raw rhubarb and always remove the leaves, which are toxic.
Rhubarb Cake with Strawberries and Crumble
One of the most popular recipes is rhubarb cake with strawberries and crumble. This cake combines moist dough, juicy fruit filling, and a crunchy crumble that gives the dessert perfect texture.
Imagine how the kitchen fills with the sweet scent of baked cake during a rainy afternoon at the cottage. You sit at a wooden table, holding a hot tea, with a still-warm piece of cake on the plate, from which caramelized juice with pieces of strawberries and rhubarb oozes out. Such moments create the most beautiful memories.
For the ideal crumble, simply mix flour, sugar, and butter. Some confectioners recommend adding a pinch of cinnamon or grated lemon zest to give the crumble a more delicate aroma.
Rhubarb Cake with Strawberries and Cream Cheese
If you're craving something gentler, definitely try rhubarb cake with strawberries and cream cheese. This recipe combines juicy fruit with a creamy cream cheese base, giving the cake lightness and moisture.
Cream cheese is a traditional ingredient in Czech cuisine, widely used in both desserts and savory dishes. In the cake, it serves not only to soften the taste but also to prolong the freshness – a cream cheese cake stays moist longer than regular yeast or sponge variants.
A simple filling recipe includes cream cheese, eggs, vanilla sugar, and a bit of cream. After baking, a gentle creamy layer forms, beautifully blending with the tangy fruit. This type of cake is ideal with coffee or as a light dessert after a summer lunch.
How to Properly Prepare Rhubarb Cake with Strawberries?
No matter which variant you choose, the key to success is the proper preparation of ingredients. Rhubarb needs to be thoroughly cleaned of fibers and cut into smaller pieces to bake faster and not remain tough. Strawberries just need to be washed, hulled, and cut according to size.
Some experienced bakers recommend lightly sprinkling rhubarb with sugar and letting it sit for a while to release excess juice. This prevents the dough from becoming too soggy during baking.
When you embark on baking a rhubarb cake with strawberries, the right dough makes a big difference. You have several options: sponge cake is a safe bet – quick, simple, and perfect for crumble variations; those with time and a desire to be meticulous might opt for yeast dough, which rewards with fluffiness and traditional taste; and for quick elegance, puff pastry saves the day in no time.
Regardless of the type of dough, it's important to bake the cake until golden and let it cool at least a little after baking, so the fruit juice is reabsorbed and the filling sets.
Inspiration from Czech Cookbooks
If you're looking for a recipe for rhubarb cake with strawberries, here is a simple and proven variant:
Ingredients:
- 300 g plain flour
- 150 g butter
- 100 g sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 baking powder
- 300 g rhubarb
- 200 g strawberries
- 2–3 tablespoons of sugar for the fruit
- Crumble (50 g butter, 70 g sugar, 100 g flour)
Method:
- Mix the flour, butter, sugar, egg, and baking powder into a smooth dough.
- Spread the dough onto a greased baking sheet.
- Evenly distribute the sliced rhubarb and strawberries on the dough, lightly sprinkle with sugar.
- Prepare the crumble by mixing butter, sugar, and flour, and evenly sprinkle it over the fruit.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 180 °C for about 35–40 minutes until the cake is golden.
The result is a perfectly crunchy and fragrant cake that tastes best when still slightly warm.
Rhubarb Cake Different in Every Family
Every family has its own recipe passed down from generation to generation. Some add lemon juice to the dough, others a touch of cinnamon or vanilla. Others prefer when rhubarb cake with cream cheese and strawberries is generously covered with crumble, creating a crunchy crust on top.
For example, Mrs. Marie, who bakes cakes for the farmers' markets in South Bohemia, says: "The secret is in the fruit ratio – there must be more strawberries than rhubarb, otherwise the cake will be too sour." Her cakes disappear from the counter within a few hours, proving that a tried-and-true recipe still holds its charm.
Nowadays, modern variations also appear – gluten-free, vegan, or low-carb versions, which still honor the basic philosophy: to combine the fresh taste of spring in one exceptional dessert.
Whether you decide on rhubarb cake with strawberries and crumble, or indulge in rhubarb cake with strawberries and cream cheese, one thing is certain: this sweet seasonal treasure never disappoints. And perhaps this year, you'll find your new favorite recipe that will become a family tradition for many years to come.
