I grew up thinking that rhubarb was just for pie.

But it turns out, it makes a pretty amazing cake too!

This rhubarb cake with butter cream sauce is sweet and tangy with just enough tartness from the rhubarb to keep things interesting.

And I love how it has like this old-fashioned rustic taste, especially with the warm, buttery sauce on top.

Um…yum!

Sometimes I’ll throw this cake together on a chill afternoon when I have some fresh rhubarb to use up.

Rhubarb Cake Recipe With Butter Sauce

This rhubarb cake with cake mix recipe is quick and easy to make.

It all starts with a box of yellow cake mix, so it’s perfect for a lazy weekend bake or when you need something sweet fast!

Ingredients:

• 1 box yellow cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box)
• 3 cups chopped fresh rhubarb
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Butter for greasing the pan

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13″ baking dish.
2. Prepare the cake mix according to package directions and pour it into the pan.
3. Evenly spread chopped rhubarb over the batter.
4. Sprinkle sugar over the rhubarb, then pour the heavy cream over the top.
5. Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden.
6. Let it cool slightly before serving—perfect warm or chilled, with or without extra sauce.

More Rhubarb Cake Ideas

This recipe is a classic rhubarb cake using yellow cake mix and butter cream sauce.

But there are tons of other types of rhubarb cakes you can make!

Here are some of my faves:

Rhubarb Crumble Cake

Start with a basic vanilla or yellow cake batter, pour it into a greased pan, and top with chopped rhubarb.

Mix brown sugar, butter, and flour into a crumbly topping and sprinkle it over the rhubarb.

Bake at 350°F until the top is golden and the cake is set.

Rhubarb Upside-Down Cake

Melt butter and brown sugar in a round cake pan, then layer sliced rhubarb on top.

Pour a vanilla cake batter over it and bake until a toothpick comes out clean.

Flip it while still warm so the caramelized rhubarb becomes the glossy top.

Rhubarb Coffee Cake

Add chopped rhubarb to a cinnamon-spiced sour cream cake batter.

Pour it into a springform pan and sprinkle with streusel made from oats, brown sugar, and cold butter.

Bake until the edges are golden and your kitchen smells like a bakery.

Rhubarb Snack Bars

Mix rhubarb into a quick vanilla sheet cake batter and bake in a 9×9” pan.

Once cooled, slice into bars and drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and cream.

Great for potlucks or afternoon coffee breaks.

Strawberry Rhubarb Sheet Cake

Fold equal parts diced strawberries and rhubarb into a light white cake batter.

Spread it into a large baking sheet and bake until golden.

Top with whipped cream or cream cheese frosting for a fresh, tangy finish.

Rhubarb Cake Deserves a Spot in Your Dessert Rotation!

Rhubarb cake is one of those low-effort, high-reward desserts that somehow feels special every time.

You can stick with a cake mix shortcut or try a homemade crumble topping.

Either way, it’s cozy, simple, and full of flavor.

And with that buttery cream sauce?

Total comfort food vibes!