Rhubarb Dream Cake – A Moist Rhubarb Cake Recipe

What’s better than a dream? Layers of buttery shortbread, rich rhubarb custard and cool whipped topping make this Rhubarb Dream Cake a favorite of among all rhubarb recipes.  You’ll enjoy this moist rhubarb cake any day of the week.

Rhubarb Dream Cake Recipe

It’s rhubarb season which means I’m baking up all the rhubarb recipes I’ve flagged in my vintage cook books throughout the entire year.  I’ve got my trusty regulars that I make every year including Grandma’s Rhubarb Pie, Rhubarb Streusel, Rhubarb Coffee Cake and Strawberry Rhubarb Jello Jam, but I love to try new recipes too.

This year, I’ve added Rhubarb Cobbler, Rhubarb Crumble, Sour Cream Rhubarb Cake and now these amazing Rhubarb Custard Bars that I found in my Pot O’Gold Cook Book.

Let me try to explain what makes this rhubarb custard dessert so dreamy.  I think it might be the combination of three distinct layers.

Moist Rhubarb Cake Recipe

Rhubarb Dream Cake Layers:

1. Shortbread Crust
2. Rhubarb Custard
3. Cool Whip Topping

I dropped off half of a pan to my sister’s house. Her husband is a rhubarb-loving fella making him one of my top taste-testers for all things rhubarb.  Turns out, my sister loved this rhubarb dream dessert as much as he did.  She claims it’s the shortbread crust that makes them so delicious.

Rhubarb Dream Cake equals a buttery shortbread crust, sweet and soft rhubarb custard topped off with a cool layer of whipped topping.

Ingredient List for Old Fashioned Rhubarb Cake

All Purpose Flour

Powdered Sugar (Confectioners Sugar)

Butter, softened (or margarine)

Large Eggs

White Sugar

Salt

Rhubarb stalks, diced

Cool Whip

How to Make Rhubarb Dream Bars

1. Prepare crust by combining flour, powdered sugar and softened butter in a large bowl using a hand mixer or stand mixer; spread mixture into the bottom of a 13 x 9 inch baking dish. Bake at 350 degrees F for 10 to 15 minutes or until lightly browned.
2. Meanwhile, beat eggs, sugar, flour and salt until smooth; fold in diced rhubarb.
3. Pour onto browned crust; return to oven for an additional 40-45 minutes.
4. Let cool completely on a wire rack; top with whipped topping.

Storage Instructions

Cover tightly with a lid, or with plastic wrap. Store rhubarb cake in the refrigerator for up to a week.

For the full instruction steps and ingredient amounts for rhubarb custard bars, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Recipe FAQs

• Our variety of rhubarb is more green in color; your rhubarb dream cake may be more red in color.
• 1 cup butter = 2 sticks
• Margarine can be substituted for butter.
• Check out our Amazon Store for all of our pantry essentials and favorite kitchen tools.
• Let the rhubarb custard cake cool completely before topping with Cool Whip.
• If you aren’t a fan of whipped topping, you can leave out that layer, and these rhubarb custard bars will be just as delicious.
• Store rhubarb dream dessert in the refrigerator.

Why do you have to cook rhubarb?

Cooking rhubarb helps to soften its fibrous texture and reduce its tartness, making it more palatable and enjoyable for use in various recipes such as pies, cakes, and jams. In addition, cooking rhubarb helps it release its natural juices, which can enhance the flavor of the dish.

Why is dream cake called dream cake?

The term “dream cake” may be used to describe a dessert that is exceptionally delicious and indulgent, evoking a sense of delight and satisfaction when eaten. The layers of buttery shortbread, rich rhubarb custard, and cool whipped topping in the Rhubarb Dream Cake likely contribute to its name, as it offers a delightful and dreamy eating experience.

More Old Fashioned Dessert Recipes

Grandma’s Apple Crisp

Peach Batter Cake

Mom’s Perfect Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread

What can I make with rhubarb?

Rhubarb is the perfect ingredient for all things dessert. Think cobblers, crisps, pies, cakes and more. Check out these 10 old fashioned rhubarb recipes that are just as delicious today as they were when Grandma made them.

1. Classic Rhubarb Pie 
2. Cherry Rhubarb Crisp
3. Rhubarb Bread
4. Old Fashioned Rhubarb Cobbler
5. Rhubarb Muffins
6. Rhubarb Crunch 
7. Strawberry Rhubarb Jam with Jello
8. Old Fashioned Rhubarb Coffee Cake
9. Grandma’s Rhubarb Pie
10. Rhubarb Batter Cake