Delicious Rhubarb Coffee Cake Recipe for Any Occasion
Rhubarb coffee cake is the ultimate way to enjoy the unique tartness of rhubarb combined with a sweet, buttery cake. With a tender crumb, bursts of tangy rhubarb, and a delightful cinnamon streusel topping, this cake is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Whether you’re a longtime rhubarb fan or trying it for the first time, this recipe is sure to become a seasonal favorite!

Why You’ll Love Rhubarb Coffee Cake
- Sweet & Tart Balance: The tart rhubarb pairs beautifully with the sweet, spiced cake.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for breakfast, an afternoon coffee break, or dessert.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and no-fuss preparation.
- Customizable: Add nuts or swap the streusel for a glaze to make it your own.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk (or substitute with 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon vinegar)
- 2 cups chopped rhubarb (fresh or frozen, thawed and drained)
For the Streusel Topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (cold, cut into small pieces)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
How to Make Rhubarb Coffee Cake

- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Make the Streusel Topping:
- In a small bowl, mix the flour, sugar, and cinnamon.
- Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Prepare the Wet Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet and Dry:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Add the Rhubarb:
- Fold the chopped rhubarb into the batter gently.
- Assemble the Cake:
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the batter.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve:
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Pro Tips for Perfect Rhubarb Coffee Cake
- Use Fresh or Frozen Rhubarb: If using frozen rhubarb, thaw and drain it well to avoid excess moisture.
- Adjust the Sweetness: Add an extra 1-2 tablespoons of sugar to the batter if your rhubarb is particularly tart.
- Make It Nutty: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the streusel for added crunch.
- Don’t Overbake: Start checking for doneness at 35 minutes to avoid a dry cake.
How to Serve Rhubarb Coffee Cake
- Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Pair with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy treat.
- Dust with powdered sugar for a simple yet elegant presentation.
Storage and Freezing Tips
- Storage: Cover the cake and store at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Wrap individual slices or the whole cake in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or reheat in the oven.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
Rhubarb coffee cake is a delightful mix of sweet, tart, and spiced flavors. Its soft, moist crumb and crunchy streusel topping make it irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or treating yourself, this cake is a surefire way to impress.
So grab some rhubarb and give this recipe a try—you won’t regret it! Don’t forget to share your baking adventures with us. What twist will you add to your rhubarb coffee cake?

Emily Harper is a kitchen decor expert and interior designer with a passion for creating stylish, functional spaces. As a busy mom, she understands the importance of a kitchen that works for both family life and design. With 6 years of experience, Emily specializes in transforming kitchens into inviting, practical spaces. She’s known for her ability to blend trends with everyday needs, helping families create kitchens that feel like the heart of the home.