Rhubarb Coffee Cake

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!

Rhubarb Coffee Cake
Rhubarb Coffee Cake

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

How To Make Rhubarb Coffee Cake
How To Make Rhubarb Coffee Cake
  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
  2. 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.
  3. Mix Dry Ingredients:
    • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
  4. 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.
  5. Combine Wet and Dry:
    • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
  6. Add the Rhubarb:
    • Fold the chopped rhubarb into the batter gently.
  7. Assemble the Cake:
    • Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
    • Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the batter.
  8. Bake:
    • Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  9. 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?

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