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Rhubarb Coffee Cake Recipe

4.8 from 75 reviews

This Rhubarb Coffee Cake is a delightful treat combining tart rhubarb with a tender, buttery crumb cake base, topped with a crispy streusel topping. Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack, it balances sweet and tangy flavors in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake Batter

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup chopped fresh rhubarb
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup sour cream or yogurt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Crumb Topping

  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch square baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, beat the melted butter and sugar until well combined. Add eggs one at a time, beating after each addition. Stir in sour cream and vanilla extract until smooth.
  4. Combine Batter: Gradually add dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overmixing.
  5. Fold in Rhubarb: Gently fold the chopped rhubarb into the batter, ensuring even distribution without crushing the pieces.
  6. Prepare Crumb Topping: In a small bowl, combine flour, sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  7. Assemble the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the batter.
  8. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the topping is golden brown.
  9. Cool and Serve: Allow the coffee cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

  • Ensure rhubarb is fresh and chopped uniformly for even baking.
  • You can substitute sour cream with plain yogurt for a slight tang.
  • For extra flavor, add a tablespoon of lemon zest to the batter.
  • Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
  • Reheat slices gently in the microwave before serving for a fresh-baked taste.

Keywords: Rhubarb coffee cake, crumb cake, baking, breakfast cake, rhubarb dessert, streusel topping