If you are searching for an absolutely delightful breakfast treat or a cozy afternoon pick-me-up, this Rhubarb Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe is the answer. Bursting with the tangy brightness of fresh rhubarb, tender cake crumb, and a crunchy cinnamon-sweet streusel topping, every bite feels like a warm hug. This coffee cake perfectly balances tart and sweet flavors, with a soft texture that melts in your mouth and a nutty, coconutty crunch that brings it all together. Whether you’re sharing with friends or savoring solo, this recipe adds a touch of homemade magic to any table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Rhubarb Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe is in its simple yet carefully chosen ingredients. Each has a crucial role, whether it’s the richness of butter flavor shortening, the zing of rhubarb, or the crunchy depth from pecans and coconut. Here’s everything you’ll gather to create this crowd pleaser:
- Butter flavor shortening: Provides a tender crumb and buttery taste without melting too quickly during baking.
- Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a rich caramel note to the cake batter.
- Buttermilk: Brings acidity that tenderizes the batter and enhances flavor complexity.
- Large egg: Binds ingredients and helps the cake rise with a lovely structure.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses a warm aromatic background that lifts every bite.
- Baking soda: Acts as a leavening agent to create a light, airy texture.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and highlights other flavors.
- Flour: Forms the base of the cake, providing structure and substance.
- Chopped rhubarb: Delivers that signature tartness and juicy bursts of flavor throughout the cake.
- Granulated sugar: Works in the streusel to add a crunchy sweet topping.
- Cinnamon: Spices up the streusel with a fragrant warmth that pairs perfectly with rhubarb.
- Chopped pecans (optional): Provide a delightful nutty crunch and texture contrast.
- Shredded coconut (optional): Adds a chewy, tropical twist to the streusel for added interest.
How to Make Rhubarb Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s perfectly heated when your cake goes in. This ensures the cake will rise beautifully and bake evenly, giving you that perfect golden top without any burnt edges.
Step 2: Prepare Cake Batter
In a large bowl, cream together the butter flavor shortening and brown sugar until you achieve a smooth, creamy consistency. This step is key for a tender crumb. Next, mix in the buttermilk, egg, and vanilla extract until the batter is silky. Then gently incorporate the flour, baking soda, and salt—be careful not to overmix at this point. Overworking the batter can make the cake tough. Finally, fold in the chopped rhubarb gently to distribute those tangy juicy pieces evenly without smashing them.
Step 3: Make Streusel Topping
In a smaller bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon, mixing them well so the cinnamon coats the sugar evenly. Stir in the chopped pecans and shredded coconut if you’re going for that extra texture and flavor dimension. This topping adds just the right amount of crunch and warmth to complement the cake below.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan and pour in your cake batter, smoothing it out evenly with a spatula. Next, sprinkle your streusel topping generously over the batter, covering it well so every piece bakes into a crispy golden crown. Place the pan in the oven to bake for 40-50 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. You’ll notice the cake is set and the streusel has turned a beautiful golden brown.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Patience is a virtue as you allow the cake to cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes. This resting time lets the cake firm up, making it easier to slice and enhancing its flavor. You can enjoy your Rhubarb Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe warm for an extra comforting treat or at room temperature. For a decadent twist, try topping slices with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream—you won’t regret it!
How to Serve Rhubarb Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A light sprinkle of powdered sugar just before serving adds a pretty finishing touch without overpowering the cake’s flavors. Fresh whipped cream or a dollop of mascarpone cheese also pairs beautifully, creating a creamy contrast that highlights the tart rhubarb and crunchy streusel. For a fresh burst, add a few sliced strawberries or mint leaves on top.
Side Dishes
This coffee cake is a star on its own, but you can elevate the experience with a side of fresh fruit salad, especially berries or citrus segments that play with the cake’s tangy notes. A cup of freshly brewed coffee or a well-spiced chai latte also make excellent companions, complementing the cinnamon and vanilla hints in the cake.
Creative Ways to Present
For a brunch gathering, consider cutting the cake into bite-sized squares and serving on a tiered dessert stand with decorative doilies. You might drizzle a thin glaze of lemon juice mixed with powdered sugar over the top to add a shiny, sweet-tart finish. Pair small slices with a cheese board featuring sharp cheddar or mild goat cheese for an unexpected but delightful flavor contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your freshly baked Rhubarb Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe, simply cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or transfer slices into an airtight container. It will stay moist and delicious at room temperature for up to two days. If your kitchen is warm, storing it in the refrigerator is a good idea to maintain freshness.
Freezing
This coffee cake freezes wonderfully. Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. When you want to enjoy it again, just thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature. Freezing preserves that lovely balance of moist cake and crunchy topping for up to three months.
Reheating
To recapture that just-baked warmth, reheat slices gently in a microwave for 15-20 seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at 325°F for about 10 minutes. This reheating brings back the cake’s soft tenderness and slightly crisps the topping to perfection, making it taste like it’s fresh from the oven.
FAQs
Can I use frozen rhubarb instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute frozen rhubarb in this recipe, but be sure to thaw and drain it completely to avoid adding extra moisture to the batter. Too much moisture can affect how the cake bakes and may make it dense.
What can I substitute for butter flavor shortening?
If you don’t have butter flavor shortening, you can use unsalted butter or regular shortening. Keep in mind that butter will impart a richer flavor, while shortening helps with tenderness and structure. You might want to adjust baking times slightly based on the fat you use.
Is the coconut necessary in the streusel topping?
The shredded coconut is optional but highly recommended if you enjoy a bit of chewiness and added texture. If you’re not a fan or have allergies, you can omit it without compromising the overall deliciousness of the cake.
How can I ensure my cake doesn’t turn out dry?
Be careful not to overmix the batter once you add the dry ingredients, and monitor your baking time closely. Since every oven is different, start checking for doneness at 40 minutes by inserting a toothpick. Moist but gently set cake is the goal.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup for cup. Choose one that contains xanthan gum for structure. The texture may be slightly different but the flavor will remain fantastic.
Final Thoughts
This Rhubarb Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe is truly one of those special dishes that feels like a celebration in every bite. From the tart rhubarb to the cinnamon-sweet crumble topping, it brings simple ingredients to life in the most comforting way imaginable. Whether for a lazy weekend breakfast or an impressive brunch offering, I encourage you to give this recipe a try. You’ll love how easily it comes together and how quickly it disappears from the table!
Print
Rhubarb Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Rhubarb Streusel Coffee Cake is a delightful blend of tart rhubarb and sweet cinnamon streusel topping, baked to golden perfection. With a tender crumb enriched by buttermilk and a buttery streusel loaded with pecans and coconut, it makes an ideal treat for breakfast or a cozy afternoon snack.
Ingredients
Cake Batter
- 1/2 cup butter flavor shortening
- 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 cups chopped rhubarb
Streusel Topping
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking and an optimal rise of the cake.
- Prepare Cake Batter: In a large bowl, blend the butter flavor shortening and brown sugar until creamy. Add the buttermilk, egg, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth. Incorporate the flour, baking soda, and salt, mixing just until combined without overmixing. Gently fold in the chopped rhubarb, spreading the batter evenly in a greased 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Make Streusel Topping: In a small bowl, combine granulated sugar and cinnamon. Mix in chopped pecans and shredded coconut if desired. Evenly sprinkle this streusel mixture over the cake batter in the pan.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 40-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown with a set cake texture.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the coffee cake to cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally topped with whipped cream or ice cream for indulgence.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake tender.
- The pecans and shredded coconut in the streusel topping are optional but add great texture and flavor.
- Use fresh rhubarb for the best flavor, washing and chopping it into bite-sized pieces.
- Allow the cake to cool before slicing to maintain its shape.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
