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
Scale
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.
