If you’re looking for a delightful treat that perfectly balances tangy fruit with a sweet, crunchy topping, let me introduce you to the Rhubarb Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe. This cake combines the tartness of fresh rhubarb with a buttery, cinnamon-sugar streusel, creating a beautiful harmony of flavors and textures that will brighten any breakfast or afternoon coffee break. It’s just the right mix of moist crumb and crisp topping, making it a true crowd-pleaser for family gatherings or quiet, cozy mornings.

Rhubarb Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for this Rhubarb Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe is both simple and rewarding. Each component plays a crucial role, from the tender crumb created by buttermilk and shortening, to the vibrant punch of rhubarb, and finally the irresistible streusel topping that adds crunch and spice.

Butter flavor shortening: Provides a tender, moist crumb and rich buttery taste without the hassle of softened butter.
Brown sugar: Adds deep caramel notes and moisture to the cake batter.
Buttermilk: Keeps the cake tender and helps activate the baking soda for a perfect rise.
Egg: Binds ingredients and contributes to a soft texture.
Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with warm, aromatic depth.
Baking soda: The leavening agent that ensures a light, fluffy cake.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor complexity.
Flour: The foundation that gives the cake structure.
Chopped rhubarb: The star ingredient that adds tartness and beautiful color.
Granulated sugar: Mixed into the streusel for a sweet and crunchy topping.
Cinnamon: Brings warmth and spice to the streusel layer.
Chopped pecans (optional): Adds a lovely nutty crunch to the topping.
Shredded coconut (optional): Offers subtle tropical flavor and extra texture in the streusel.

How to Make Rhubarb Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the cake will bake evenly and develop a lovely rise and golden crust as it cooks.

Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter

In a large bowl, cream together the butter flavor shortening and brown sugar until you get a smooth, creamy mixture. This creates the perfect base for your cake’s soft texture. Next, add in the buttermilk, egg, and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well combined and silky. Now comes the dry ingredients: gently fold in the flour, baking soda, and salt just until incorporated—be careful not to overmix, or the cake might turn dense. Finally, fold in the chopped rhubarb so it’s evenly distributed, giving your cake those little bursts of tangy freshness throughout.

Step 3: Make the Streusel Topping

In a small bowl, combine granulated sugar and cinnamon to create that magical sweet-spicy base for your topping. If you enjoy added crunch and flavor, stir in chopped pecans and shredded coconut—optional but highly recommended. This topping will give your coffee cake irresistibly crisp and fragrant notes.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Spread the cake batter evenly into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan, then sprinkle the streusel mixture generously on top. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for 40 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is a gorgeous golden color with a slightly crisp crust.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Once baked, let your Rhubarb Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes. This resting time helps the cake set and makes slicing easier without falling apart. Serve warm for a comforting treat, or at room temperature for a leisurely snack. Feel free to add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream to really elevate your experience.

How to Serve Rhubarb Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe

Garnishes

Enhance the look and flavor by adding a light dusting of powdered sugar after cooling, or a drizzle of vanilla glaze that complements the cinnamon and rhubarb beautifully. Fresh berries or a sprig of mint also make lovely, colorful garnishes.

Side Dishes

This coffee cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea. For brunch, serve alongside scrambled eggs or a simple fresh fruit salad to balance the sweetness with brightness and freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, cut the coffee cake into mini squares and serve them on a dessert platter at your next gathering. You could also layer pieces between creamy mascarpone or yogurt for a quick parfait-style dessert that shows off the streusel topping and rhubarb bursts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer freshness, refrigeration is best, extending shelf life to about a week while keeping the cake moist.

Freezing

This Rhubarb Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil to avoid freezer burn, and it will keep well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.

Reheating

Reheat slices gently in a microwave for about 20 seconds or warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes. This will refresh the cake without drying it out, bringing back that lovely softness and melty streusel topping texture.

FAQs

Can I substitute fresh rhubarb with frozen?

Yes, you can use frozen rhubarb. Just be sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before folding it into the batter to prevent the cake from becoming soggy.

Is it okay to leave out nuts or coconut?

Absolutely! The pecans and shredded coconut are optional and add extra crunch and flavor, but the cake is delicious without them, especially if you want to keep it nut-free.

Can this cake be made gluten-free?

With a good gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, you can try substituting the regular flour. Just be aware that texture might vary slightly, but the flavors will still shine through.

What’s the best way to ensure the rhubarb doesn’t sink to the bottom?

Coating the chopped rhubarb lightly in flour before folding it into the batter helps suspend the fruit evenly, preventing it from sinking to the bottom during baking.

How long will the cake keep fresh after baking?

Stored properly, the cake will stay fresh for up to a week in the fridge and a couple of days at room temperature. For best taste, enjoy it within the first few days.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give this Rhubarb Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe a try soon, because it’s one of those magical homemade treats that bring pure joy with every bite. Whether it’s a weekend breakfast or a casual get-together, this cake offers comfort, sweetness, and a little fruity zing all at once. Once you taste it, you might find it becoming your new go-to recipe for sharing love with those around you.

Rhubarb Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe

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4.2 from 37 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Rhubarb Streusel Coffee Cake is a moist, flavorful treat perfect for breakfast or dessert. It features a tender cake base infused with tart rhubarb and is topped with a sweet, crunchy streusel made from cinnamon, pecans, and coconut. Baked to golden perfection, this coffee cake pairs wonderfully with your morning coffee or afternoon tea.

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
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
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)

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure the cake bakes evenly and rises properly.
Prepare Cake Batter: In a large bowl, cream together the butter flavor shortening and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the buttermilk, egg, and vanilla extract, and blend until smooth. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until combined—avoid overmixing to maintain cake tenderness. Gently fold in the chopped rhubarb, distributing it evenly throughout the batter. Pour and spread the batter evenly into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan.
Make Streusel Topping: In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon. Stir in the chopped pecans and shredded coconut if using. Evenly sprinkle this streusel mixture over the cake batter in the pan to create a crunchy, flavorful topping.
Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-50 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, and the top is golden brown and set.
Cool and Serve: Let the coffee cake cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature. For extra indulgence, top with whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream.

Notes

Make sure not to overmix the batter to keep the cake tender and light.
Chopped pecans and shredded coconut in the streusel are optional but add delicious texture and flavor.
Rhubarb can be substituted with other tart fruits like sour cherries or cranberries.
For a dairy-free version, substitute buttermilk with a plant-based alternative mixed with a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice.
Allow the cake to cool properly before slicing to ensure neat pieces.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American