Rhubarb Coffee Cake Recipe

Start your day on a delicious note with this Rhubarb Coffee Cake, a soft, moist cake packed with seasonal rhubarb and topped with a buttery cinnamon streusel. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and tart, making it a standout at brunches, afternoon teas, or lazy Sunday mornings.

Whether you’re a rhubarb lover or just looking for a new way to spice up your baking routine, this coffee cake will quickly become a seasonal favorite.

🥄 What Makes This Rhubarb Coffee Cake Special?

• Moist and flavorful thanks to sour cream or yogurt in the batter

• Buttery streusel topping with just the right amount of crunch

• Tangy rhubarb that adds a fruity kick without overwhelming sweetness

• Great for make-ahead brunches, snacks, or dessert

• Easily customizable with nuts or a drizzle of glaze

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🍰 Ingredients

For the Cake Batter:

• 1 ½ cups diced fresh rhubarb

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)

For the Streusel Topping:

• ½ cup brown sugar, packed

• ½ cup all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• ¼ cup cold butter, cubed

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👩‍🍳 How to Make Rhubarb Coffee Cake

🔥 Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

🧁 Step 2: Make the Streusel Topping

In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. Set aside.

🍓 Step 3: Prepare the Cake Batter

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.

2. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).

3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.

4. Mix in the sour cream until well combined.

5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until incorporated.

6. Fold in the diced rhubarb gently with a spatula.

🧁 Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the batter.

Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool in the pan for 15 minutes before slicing.

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📝 Tips for Perfect Rhubarb Coffee Cake

🌿 Use Fresh Rhubarb

Fresh rhubarb works best, but frozen can be used if thawed and drained first. Too much moisture can affect the cake’s texture.

🥣 Don’t Overmix the Batter

Mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined to avoid a dense cake.

🌾 Add a Crunchy Twist

Chopped pecans or walnuts can be added to the streusel for extra crunch.

🍋 Optional Lemon Glaze

Mix ½ cup powdered sugar with 1 tablespoon lemon juice and drizzle over the cooled cake for a bright citrus finish.

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❄️ Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

• Room Temperature: Store tightly covered at room temp for up to 2 days.

• Refrigerator: Keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days.

• Freezer: Freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months.

• Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 15–20 seconds for a fresh-from-the-oven feel.

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💬 Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Can I use frozen rhubarb?

Yes, just make sure to thaw and drain it well to remove excess moisture. Pat it dry with a paper towel before adding it to the batter.

🧈 Can I substitute yogurt for sour cream?

Absolutely. Plain Greek yogurt is a great substitute and still provides the same moisture and tang.

🍯 Can I reduce the sugar?

You can reduce the sugar in the batter by up to 1/4 cup if you prefer less sweetness, especially if serving with a glaze or sweet coffee.

🥄 Can I make this coffee cake gluten-free?

Yes. Substitute the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend that includes xanthan gum for structure.

🕒 Is this cake good for meal prep?

It’s excellent for make-ahead brunches. Bake the night before, cool completely, and store in an airtight container. It tastes even better the next day!

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🫖 What to Serve With Rhubarb Coffee Cake

• A hot cup of coffee or espresso

• Herbal teas like chamomile or hibiscus

• A side of vanilla yogurt or fresh berries for brunch

• Optional: Top with whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for dessert

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🍽 Final Thoughts

This Rhubarb Coffee Cake is a beautiful celebration of early summer flavors. The tangy rhubarb, moist cake base, and buttery streusel make every bite satisfying and comforting. Whether you’re baking it for a weekend brunch, sharing it at a baby shower, or sneaking a slice for breakfast on a busy weekday, this coffee cake brings a touch of homemade goodness to any occasion.

So go ahead—brew a pot of coffee, slice up this cake, and savor a quiet moment of sweetness.