Rhubarb Streusel Coffee Cake

Rhubarb Streusel Coffee Cake is a cozy, sweet-tart treat that perfectly blends the zing of rhubarb with the buttery crunch of cinnamon streusel. Moist, tender, and bursting with seasonal flavor, this coffee cake is perfect for brunch, a midday snack, or a delicious dessert served with a warm cup of coffee or tea.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Features fresh, tangy rhubarb balanced with sweet brown sugar
• A buttery cinnamon streusel topping adds crunch and warmth
• Great for brunches, spring baking, or potluck desserts
• Can be made ahead and keeps well
• Easy to customize with berries or nuts

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Streusel topping:

• All-purpose flour
• Brown sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Salt
• Unsalted butter, softened

Cake batter:

• Unsalted butter, softened
• Brown sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Plain yogurt or sour cream
• Whole milk, half-and-half, or buttermilk
• Fresh rhubarb, chopped
• Granulated sugar (for tossing rhubarb)

directions

this recipe

1. Preheat oven:
   Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan with butter or line with parchment.
2. Make streusel topping:
   In a medium bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in the butter using your fingers or a pastry cutter until crumbly. Set aside.
3. Prepare cake batter:
   In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla.
4. Mix dry and wet ingredients:
   In one bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, mix yogurt and milk. Alternate adding the dry and wet ingredients to the creamed mixture, starting and ending with the dry.
5. Assemble cake:
   Toss chopped rhubarb with granulated sugar. Spread half the batter into the pan, top with sugared rhubarb, then dollop and spread remaining batter on top. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the surface.
6. Bake:
   Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely before slicing.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 9
• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Cook time: 50–60 minutes
• Total time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Variations

• Add-ins: Fold in fresh strawberries or raspberries with the rhubarb
• Nutty crunch: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the streusel
• Citrus boost: Add orange or lemon zest to the batter for extra brightness
• Glaze: Drizzle with a simple powdered sugar glaze once cooled

storage/reheating

Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Reheat slices in the microwave for 15–20 seconds.
This cake also freezes well—wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.

FAQs

Can I use frozen rhubarb?

Yes, just thaw and drain it well before using to avoid excess moisture.

What does rhubarb taste like?

Rhubarb has a tart, slightly sour flavor that pairs beautifully with sweet baked goods.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour substitute.

Do I have to use yogurt?

You can substitute sour cream or buttermilk for similar results.

What if I don’t have brown sugar?

You can use white sugar with a bit of molasses mixed in for a brown sugar substitute.

Can I make this in a different pan size?

Yes, you can bake it in an 8×8-inch pan for a thicker cake or double the recipe for a 9×13-inch pan.

Why is my streusel not crumbly?

Make sure your butter is cool but soft, and don’t overmix—it should form small clumps.

Can I add spices to the batter?

Absolutely. A pinch of nutmeg or ginger adds nice depth.

Is this good served warm or cold?

Both! Warm is great with whipped cream or ice cream, but it’s also delicious at room temperature.

What can I serve this with?

A hot cup of coffee or tea, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.

Conclusion

Rhubarb Streusel Coffee Cake is a delightful celebration of spring produce and old-fashioned comfort. With its soft crumb, tangy fruit, and irresistible topping, it’s sure to become a seasonal favorite. Whether you’re hosting brunch or baking for yourself, this cake brings a touch of sweetness to any day.

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