Craving a delightful treat that captures the essence of spring and summer? Look no further than rhubarb coffee cake recipes. This elegant dessert combines a light, buttery cake base with the fresh tartness of rhubarb, creating a perfect balance of flavors for any brunch or dessert occasion.
Growing up near my grandparents’ farm, I have fond memories of indulging in my grandma’s delicious homemade treats, especially during rhubarb season. The tangy rhubarb used in this recipe adds a unique twist to a classic coffee cake, making it a must-try for any baking enthusiast.
With a moist buttermilk cake base, generous chunks of fresh rhubarb, and a crunchy coconut-pecan streusel topping, this rhubarb coffee cake is a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will surely impress your family and friends. Let’s dive into the recipe and elevate your baking game with this seasonal delight.
Ingredients
In creating this delectable rhubarb coffee cake, the key ingredients are divided into three distinct parts: Rhubarb Preparation, Cake Batter, and Streusel Topping. Let’s dive into the specifics for each component!
Rhubarb Preparation
- 2 ½ cups fresh rhubarb (can use frozen, defrosted)
- 1 cup white granulated sugar
To prepare the rhubarb, stir together the diced rhubarb and sugar in a medium bowl. Let the mixture drain in a strainer for 45 minutes, tossing occasionally. Remember to reserve both the rhubarb and the liquid separately.
Cake Batter
- 2 eggs
- 1 ¼ cups sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sour cream
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and prepare a 9×13 baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. Mix the eggs, flour, baking soda, salt, sour cream, and sugar in a large bowl. Beat the mixture until smooth, then fold in the rhubarb.
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup white granulated sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
For the streusel topping, whisk together the sugar, flour, cinnamon, ginger, and salt in a medium bowl. Work in the butter with a fork or your fingers until the mixture forms a crumble.
These carefully selected ingredients come together to create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures in this delightful rhubarb coffee cake recipe.
Equipment Needed
For preparing this delectable rhubarb coffee cake recipe, you will need the following essential kitchen equipment:
1. Mixing Bowls:
Having a variety of mixing bowls in different sizes is helpful for combining ingredients at various stages of the recipe.
2. Strainer:
A strainer will be necessary for draining the diced rhubarb after combining it with sugar to extract excess liquid.
3. 9 x 13 inch Baking Pan:
Ensure you have a 9 x 13 inch baking pan on hand to bake the coffee cake to perfection.
4. Whisk:
A whisk is essential for whisking together the dry ingredients and ensuring a smooth batter consistency.
5. Fork or Pastry Blender:
You will need a fork or a pastry blender to incorporate the butter into the streusel topping effectively.
6. Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F to ensure it’s ready for baking the scrumptious rhubarb coffee cake.
These kitchen essentials will assist you in creating a delightful rhubarb coffee cake that promises a delightful blend of flavors and textures.
Instructions
Preparing the Rhubarb
To begin preparing the rhubarb for the coffee cake, stir together diced rhubarb and sugar in a medium bowl. Drain the mixture in a strainer over a bowl for 45 minutes, tossing occasionally. Separate the drained rhubarb and liquid, as they will be used in different steps of the recipe.
Making the Cake Batter
In a large bowl, combine eggs, flour, baking soda, salt, sour cream, and sugar. Use an electric hand mixer to beat the mixture until smooth for about 1 minute. Gently fold in the prepared rhubarb with a spoon to ensure even distribution throughout the batter.
Creating the Streusel
For the streusel topping, whisk together sugar, flour, cinnamon, ginger, and salt in a medium bowl. Using a fork or your fingers, work in the butter until a crumbly texture is achieved. This streusel will add a delicious sweet crunch to the finished coffee cake.
Assembling the Cake
Spread half of the cake batter in a greased 9 x 13-inch baking pan. Sprinkle half of the prepared streusel mixture over the batter, along with the remaining rhubarb. Layer the remaining batter on top and finish by sprinkling the rest of the streusel mixture. Bake the assembled cake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 30-32 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Enjoy this delightful rhubarb coffee cake warm or at room temperature.
Baking Guidelines
When it comes to baking the perfect rhubarb coffee cake, ensuring the right techniques and procedures is crucial for a delightful outcome. Below are detailed baking guidelines to help you bring this scrumptious treat to life:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal baking temperature.
- Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking pan generously to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the cake after baking.
2. Making and Layering the Batter
- Cream together the butter and sugar in a large bowl until fluffy to create a smooth and light texture in your cake.
- Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract to incorporate flavor and moisture into the batter.
- Stir in the Greek yogurt to add a tangy richness to the cake.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking soda to ensure even distribution of leavening agents.
- Gently fold the flour mixture into the wet ingredients just until combined to avoid overmixing.
- Mix in 2/3 of the diced rhubarb to evenly distribute the fruit throughout the batter.
3. Creating the Crumb Topping
- To make the crumb topping, stir together dark brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon to add a sweet and spiced element to the cake.
- Cut in cold butter with a pastry blender until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs for a crunchy topping.
4. Assembling the Cake
- Spread half of the batter evenly in the prepared 9 x 13-inch pan to provide a sturdy base for the cake.
- Sprinkle half of the crumb mixture and the remaining diced rhubarb over the batter to add layers of flavor and texture.
- Top with the remaining batter, ensuring an even distribution, and sprinkle the second half of the crumb topping on top for a deliciously crumbly finish.
- Bake the assembled cake at 350°F for 30-32 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out almost clean, with a few moist crumbs attached.
- Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving. The rhubarb coffee cake can be enjoyed while still warm or at room temperature, showcasing a perfect balance of tangy rhubarb, moist cake, and crunchy crumb topping.
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving this delightful rhubarb coffee cake, there are a few suggestions that can elevate your dining experience. Here are some ideas to make the most of this scrumptious treat:
1. Warm with a Dollop of Whipped Cream:
Serve the rhubarb coffee cake while it’s still warm for that comforting, freshly baked feel. Top each slice with a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream. The contrast between the warm cake and cold, fluffy cream is a delightful balance of textures and temperatures that will please your taste buds.
2. Pair with a Hot Cup of Coffee or Tea:
Enhance the flavors of the rhubarb coffee cake by pairing it with a steaming hot cup of coffee or tea. The rich, earthy notes of coffee or the aromatic infusion of tea complement the tangy sweetness of the cake, creating a perfect harmony of flavors for your morning or afternoon treat.
3. Drizzle with Vanilla Glaze:
For an added touch of sweetness and visual appeal, consider drizzling a simple vanilla glaze over the cooled rhubarb coffee cake. The smooth glaze adds a glossy finish to the cake, enhancing its overall presentation while providing a hint of vanilla flavor that enhances the cake’s vanilla base.
4. Sprinkle with Powdered Sugar:
A classic and simple way to adorn your rhubarb coffee cake is by dusting it with a light sprinkling of powdered sugar just before serving. The fine powder adds a touch of elegance to each slice, and the subtle sweetness of the sugar complements the tartness of the rhubarb, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.
5. Serve with Fresh Fruit Garnish:
To add a pop of color and freshness to your dessert presentation, consider serving the rhubarb coffee cake with a side of fresh fruit garnish. Sliced strawberries, a medley of berries, or a refreshing citrus salad can enhance the visual appeal of the dish while providing a contrasting burst of fruity flavors to accompany each bite.
These serving suggestions are designed to complement the flavors and textures of the rhubarb coffee cake, allowing you to create a memorable dining experience for yourself and your guests. Enjoy experimenting with different serving styles to find the perfect way to indulge in this irresistible treat.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
After enjoying the delightful rhubarb coffee cake, you may have leftovers that you want to preserve for later. Here are some simple steps to ensure your cake stays fresh and delicious:
- Storage:
- Once the rhubarb coffee cake has cooled completely, you can store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- If you prefer to keep it longer, refrigerate the cake for up to 5 days. Make sure to cover it tightly to prevent drying out.
- Freezing:
- To freeze the rhubarb coffee cake, wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil.
- Label the package with the date to keep track of freshness. The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Thawing:
- When ready to enjoy the frozen cake, transfer it to the refrigerator to thaw overnight.
- For a quicker thawing process, you can use the microwave at a low setting, but be cautious not to overheat the cake.
By following these storage and freezing instructions, you can savor the deliciousness of the rhubarb coffee cake even days after it’s freshly baked.
Conclusion
I’ve shared all you need to know to whip up a delectable rhubarb coffee cake that will impress your taste buds. From the essential ingredients to the baking process and serving suggestions, this guide has you covered. Remember, storing and freezing your cake is a breeze with the tips provided here. Whether you’re indulging in a slice with your morning coffee or saving some for later, this rhubarb coffee cake is a delightful treat that you can enjoy anytime. So, roll up your sleeves, get baking, and savor the sweet-tart flavors of this irresistible dessert.