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Rhubarb Coffee Cake Recipe

4.6 from 87 reviews

This Rhubarb Coffee Cake features a moist, tender base studded with tart fresh rhubarb slices and topped with a buttery, cinnamon-spiced crumb topping. Baked to golden perfection, it’s an ideal breakfast treat or afternoon snack that pairs beautifully with coffee or tea.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Batter

  • 1 cup salted butter, room temperature
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 4 large eggs
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons aluminum-free baking powder
  • 1 pinch of salt
  • 1/2 cup 2% milk

Fruit Topping

  • 5 1/2 cups fresh rhubarb, sliced 1/4 inch thick

Crumb Topping

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch of salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 3/4 cup salted butter, cold and cut into cubes

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Set aside to ensure even baking and easy removal.
  2. Make the Cake Batter: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the room temperature butter, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and eggs. Beat on medium speed for 3-4 minutes until the mixture is light and creamy.
  3. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. With the mixer on low, alternate adding the flour mixture and the 2% milk in two portions each. Mix just until combined—avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
  4. Assemble Base and Rhubarb: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Evenly distribute the sliced rhubarb across the top, gently pressing to embed slightly into the batter.
  5. Prepare the Crumb Topping: In a bowl, combine the flour, sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and ground cinnamon. Add the cubed cold butter and use two forks (or a pastry cutter) to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  6. Top and Bake: Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the rhubarb layer. Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the topping is golden brown.
  7. Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature, optionally topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.

Notes

  • Ensure rhubarb is sliced evenly to promote uniform baking.
  • Use aluminum-free baking powder to avoid a metallic taste.
  • The crumb topping can be prepared with cold butter for a better texture.
  • Letting the cake cool slightly helps the crumb topping set and makes slicing easier.
  • This cake pairs well with coffee, tea, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Keywords: Rhubarb coffee cake, crumb topping, breakfast cake, rhubarb dessert, easy coffee cake