Name: Rhubarb Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup butter flavor shortening; 1 1/2 cups brown sugar; 1 cup buttermilk; 1 large egg; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 1/2 cups chopped rhubarb; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional); 1/2 cup shredded coconut (optional)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe· 3.9 from 82 reviews

This Rhubarb Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe is an absolute gem for anyone who loves the perfect combination of tart and sweet, wrapped up in a tender, moist cake with a crunchy, buttery streusel topping. Imagine waking up to the inviting aroma of baked rhubarb mingling with cinnamon and pecans, creating a heavenly morning treat or an afternoon pick-me-up that feels like a warm hug. This cake’s balance of flavors and textures will quickly make it a beloved staple in your baking repertoire, ideal for sharing with friends or savoring on your own. Let me walk you through this delightful recipe that turns simple ingredients into a scrumptious experience.

Rhubarb Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind this Rhubarb Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe lies in its straightforward but thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each component plays a vital role: the shortening adds a tender crumb, brown sugar lends deep caramel notes, and rhubarb infuses a fresh tartness that wakes up your taste buds. Together, they build a perfectly balanced cake that’s moist, flavorful, and just the right amount of sweet.

Butter flavor shortening: Creates a delicate, tender crumb with a rich buttery note without melting too quickly.
Brown sugar: Adds moisture and complex sweetness with a hint of molasses.
Buttermilk: Provides acidity to tenderize the gluten for a softer cake and reacts with baking soda for lift.
Large egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, fragrant touch.
Baking soda: Helps the cake rise perfectly and keeps it light.
Salt: Balances sweetness and deepens flavor complexity.
Flour: The structure that holds everything together in a tender yet sturdy way.
Chopped rhubarb: The star ingredient delivering bright, tangy bursts throughout the cake.
Granulated sugar: Used in the streusel topping for added crispness and contrast.
Cinnamon: Infuses the streusel with warm spice to complement the rhubarb.
Chopped pecans (optional): Adds a delightful nutty crunch in the streusel layer.
Shredded coconut (optional): Brings a subtle tropical flavor and extra texture in the topping.

How to Make Rhubarb Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven for Baking Success

Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the cake bakes evenly and achieves that perfect rise and golden crust you’re aiming for. An adequately preheated oven is key, as it sets the stage for the beautiful texture and color that make this Rhubarb Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe so special.

Step 2: Mix the Batter to Tender Perfection

In a large bowl, cream together the butter flavor shortening and brown sugar until smooth and creamy, which helps create a fine crumb. Then, mix in buttermilk, egg, and vanilla extract until the batter is silky. Next, combine flour, baking soda, and salt separately before adding them to the wet mixture, stirring just enough to combine. Overmixing can toughen the cake, so gentle folding is your friend here. Finally, carefully fold in the vibrant chopped rhubarb, distributing it evenly so every bite bursts with tangy freshness. Pour this luscious batter into your greased 9×13 inch baking pan, spreading it into an even layer ready for the topping.

Step 3: Prepare the Irresistible Streusel Topping

In a small bowl, mix granulated sugar with cinnamon for warm sweetness. Add in chopped pecans and shredded coconut if you’re using them—these optional ingredients introduce delightful crunch and tropical notes. Sprinkle this streusel mixture evenly over the cake batter, creating a crunchy, sweet blanket that contrasts beautifully with the soft cake below.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Set

Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 40-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the streusel topping turns a lovely golden brown. The cake should feel firm but still moist inside, promising a perfect balance of textures in every slice.

Step 5: Cool and Serve Your Masterpiece

Let your coffee cake cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes; this resting time helps it set and makes slicing easier. Serve warm to enjoy the streusel’s crisp texture or at room temperature when the flavors have fully developed. For a truly indulgent treat, add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream—the perfect finale to your Rhubarb Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe.

How to Serve Rhubarb Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe

Garnishes

Simple garnishes like a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey can elevate the look and add a subtle sweetness. Fresh mint leaves or thin lemon zest curls bring a pop of color and hint of freshness that pairs beautifully with the cake’s warm spices and tart rhubarb.

Side Dishes

This coffee cake pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making it an ideal companion for breakfast or afternoon snacks. For a more filling brunch, serve alongside scrambled eggs or fresh fruit salad to balance the sweet and tangy notes of the cake.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting the cake into smaller squares and serving them with miniature spoons at a brunch buffet, or plate single slices with a scoop of coconut ice cream and a sprinkle of toasted pecans for a delightful dessert presentation. You can also layer it in a trifle glass with whipped cream and fresh berries for a show-stopping twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Rhubarb Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe stays moist and delicious when covered tightly and stored at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerated for up to a week. Make sure to wrap it well to keep the streusel topping crisp and prevent the rhubarb from drying out.

Freezing

This cake freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to avoid freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to three months, making it a handy make-ahead treat for unexpected guests or busy mornings.

Reheating

To enjoy the cake warm, reheat slices in a microwave for 20-30 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes. Reheating restores the cake’s tender softness and crisps the streusel topping perfectly, just as if it was freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I substitute fresh rhubarb with frozen?

Yes, frozen rhubarb works well if fresh is unavailable. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before folding it into the batter to prevent the cake from becoming too soggy.

What if I don’t have buttermilk?

No problem! You can make a simple substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using; this mimics the acidity of buttermilk needed for the tender crumb.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Absolutely. Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend that contains xanthan gum to maintain the texture. Baking times may vary slightly, so keep an eye on the cake as it bakes.

Is it possible to omit the nuts and coconut?

Definitely! The pecans and coconut add texture and flavor to the streusel, but the cake will still be delicious and moist without them. You can also experiment with other toppings like oats or crushed graham crackers.

How do I keep the streusel from sinking into the cake?

To prevent sinking, make sure the batter is thick enough before adding the streusel. Also, don’t overmix the batter; a light fold helps keep the rhubarb evenly suspended. Sprinkle the streusel topping gently but evenly on top rather than pressing it in.

Final Thoughts

This Rhubarb Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe is truly one of those recipes that feels like a warm invitation to slow down and savor the moment. Its perfect blend of tart rhubarb, tender crumb, and crunchy, sweet topping makes it a joy to bake and an even bigger joy to eat. Whether you’re surprising your loved ones or treating yourself, this cake is sure to become a cherished classic. So grab your ingredients and dive in—you won’t regret making this delightful coffee cake a part of your baking adventures!