Name: Rhubarb Coffee Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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 salt; 1/2 cup 2% milk; 5 1/2 cups fresh rhubarb, sliced 1/4 inch thick; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 pinch salt; 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 3/4 cup salted butter, cold and cut into cubes

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 57 reviews

If you are looking for a sweet treat that perfectly balances tart and tender with a delightfully crumbly topping, this Rhubarb Coffee Cake Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Bursting with fresh rhubarb that brings a lively tanginess to each bite, and wrapped in a soft, buttery cake with a cinnamon-kissed streusel, this coffee cake is a crowd-pleaser that transforms any morning or afternoon coffee break into a special occasion. Whether you’re a rhubarb lover or new to this zingy stalk, this recipe will quickly become a cherished favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl filled with creamy, smooth, pale yellow batter that has a thick texture with some soft peaks and swirls. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with part of a vintage black and silver kitchen scale visible in the upper left corner and a white bowl of chopped pink and light green rhubarb pieces just below it on the right, along with a red and white striped cloth at the bottom left. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Rhubarb Coffee Cake Recipe lies in its simple, well-chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and aroma — from the lush butter that adds richness to the fresh rhubarb’s natural tang and the warm cinnamon in the crumb topping that finishes it all off beautifully.

Salted butter (1 cup, room temperature): Provides a creamy base and tender crumb for the cake.
Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the cake batter for balanced flavor.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the cake’s depth with warm sweetness.
Large eggs (4): Give structure while adding moisture and richness.
All-purpose flour (3 cups): The backbone of the cake, creating a soft yet sturdy texture.
Baking powder (2 1/2 teaspoons, aluminum-free): Helps the cake rise beautifully without bitterness.
Salt (a pinch): Balances sweetness and enhances all flavors.
2% milk (1/2 cup): Adds moisture and tenderizes the crumb.
Fresh rhubarb (5 1/2 cups, sliced 1/4 inch thick): Brings the signature tartness and vibrant color that define the cake.
All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups) for the crumb topping: Essential for the streusel’s delightful crunch.
Granulated sugar (1/2 cup) for the crumb topping: Sweetens the streusel for perfect contrast.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon) for the crumb topping: Adds a sweet vanilla warmth to the topping.
Salt (a pinch) for the crumb topping: Balances the sweetness in the crumble.
Ground cinnamon (1/4 teaspoon): Infuses the topping with cozy spice notes.
Salted butter (3/4 cup, cold and cubed): Creates the crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth texture for the streusel.

How to Make Rhubarb Coffee Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish

Start your Rhubarb Coffee Cake Recipe by preheating your oven to 350°F and generously spraying a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. This simple step ensures your cake won’t stick and helps that golden crust form beautifully.

Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter

In the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat together the room temperature butter, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and eggs. Mix on medium speed for 3 to 4 minutes until the ingredients are fully combined and the mixture looks light and creamy. This creates the perfect foundation for a tender, moist cake.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. These dry ingredients ensure your cake rises properly and develops a perfect crumb. Then, alternately add this flour mixture and the milk into your wet ingredients while running the mixer on low speed. Be sure to mix just until incorporated — overmixing will toughen the cake, and we want it soft and tender.

Step 4: Layer the Rhubarb

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan and smooth the surface gently. Next, scatter the sliced fresh rhubarb evenly over the batter. The rhubarb adds vibrant color, fresh tartness, and juiciness, which complement the cake’s sweetness perfectly.

Step 5: Make and Add the Crumb Topping

In a medium bowl, combine flour, sugar, vanilla extract, salt, ground cinnamon, and the cold, cubed butter. Using two forks or a pastry cutter, cut the butter into the flour mixture until the crumbs form. This crumbly texture is key to the topping’s irresistible crunchy contrast. Sprinkle the streusel mixture evenly over the rhubarb, covering every inch with crunchy goodness.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place your dish in the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The aroma of cinnamon and vanilla will fill your kitchen, and the streusel will be a gorgeous golden brown. Let the cake cool before serving to allow the flavors to settle beautifully.

How to Serve Rhubarb Coffee Cake Recipe

A baked dish in a white rectangular ceramic baking dish is shown close up, filled with a crumbly, golden-brown topping that covers small pieces of soft fruit beneath. The topping is coarse and uneven with a light tan color, while bits of pink and yellow fruit peek through in patches, creating a mix of warm tones. The dish rests on a white marbled surface with a red and white striped cloth visible at the bottom edge of the image. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Once your Rhubarb Coffee Cake Recipe is cooled, treat yourself by topping slices with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creamy topping perfectly tempers the rhubarb’s tartness while adding a luscious mouthfeel.

Side Dishes

This coffee cake pairs wonderfully with a freshly brewed cup of coffee or a soothing cup of tea. For a more substantial breakfast spread, serve alongside fresh fruit salad or Greek yogurt for a balance of textures and flavors that keep every bite exciting.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming brunch centerpiece, dust the cooled cake lightly with powdered sugar and add a few sprigs of fresh mint or edible flowers on top. You can also serve individual slices on pretty plates with a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of toasted almonds to elevate the presentation and add a little crunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Rhubarb Coffee Cake Recipe can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to three days. Keeping it covered ensures the moist cake and crumb topping remain fresh and delicious without drying out.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy this cake later, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil, then freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready, thaw the cake in the refrigerator overnight to maintain its perfect texture.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, reheat slices in a microwave for about 20 seconds or in a preheated 325°F oven for 10 minutes. This will revive the buttery softness and crisp up the crumb topping just a touch.

FAQs

Can I use frozen rhubarb for this Rhubarb Coffee Cake Recipe?

Yes, frozen rhubarb can be used in a pinch, but be sure to thaw it completely and drain excess liquid before adding it to the cake to avoid making the batter too soggy.

Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend, but make sure it contains xanthan gum and baking powder for the best rise and texture.

Can I reduce the sugar in this Rhubarb Coffee Cake Recipe?

Absolutely! You can reduce the sugar slightly in both the batter and streusel to suit your preference, though keep in mind that the sugar balances rhubarb’s tartness.

What if I don’t have cinnamon for the crumb topping?

If you’re out of cinnamon, you can omit it or replace it with a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for a different but equally delightful flavor twist.

Can I make this cake in smaller portions?

Yes, this recipe can be halved and baked in an 8×8-inch pan. Adjust the baking time accordingly, checking for doneness around 30-35 minutes.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about biting into a slice of this Rhubarb Coffee Cake Recipe — the perfect meeting of tart freshness and tender sweetness finished off with a crunchy cinnamon crumb. I can’t wait for you to try making it and share this unforgettable treat with your friends and family. You’re just a few simple steps away from a new beloved classic in your baking repertoire!