Rhubarb Coffee Cake is a delightful fusion of tart rhubarb and sweet, cinnamon-spiced crumb topping, creating a moist and tender cake that’s perfect for both breakfast and dessert. This recipe offers a wonderful way to enjoy fresh rhubarb when it’s in season, typically from April through the summer months. The cake’s rich flavor is enhanced by the use of brown sugar and vanilla yogurt or sour cream, providing a depth of taste and a moist texture that pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. Whether you’re serving it at a brunch, as an afternoon snack, or as a comforting dessert, this Rhubarb Coffee Cake is sure to please.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
- Butter
- Brown sugar
- Vanilla yogurt or sour cream
- Vanilla extract
- Ground cinnamon
- Rhubarb
- All-purpose flour
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Egg
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare an 8-inch square baking dish by greasing it with cooking spray and dusting it with flour.
- In a large bowl, beat together softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add in the egg, vanilla yogurt or sour cream, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in the diced rhubarb gently.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- For the crumb topping, mix together brown sugar, flour, softened butter, and ground cinnamon until crumbly.
- Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the batter.
- Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutritional Facts
Per serving:
- Calories: 191 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 160mg
- Potassium: 182mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 27g
- Vitamin A: 77 IU
- Vitamin C: 2mg
- Calcium: 86mg
- Iron: 1mg
The History of Coffee Cake and Rhubarb’s Role in Baking
Coffee cakes have been a staple of American and European baking for centuries. The idea of pairing cake with coffee or tea originated in Europe, particularly in countries like Germany and Scandinavia, where coffee and cake were often served together as part of a daily ritual. Over time, coffee cakes evolved, incorporating different ingredients and flavors to suit local tastes. These cakes typically have a crumbly topping and a moist, tender interior that makes them perfect for pairing with a warm cup of coffee.
Rhubarb, on the other hand, has a long history of use in baking. While technically a vegetable, it is often treated as a fruit due to its tart flavor, which makes it a great addition to desserts. Native to Asia, rhubarb was first cultivated in the 16th century, and it was soon adopted by European cooks. It became particularly popular in North America, where it was grown in home gardens and used in pies, jams, and cakes. The sourness of rhubarb adds a lovely contrast to sweeter elements in baked goods, making it a favorite ingredient for coffee cakes, pies, and crumbles.
Why Rhubarb Coffee Cake Is a Perfect Choice for Any Occasion
One of the reasons why Rhubarb Coffee Cake has gained popularity over the years is its versatility. It can be enjoyed at any time of day, making it a wonderful option for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Its texture is moist yet sturdy enough to be sliced into individual servings, making it easy to share with friends and family. The sweet yet tart flavor of the rhubarb pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea, making it an ideal treat for gatherings or casual get-togethers.
For breakfast or brunch, Rhubarb Coffee Cake is a great choice because it is both filling and flavorful. The cake itself is hearty, with the sweetness from the brown sugar and the tanginess of the rhubarb creating a beautiful balance of flavors. It’s a dish that can be made ahead of time, so you can enjoy a freshly baked cake with minimal effort when serving guests. If you’re hosting a brunch, this coffee cake will easily become the star of the table, delighting guests with its unique flavor profile.
Rhubarb Coffee Cake also makes for a fantastic dessert, especially during the spring and summer months when rhubarb is in season. The cake is light enough to be served after a hearty meal but still satisfies any sweet cravings. The bright flavors of the rhubarb provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of other heavier desserts, making it a perfect option for those looking for something sweet but not too heavy.
Customizing Rhubarb Coffee Cake to Your Taste
One of the best parts about Rhubarb Coffee Cake is its adaptability. The basic recipe allows for plenty of customization, enabling you to adjust the flavors and textures to suit your personal preferences. For instance, you can easily switch out the rhubarb for other fruits, such as strawberries, blueberries, or apples, depending on what is in season or your desired flavor profile. The tanginess of rhubarb is what makes it so special, but if you prefer a sweeter cake, you can substitute it with a milder fruit that complements the cake’s sweetness.
The crumb topping is another area where you can get creative. The standard crumb topping in the recipe consists of butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon, but feel free to experiment with different spices or add-ins. A dash of nutmeg or ginger can bring a warming spice to the cake, while chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans can add an extra crunch. You can even incorporate a swirl of cream cheese or a glaze on top for added richness.
For those who enjoy a bit more sweetness in their coffee cake, you can increase the amount of sugar in the recipe or top the cake with a dusting of powdered sugar after baking. For a more decadent version, consider serving the cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Healthier Alternatives for Rhubarb Coffee Cake
While Rhubarb Coffee Cake is undeniably delicious, it can be a bit indulgent, especially when served with a generous crumb topping. However, if you’re looking to make a lighter version of the cake, there are a few substitutions you can make to reduce its calorie content and make it a bit healthier without compromising too much on flavor.
First, consider using whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. Whole wheat flour adds more fiber to the cake, making it a healthier option for those who are conscious of their carbohydrate intake. If you’re aiming for a gluten-free version, be sure to use a gluten-free flour blend that includes a binding agent like xanthan gum, which helps to hold the cake together.
Another way to lighten the recipe is by replacing some of the butter with healthier fats. For instance, you can swap out part or all of the butter for unsweetened applesauce or Greek yogurt, which will still keep the cake moist but with fewer calories and fat. You can also opt for a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener to reduce the overall sugar content of the cake while still maintaining the sweet taste.
By making these small adjustments, you can create a healthier version of Rhubarb Coffee Cake that still retains its delicious flavor but is a bit lighter on the waistline.
The Joy of Seasonal Baking with Rhubarb
Rhubarb is a seasonal ingredient, meaning it’s only available for a limited time each year, usually in the spring and early summer. This makes it even more special when it’s included in baked goods like coffee cakes. The fleeting nature of rhubarb means that when it’s in season, it’s the perfect time to experiment with recipes that highlight its unique flavor. Rhubarb Coffee Cake is a wonderful way to embrace the season and make the most of fresh, locally grown ingredients.
The joy of seasonal baking is not just about creating a delicious dish; it’s about connecting with the rhythm of nature and celebrating the ingredients that are available at different times of the year. Rhubarb, in particular, is a plant that signals the arrival of spring, making it a perfect choice for a cake that is light and refreshing but still comforting.
Conclusion: Why Rhubarb Coffee Cake Should Be Your Next Baking Project
Rhubarb Coffee Cake is an incredibly versatile and delicious dessert that is perfect for a variety of occasions. Whether you’re serving it as a breakfast treat, an afternoon snack, or a dessert at a family gathering, this cake is sure to impress. The balance of sweet and tart flavors, combined with its moist texture and crumbly topping, makes it a delightful option for any time of day.
The best part about this recipe is its adaptability. With simple substitutions and creative variations, you can make this cake your own and adjust it to suit your tastes. Whether you want to try different fruits, add spices to the topping, or lighten the recipe for a healthier version, there are plenty of ways to make Rhubarb Coffee Cake work for you.