Rhubarb coffee cake is like a warm hug on a plate, combining a tender crumb with the tart zing of rhubarb that makes your taste buds dance. The sweet aroma wafting through your kitchen as it bakes is enough to make anyone weak in the knees.

Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>How to Make rhubarb coffee cake</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I use frozen rhubarb in my coffee cake?
- How can I make my coffee cake more moist?
- Is this rhubarb coffee cake suitable for breakfast?
- 📖 Recipe Card
This delightful treat is perfect for brunch, a cozy afternoon snack, or any occasion that calls for a little sweetness. Trust me; once you take that first bite, you’ll be dreaming of this cake long after the last crumb has disappeared.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This rhubarb coffee cake comes together quickly and easily, making it perfect for busy mornings
- The delightful blend of sweet and tart flavors creates a mouthwatering experience
- Its beautiful presentation brings joy to any gathering or celebration
- Plus, it pairs beautifully with your favorite coffee or tea for an irresistible treat
I still remember the first time I made this rhubarb coffee cake for a family gathering. The oohs and aahs from my relatives felt like applause after a Broadway show.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Fresh Rhubarb: Choose vibrant red stalks for the best flavor; they should be firm and juicy.
All-Purpose Flour: Use unbleached all-purpose flour for a light and fluffy texture in your cake.
Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness and balances the tartness of the rhubarb perfectly.
Baking Powder: This is essential for creating that lovely rise in your cake; make sure it’s fresh!
Butter: Use unsalted butter at room temperature for better control over saltiness and easier mixing.
Eggs: Fresh eggs will give your cake structure and moisture; use large eggs for consistency.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of pure vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile of the cake beautifully.
Milk: Whole milk adds richness, but feel free to substitute non-dairy options if needed.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make rhubarb coffee cake
Prepare Your Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round baking pan with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Mix Dry Ingredients Together: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt until well combined. The mixture should look light and fluffy.
Create the Batter Base: In another large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and airy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Add Wet Ingredients Gradually : Stir in milk and vanilla extract into your butter mixture until just combined. It’s okay if the batter looks a bit lumpy; we want to keep it light!
Toss in Rhubarb Pieces : Gently fold in chopped rhubarb until evenly distributed throughout the batter. Be careful not to overmix; we want those delightful chunks to remain intact.
Bake It Up!: Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan. Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Enjoy the heavenly aroma filling your kitchen!
You Must Know
- Rhubarb coffee cake is a delightful balance of tart rhubarb and sweet cake
- It’s perfect for breakfast or dessert, and it fills your kitchen with a heavenly aroma
- Don’t skip the crumble topping; it adds a crunchy texture that elevates each bite
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by prepping your rhubarb and mixing your dry ingredients while the oven preheats. This way, everything comes together seamlessly, ensuring even baking and preventing any last-minute chaos.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out rhubarb for other fruits like strawberries or blueberries. You can also sprinkle in some cinnamon or nutmeg to deepen the flavor profile and add warmth to the cake.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftover rhubarb coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze slices wrapped tightly; reheat in the oven for best results.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When measuring flour, spoon it into the cup and level off for accuracy
- Always taste your batter before baking; adjust sweetness if needed
- A pinch of salt enhances flavors, so don’t skip it!
Sometimes I catch myself reminiscing about that time my friends devoured my rhubarb coffee cake within minutes. Their smiles made all the effort worth it, reminding me how food connects us.
FAQ
Can I use frozen rhubarb in my coffee cake?
Yes, just ensure it’s thawed and drained before adding to the batter.
How can I make my coffee cake more moist?
Adding a bit of sour cream or yogurt will help keep your cake moist and flavorful.
Is this rhubarb coffee cake suitable for breakfast?
Absolutely! It’s sweet yet slightly tart, making it a perfect breakfast treat alongside coffee.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
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Rhubarb Coffee Cake
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
Rhubarb coffee cake is a delightful treat that perfectly balances the tartness of fresh rhubarb with a tender, sweet crumb. Its inviting aroma fills your kitchen as it bakes, making it an ideal choice for brunch or dessert. This easy-to-make recipe will have everyone asking for seconds, and the beautiful presentation ensures it shines at any gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh rhubarb, chopped
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup whole milk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round baking pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in milk and vanilla until just combined; the batter may be slightly lumpy.
- Gently fold in the rhubarb until evenly distributed.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg





