This Double Crumb Rhubarb Coffee Cake is a delightful treat with tart rhubarb and a sweet crumb topping. Perfect for breakfast or a cozy afternoon snack!
The best part? That crunchy, buttery crumb topping is hard to resist. It’s like eating a dessert and breakfast all in one—what a win! 😄
I love serving this cake warm, maybe with a scoop of ice cream on the side. It’s such a yummy way to enjoy rhubarb and share happiness with friends!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rhubarb: Fresh rhubarb is key for that tangy flavor. If you can’t find it, you can use frozen rhubarb, just make sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture first. Some people also enjoy incorporating strawberries with rhubarb for a sweeter twist!
Sugar: For a healthier option, consider replacing granulated sugar with coconut sugar or using a sugar substitute. But remember, the texture and flavor might vary slightly.
Butter: Unsalted butter is used here so you can control the saltiness of the cake. If you prefer, coconut oil or a dairy-free margarine can work as a substitute for a dairy-free option.
Sour Cream: You can swap sour cream with Greek yogurt, which gives a similar creaminess and tang but with extra protein. It’s a great alternative, especially if you’re looking for a lighter option.
Milk: If you need a non-dairy choice, any plant-based milk, like almond or oat milk, can be used in the recipe with no problems.
How Do I Make a Perfect Crumb Topping?
The crumb topping adds a delightful crunch to the coffee cake, so it’s worth putting in a little extra care. Here’s how to get that perfect crumble:
- Use cold butter to retain that crumbly texture; it helps to create clumps in your topping.
- Cut the butter into small cubes before mixing it with the sugar and flour. You can use your fingers or a pastry cutter to combine until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Don’t overmix! It’s okay to have some larger chunks. They will bake up beautifully crisp.
For an extra flavor boost, consider adding some chopped nuts to the crumb topping for added crunch!
How to Make Double Crumb Rhubarb Coffee Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups rhubarb, chopped
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for rhubarb)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, divided
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar (for cake)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
For the Crumb Topping:
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (for crumb topping)
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 cup cold butter (for crumb topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You will need about 20 minutes for preparation, plus 35-45 minutes to bake. Including cooling time, the total is about 1 hour and 15 minutes. It’s a simple process, and your home will smell delicious while it bakes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan to make sure your cake doesn’t stick.
2. Prepare the Rhubarb:
In a bowl, toss the chopped rhubarb with 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. This helps to draw out moisture, making the rhubarb flavorful. Set it aside while you work on the batter.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together 1 3/4 cups of the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This will help your cake rise nicely. Set this bowl aside as well.
4. Cream the Butter and Sugars:
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1/4 cup of brown sugar until it gets light and fluffy. This will take a few minutes, so don’t rush it!
5. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Now, add the eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, mixing well after each addition. Next, stir in the vanilla extract to give it that lovely flavor.
6. Combine Wet Ingredients:
Mix in the sour cream and milk until the batter is smooth and combined. This adds richness to your cake.
7. Combine Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until everything is combined. Don’t overmix—just mix it enough to see no dry flour.
8. Fold in the Rhubarb:
Gently fold the prepared rhubarb into the cake batter. This will help distribute the fruity goodness throughout the cake.
9. Make the Crumb Topping:
In a separate bowl, combine the remaining 1/4 cup of brown sugar, the 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, and the 1/4 cup of cold butter (cut into cubes) with the remaining 1/4 cup of flour. Use your fingers or a fork to mix it until it forms a crumbly topping.
10. Layer the Cake:
Spread half of the cake batter into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Then sprinkle half of the crumb topping over this layer. Next, spread the remaining batter on top and finish with the rest of the crumb topping. This layering makes every bite delightful!
11. Bake the Cake:
Place your baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-45 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Enjoy the sweet aroma wafting through your kitchen!
12. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about ten minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. When ready, cut it into squares and serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy your delicious Double Crumb Rhubarb Coffee Cake!
Can I Substitute Fresh Rhubarb with Frozen Rhubarb?
Yes, you can use frozen rhubarb! Just make sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess moisture before chopping and adding it to the batter. This will prevent the cake from becoming too watery.
How Can I Make This Coffee Cake Gluten-Free?
If you want to make this cake gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to include xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t already contain it, as this helps with the texture of the cake.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Coffee Cake?
To store leftover coffee cake, wrap it in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It will keep at room temperature for about 2-3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual pieces, wrapped tightly, for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy!
Can I Add Other Fruits to This Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in other fruits like strawberries, blueberries, or apples with the rhubarb. Just make sure to adjust the amount of sugar slightly if your additional fruits are sweet to maintain the right flavor balance.
