This Fresh Rhubarb Streusel Coffee Cake is a perfect blend of tart rhubarb and sweet crumbs. It’s moist thanks to yogurt, making it a delightful snack or breakfast treat!
I can’t resist the crispy streusel on top—it adds just the right crunch. This cake is perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying with a cup of coffee at home! ☕️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rhubarb: Fresh rhubarb gives this cake its unique tartness. If you can’t find fresh rhubarb, frozen works, too! Just thaw it and drain any excess moisture. You could also substitute with tart apples or cranberries for a different flavor.
Yogurt: I love using plain yogurt for its moistness and hint of tang. Greek yogurt is a great substitute if you want it richer. Non-dairy alternatives like coconut or almond yogurt can also work well.
Butter: Unsalted butter is used for better control over saltiness. If you’re dairy-free, use a plant-based butter or coconut oil. I find coconut oil brings a lovely subtle flavor!
Sugar: Granulated sugar is perfect for sweetness. You can substitute half with honey or maple syrup, but remember to adjust the liquid ingredients slightly since these are liquids.
How Do You Make the Streusel Topping Crunchy and Delicious?
The struesel topping adds a great texture to your cake. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Mix together flour, brown sugar, melted butter, cinnamon, and salt until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. A fork or your fingers work best!
- Make sure the butter is melted but not hot; otherwise, it can melt the sugar and affect the crumbly texture.
- Don’t worry if it’s a little clumpy; that’s good—it’ll create those lovely crunchy bits on top when baked.
How to Make Fresh Rhubarb Streusel Coffee Cake With Yogurt
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups fresh rhubarb, chopped
For the Streusel Topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful coffee cake will take about 15 minutes to prep and 35-40 minutes to bake. After baking, let it cool for about 10 minutes before enjoying. So overall, you’ll need around 1 hour for this delicious treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan to give your cake a nice finish.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the 2 cups of flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Once mixed, set this bowl aside. This will ensure your cake rises properly!
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using a mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. This will help create a nice texture in your cake.
4. Add Wet Ingredients:
Add in the yogurt, eggs, and vanilla extract to your butter-sugar mixture. Mix everything together until it’s well combined. It should look smooth and creamy!
5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if there are a few lumps!
6. Fold in the Rhubarb:
Now, gently fold in the chopped rhubarb into the batter until it’s evenly distributed. This adds a lovely tartness that balances the sweetness of the cake.
7. Prepare to Bake:
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula. You want it nice and even for that perfect bake!
8. Make the Streusel Topping:
In another bowl, mix together the 1/2 cup of flour, brown sugar, melted butter, cinnamon, and salt. Combine until you achieve a crumbly texture—this will be your delicious topping!
9. Add the Streusel:
Sprinkle the streusel mixture evenly over the cake batter in the baking pan. This crunchy topping makes the cake extra special and tasty!
10. Bake the Cake:
Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell wonderful!
11. Cool and Serve:
Once it’s baked, take the cake out of the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. Then, slice it up and serve it warm. Enjoy your Fresh Rhubarb Streusel Coffee Cake with a lovely cup of coffee or tea!
Can I Use Frozen Rhubarb Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen rhubarb, make sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess moisture before adding it to the batter. This helps to prevent the cake from becoming too watery. You might also want to add a teaspoon of cornstarch to the batter to help absorb any leftover liquid.
What Can I Substitute for Yogurt?
If you don’t have yogurt on hand, you can substitute it with an equal amount of sour cream or buttermilk. Alternatively, for a non-dairy option, use a plant-based yogurt like almond or coconut yogurt, which will work just as well!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. Just make sure to wrap it tightly to prevent it from drying out!
Can I Make This Cake Gluten-Free?
Yes! To make this coffee cake gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that includes xanthan gum. Just be sure to check the package instructions for any specific adjustments needed!
