Rhubarb Coffee Cake

Rhubarb Coffee Cake
Rhubarb Coffee Cake
This pink-hued cake is filled with rhubarb, which is in season during the spring and early summer. The cake freezes nicely and has a high ratio of fruit to cake—always good in a brunch sweet. Sliced into wedges, this coffee cake is a nice way to round out a seasonal bread basket of fruit muffins.
  • Preparing Time: -
  • Total Time: -
  • Served Person: Makes one 9 x 13 x 2-inch coffee cake
Breakfast Brunch Bake Mother's Day Spring Rhubarb Kidney Friendly Vegetarian Pescatarian Peanut Free Tree Nut Free Soy Free Kosher
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 2 cups buttermilk
  • 2 extra-large eggs
  • 1/2 pound (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • Carbohydrate 1186 g(395%)
  • Cholesterol 924 mg(308%)
  • Fat 205 g(316%)
  • Fiber 27 g(109%)
  • Protein 90 g(181%)
  • Saturated Fat 124 g(619%)
  • Sodium 5735 mg(239%)
  • Calories 6850

A Taste of Spring: My Rhubarb Coffee Cake Adventure

As a busy working mom, finding time to bake is a luxury, not a given. But spring, with its promise of fresh ingredients and longer days, always inspires me to dust off my apron. This year, it was the vibrant pink rhubarb that caught my eye at the farmer's market. Its tartness, a delightful counterpoint to the sweetness of a good coffee cake, called to me. I decided to try a new recipe – a rhubarb coffee cake, promising a delightful blend of textures and flavors.

The recipe itself was surprisingly straightforward. The process, though requiring a few steps, felt manageable even on a busy weekday evening. The aroma wafting from the oven as it baked was heavenly – a comforting blend of cinnamon, brown sugar, and that unique tang of rhubarb. The anticipation was almost unbearable! The final product was everything I hoped for and more. The cake was moist, the rhubarb perfectly incorporated, offering a burst of tartness that balanced the sweetness beautifully. It was the perfect accompaniment to a morning coffee, a delightful treat for a family brunch, or even a satisfying afternoon snack.

Baking this cake was more than just following a recipe; it was a moment of calm amidst the chaos of everyday life. The rhythmic mixing, the gentle folding of ingredients, the satisfying thud of the cake pan on the counter—it was a meditative process, a small act of self-care. And the result? A delicious cake that brought a touch of spring sunshine to my family's table. The joy on their faces as they devoured slices of the cake was reward enough. It was a reminder that even amidst the hustle and bustle, taking a moment to create something delicious can bring immense joy and satisfaction. It wasn't just a cake; it was a taste of spring, a moment of peace, and a memory made in the kitchen.

This rhubarb coffee cake recipe has become a new favorite in my household. It’s simple enough for a weeknight bake, elegant enough for a special occasion, and adaptable enough to experiment with different variations. Perhaps next time, I’ll add a sprinkle of chopped nuts or a drizzle of glaze to elevate it even further. The possibilities are endless, just like the joy of baking. I encourage you to try it; you won't regret it.

The ease and delicious results have made this a staple recipe for me. It’s become a go-to for spring gatherings, potlucks, and simply enjoying a sweet treat on a quiet afternoon. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the delicious outcome. It's a wonderful way to incorporate seasonal fruits into your baking and celebrate the arrival of spring with a burst of delicious flavor. This cake truly captures the essence of spring: fresh, bright, and utterly delicious.

More than just a recipe, this rhubarb coffee cake represents a connection to the seasons and the simple pleasure of creating something beautiful and delicious from scratch. The act of baking itself was therapeutic, a welcome escape from the daily grind. And the resulting cake, well, it was a masterpiece.

Step-by-step

    • Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly butter a 9 x 13 x 2-inch baking pan and line the bottom with parchment paper. Butter the parchment paper.
    • Make the cake: Stir the flour, salt, and baking soda in a large bowl and set aside.
    • Using a mixer set on medium speed, beat the brown sugar and butter in a large mixing bowl for 3 minutes, or until light and creamy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in the vanilla and buttermilk. Continue to beat for 2 minutes, or until smooth, occasionally scraping down the sides of the bowl.
    • Mix the flour mixture into the batter one-third at a time, beating briefly after each addition. Fold in the rhubarb until it is well distributed.
    • Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Use a rubber spatula to smooth it out to the edges of the pan. The batter will be very thick.
    • Make the topping: Stir together the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the batter.
    • Bake the cake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove the cake from the oven and transfer to a wire rack. Cool for 1 hour before cutting the cake into squares to serve.