Sour Cream Rhubarb Coffee Cake with Crumb Topping (So EASY!)

Q: What is the Best Way to Freeze Rhubarb Cake?

Yes, once fully cooled you can either wrap the entire homemade sour cream rhubarb cake in plastic wrap and foil and then freeze. Or you can slice and freeze portions individually and freeze them in an airtight container or a freezer bag. For the individual slices method, check out my tutorial for freezing muffins because it will be very similar. However, for a more airtight storage option, you could also use a vacuum sealer . For this method, I recommend first freezing the rhubarb cake on a baking sheet. Remove it from the baking pan, and transfer to the sheet. This allows the cake to freeze it its shape without it being deformed from the sealing process. Then, transfer the sealed sour cream rhubarb cake to the vacuum sealer bag and seal as instructed by the manufacturer.

This Sour Cream Rhubarb Coffee Cake with Crumb Topping is so easy to make. This Rhubarb Cake recipe is a delicious, seasonal spring coffee cake featuring rhubarb and a crumb topping. It would be perfect for any spring brunch gathering. Come learn all about rhubarb, how to make this coffee cake with rhubarb, and how to freeze coffee cake.

woman cutting into a slice of rhubarb coffee cake

Making this Recipe for Rhubarb Coffee Cake

I almost hate to mention it, because I know so many people are still under snow and freezing temperatures, but our garden is actually starting to come back to life.

I was amazed when I saw it, because I hadn’t really been out there in months. We’re definitely not experiencing spring yet, but I guess our temperatures have warmed just enough that plants are waking up.

When I saw that the rhubarb was already coming back, I realized that I better use up what I have in the freezer from last year because I’d soon be needing more space.

I happened upon this recipe a while back and have even made it once before, but with strawberries and I didn’t photograph it, so I thought this was the perfect time to make it again.

ingredients for rhubarb coffee cake recipe arranged in bowls

What You Need to Know About Rhubarb

Rhubarb grows in stalks, almost similar in appearance to celery – except that it ranges in color from pale green, to pinkish, to dark red.

It has a tart taste that pairs incredibly well with sweeter fruits, like strawberries. I look forward to spring rhubarb every year! Strawberry Rhubarb Pie is hands down my favorite fruit pie!

When purchasing rhubarb, look for stalks that have a dark red, bright pink or light green color. The stalks should be both shiny and firm. Rhubarb is best stored in your crisper drawer.

Interesting Facts About Rhubarb:

Did you know that redder rhubarb stalks have a slightly sweeter flavor than those that aren’t as red?
Rhubarb leaves are poisonous, so you’ll always want to discard them, and be careful if you are growing rhubarb and have pets.
When planning for recipes, keep in mind that 1 pound of fresh, uncooked rhubarb equals approximately 3 cups of uncooked rhubarb.

Do You Have to Peel Rhubarb Before Making this Coffee Cake?

Sometimes you will see a recipe instruct you to peel the rhubarb before cooking with it, but it isn’t required.

Rhubarb is similar to celery in that it has fibrous strings. If those bothers you then you can peel it, but by the time you bake this recipe for rhubarb cake it turns out pretty soft and you don’t notice those fibrous pieces.

ingredients needed to make coffee cake with rhubarb

This is My Favorite Recipe for Rhubarb Coffee Cake

My friends and I enjoyed it during a “Mommy Play Date” (where the moms play instead of the kids). We let the kids out back to run around like crazy kids like to do while we enjoyed the rare experience of adult time.

Coffee cake, a fun card game, other mom friends, and kids peacefully playing outside. What’s not to love?

None of the kids liked the rhubarb cake (um, why?!?! – probably because they didn’t want to stop playing), but we didn’t care. There was more coffee cake for us!

3 reasons why I love this rhubarb coffee cake:

Rhubarb is one of my favorite spring offerings and I don’t bake with it nearly often enough. I love the flavor and the pretty, dark pink color.
I love brunch and this sour cream rhubarb cake goes perfectly on a spring brunch menu. Who doesn’t love an excuse to eat something that’s basically dessert in the morning?
The crumble topping! I’m a huge sucker for anything that has a crumb, crisp, or crumble topping on top. I love the tender, yet crunchy morsels of flour, butter, and sugar.

Tools Needed to Make this Rhubarb Coffee Cake

You’ll need a few different tools to prepare and bake this recipe. Here’s what I recommend having on hand before you begin making this easy coffee cake with rhubarb:

Sharp Knife and Cutting Board – to cut the rhubarb.
Measuring Spoons and Cups – to measure the ingredients for the coffee cake.
Medium Bowls – you’ll need one for the rhubarb mixture and another for the wet ingredients.
Large Mixing Bowl – to combine the dry ingredients.
Whisk – to sift the flour mixture together.
Pastry Cutter – to make the coarse crumbs for the crunchy streusel topping.
Microplane Zester – to grate the lemon zest.
Stand Mixing with Paddle Attachment – to prepare the coffee cake batter in.
Spatula – scrape the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula
8-inch Square Pan – to bake the coffee cake in.
Wire Rack – let the cake cool on a wire rack

rhubarb in a bowl with sugar and lemon zest for a rhubarb cake recipe

Rhubarb Crumb Coffee Cake Ingredients

This Rhubarb Coffee Cake Recipe has three components: the homemade coffee cake itself, the rhubarb layer that runs through the middle of the cake, and the tasty crumb topping. Here’s what you’ll need to make this easy recipe for rhubarb cake:

Ingredients to Make Sour Cream Rhubarb Cake

Sour Cream
Egg
Egg Yolk
Vanilla Extract
Cake Flour
Sugar
Baking Soda
Baking Powder
Salt
Softened Butter

If you don’t have cake flour, check out my How to Make Homemade Cake Flour post for an easy substitute. Need help separating the egg for the egg yolk? I’ve got a How to Separate Eggs tutorial, too.

Ingredients for Rhubarb Filling for Coffee Cake

Rhubarb
Granulated Sugar
Cornstarch
Ground Ginger
Lemon Zest

Ingredients to Make the Crumb Topping

Dark Brown Sugar
Granulated Sugar
Cinnamon
Ground Ginger
Salt
Melted Butter
Cake Flour

For the complete ingredient list and detailed instructions, scroll to the bottom of this post for the FREE printable recipe card.

How to Make Rhubarb Coffee Cake

Don’t let multiple parts to this rhubarb cake with crumble topping fool you into thinking it’s tough to make, because it’s actually quite easy!

Stir together the rhubarb filling for the coffee cake and set aside.
Combine the wet ingredients in a bowl.
Then in the bowl of a stand mixer combine the dry ingredients.
Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix with the stand mixer to make the sour cream coffee cake batter.
Spread half of the coffee cake batter in a parchment lined pan, then top with the rhubarb filling mixture, and then the remaining batter.
Add the crumble topping and bake.

step by step photos showing how to make a rhubarb coffee cake

How to Make the Crumble Topping for this Rhubarb Cake

In another bowl, combine all the ingredients ingredients to make the crumb for the crumble topping and set aside.
Use your fingers to crumble the topping over the top of the sour cream rhubarb cake batter.

The above is simply a quick summary of this recipe. Check out the full recipe in the free printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for all the detailed instructions.

Tips for Making Rhubarb Crumb Cake

It’s important that all of the wet ingredients are room temperature before adding them to the batter. This includes the butter, sour cream, and eggs.
Preheat the oven before beginning the recipe so it is ready to go when you’re done preparing the coffee cake with rhubarb.
Line the pan with parchment paper. This makes it easy to lift the whole rhubarb coffee cake out of the pan after cooling so you can slice it into nice even squares.

step by step photos showing how to make a crumb topping for coffee cake

Rhubarb Coffee Cake FAQs

Got questions about making rhubarb cake? Here are the answers to a few commonly asked questions. Feel free to leave any other questions in the comments on this post and I’ll respond with answers.

Does this Rhubarb Cake Recipe Freeze Well?

Freezing coffee cake is so easy and a great idea! Next time you’re baking this rhubarb crumb cake, bake 2 and freeze 1.

What is the Best Way to Freeze Rhubarb Cake?

Yes, once fully cooled you can either wrap the entire homemade sour cream rhubarb cake in plastic wrap and foil and then freeze.

Or you can slice and freeze portions individually and freeze them in an airtight container or a freezer bag. For the individual slices method, check out my tutorial for freezing muffins because it will be very similar.

However, for a more airtight storage option, you could also use a vacuum sealer. For this method, I recommend first freezing the rhubarb cake on a baking sheet. Remove it from the baking pan, and transfer to the sheet.

This allows the cake to freeze it its shape without it being deformed from the sealing process. Then, transfer the sealed sour cream rhubarb cake to the vacuum sealer bag and seal as instructed by the manufacturer.

woman serving rhubarb coffee cake from the baking pan

Substitutions in this Sour Cream Coffee Cake with Rhubarb

Typically I don’t recommend making a bunch of substitutions when preparing a new recipe. When making substitutes, you won’t know if you don’t like the recipe or if the recipe didn’t turn out due to a preparation mistake, an ill effect from the substitute, or something else.

However, if you do choose to make substitutions in a recipe, I recommend only making one substitute at a time so you don’t have a building effect of multiple poor substitutions.

Can You Make this Sour Cream Rhubarb Cake with Frozen Rhubarb?

Yes! Using frozen rhubarb is a great way to enjoy rhubarb out of season!

When preparing this recipe for rhubarb cake using frozen rhubarb, just make sure to completely thaw the rhubarb before baking.

You don’t want to release extra moisture into the recipe or have it take longer to bake because the frozen rhubarb chills the batter.

What Can I Substitute for Sour Cream?

If you don’t have sour cream, I recommend using plain yogurt or plain greek yogurt for the substitute.

slices of rhubarb coffee cake served on two white plates on a table with flowers

Can I Use a Different Fruit?

This rhubarb coffee cake is a great base recipe. You can change up the spices or add a different fruit to the batter as you see fit.

Cranberries, blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, or diced peaches would all work well.

What Readers are Saying About Rhubarb Coffee Cake:

“I made this coffee cake for a brunch party and it was a runaway hit. No wonder it’s been circulating around the blog! Gorgeous pics.” -Kasey

Try this Rhubarb Coffee Cake at Home!

Next time you’re looking for the perfect recipe for rhubarb season, give this easy rhubarb coffee cake recipe a try!

Did you think it was perfect for a spring or early summer weekend brunch? Leave a comment below and give it a review for others to see what you thought of this great recipe.

On Instagram? Share your photo and tag me with @goodlifeeats and #goodlifeeatsrecipes. I’d love to see your photo of this easy rhubarb cake recipe!

fresh picked Rhubarb stalks with leaves on white towel for use in this rhubarb cake recipe

More Rhubarb Recipes

Looking for a few more recipes to make using rhubarb this spring? Check out some of these favorite recipes, or browse the archives for even more great rhubarb recipe ideas:

Creamy vanilla frozen yogurt is swirled with sweet and tangy balsamic roasted strawberries and rhubarb. This No Churn Vanilla Frozen Yogurt with Balsamic Roasted Strawberry Rhubarb is the perfect springtime dessert!

Sparkling Rhubarb Raspberry Lemonade is a refreshing springtime lemonade made with a flavorful rhubarb-raspberry simple syrup mixed with sparkling water and served over ice.

Panna Cotta is a fabulously simple, yet seemingly fancy, dessert recipe. Essentially, it is just gelled sweetened cream, but it tastes so much more than that. Add this delicious strawberry rhubarb compote on top and you have a beautiful and impressive looking springtime dessert.

Years ago when I grew rhubarb I found that it is one of those “garden takeover” plants, so I loved coming up with a new recipe to use it! This Lemon Curd Tart with Strawberry Rhubarb Compote is the perfect dessert when you need something special, and was great for using up my garden fresh rhubarb.

Don’t see what you’re looking for here? You can always head over to check out the recipe index to look for more recipes.

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What is your favorite way to use rhubarb?

Rhubarb Crumb Coffee Cake

Yield: serves 10

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 55 minutes

Cooling Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes

Ingredients

For the Rhubarb Filling

1/2 pound chopped rhubarb
1/4 cup sugar
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon lemon zest

For the Crumb Topping

1/3 cup dark brown sugar
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup melted butter
1 3/4 cups cake flour

For the Cake

1/3 cup sour cream
1 large egg
1 large egg yolk
2 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup cake flour
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
6 tablespoons softened butter, cut into 8 pieces.

Instructions

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Line an 8-inch-square baking pan with parchment paper. Set aside.

Preparing the Rhubarb Filling

For filling, slice rhubarb 1/2 inch thick and toss with sugar, cornstarch ginger, and lemon zest.. Set aside.

Making the Crumb Topping

To make crumbs, in a large bowl, whisk together sugars, spices, salt and butter until smooth.
Stir in flour with a spatula. It will look like a solid dough. Set aside.

Preparing the Rhubarb Coffee Cake

To prepare the rhubarb coffee cake, combine the sour cream, egg, egg yolk and vanilla in a small bowl.
Measure the flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt into the bowl of a stand mixer. Then, whisk until well sifted.
Add the butter and 1/3 of the sour cream mixture to the dry ingredients.
Using a paddle attachment on the stand mixer, mix on medium speed until the ingredients are combined, then increase the speed and beat for 30 seconds..
Add half of the remaining sour cream mixture, mixing for about 20 seconds after the addition.
Once combined, scrape down the sides with a spatula. Then, add the last of the sour cream mixture.
Mix until well combined, scraping the sides as needed.
In the prepared pan, add half of the coffee cake batter, spreading until even throughout the pan. Then, spread the rhubarb mixture over top.
Using the remaining batter, scatter dollops of the batter over top of the rhubarb.
With your fingers, crumble the crumb topping mixture all over the top of the coffee cake. The pieces should be around 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch in size.

Baking the Rhubarb Coffee Cake

Transfer the pan to the center rack in the preheated oven.
Bake for 45 - 55 minutes, or until a toothpick in the center comes out clean.
Transfer the baked coffee cake to a wire rack and cool completely before serving.

Notes

This recipe for Rhubarb Crumb Coffee Cake is adapted from from The NY Times

Sour Cream Rhubarb Coffee Cake with Crumb Topping (So EASY!)