Description
This Strawberry Rhubarb Coffee Cake combines tart rhubarb and sweet strawberries in a tender, moist cake with a cinnamon-sugar swirl and optional powdered sugar glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful afternoon treat, this recipe balances creamy Greek yogurt with fluffy butter and sugar for a flavorful and textured cake that bakes up golden and inviting.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (can also use sour cream)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 (14.6 oz) can Oregon Rhubarb, drained
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
For the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
For the Glaze (Optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon milk
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray an 8-inch or 9-inch springform pan with cooking spray, line the bottom with parchment paper, and lightly spray again to prevent sticking. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the room temperature butter and 1 cup granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for your cake batter.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed butter and sugar, mixing well after each addition for proper incorporation. Stir in the vanilla extract followed by the Greek yogurt until combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients and gently mix until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Make Cinnamon Sugar Mix: In another small bowl, mix the 1/2 cup granulated sugar with 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, preparing the flavorful swirl topping.
- Layer Batter and Fruit: Spread half of the cake batter evenly into the prepared pan. Distribute about two-thirds of the drained rhubarb and chopped strawberries over the batter. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture on top, and swirl gently with a knife if desired.
- Add Remaining Batter and Fruit: Pour the remaining batter over the fruit layer and spread evenly. Top with the rest of the rhubarb and strawberries, sprinkle over the remaining cinnamon sugar, and swirl again with a knife if you like.
- Bake: Bake the cake for 45 to 50 minutes if using a 9-inch pan, or 50 to 65 minutes for an 8-inch pan, until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Begin checking for doneness after about 30-35 minutes.
- Cool and Remove from Pan: Place the pan on a wire rack to cool slightly. Run a knife around the edges to loosen, then carefully remove the cake from the springform pan and allow it to cool completely on the rack.
- Prepare and Drizzle Glaze (Optional): In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar with 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon of milk until smooth and drizzleable. Drizzle the glaze evenly over the cooled cake before serving for added sweetness and presentation.
Notes
- Fresh strawberries provide a juicy sweetness that balances the tart rhubarb; substitute frozen if fresh are unavailable but thaw and drain excess liquid first.
- Do not overmix the batter once the flour is added to keep the cake tender and moist.
- The glaze is optional but adds a lovely finishing touch and sweetness.
- The springform pan size impacts baking time; adjust accordingly and check with a toothpick for doneness.
- Storing leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated up to 4 days maintains freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American