Ah, it’s that magical time of the year when spring brings vibrant greens and pinks from fresh produce, and my favorite among them has to be rhubarb! There’s something just so delightful about its tangy taste, and it always brings back memories of my grandma’s kitchen where she’d whip up rhubarb pies that seemed to have a touch of magic. Today, I’m sharing a gem of a recipe that combines the tartness of fresh rhubarb with a crumbly, buttery streusel topping. It’s my Fresh Rhubarb Streusel Coffee Cake with Yogurt, and let me tell you – it’s a hug in cake form!
I love this recipe not just for its scrumptious taste but also because it’s super versatile. It’s perfect for breakfast alongside a steaming cup of coffee, for an afternoon pick-me-up, or even as a light dessert. Plus, using yogurt makes it wonderfully moist without being too heavy. Now, let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into the details of this beautiful cake!
What’s in Fresh Rhubarb Streusel Coffee Cake With Yogurt?
Let’s break down the ingredients that make this coffee cake sing!
Fresh Rhubarb: This is the star of our show! The diced rhubarb adds a lovely tartness that balances out the sweetness of the cake. Don’t skimp on the freshness—if you can find rhubarb from a local farmer’s market, it’s a game-changer!
Granulated Sugar: A bit of sugar sweetens up the cake and helps create that perfect crumb. I recommend using granulated sugar for the batter and a mixture of granulated and brown sugar for the streusel.
Plain Yogurt: This ingredient keeps the cake moist and adds a delightful tang. Greek yogurt works wonders, but regular yogurt will do just fine too.
Unsalted Butter: Always a winner for rich flavor and providing that heavenly crumb texture. Remember to let it soften up for easy mixing!
Eggs: These beauties act as a binding agent, giving your cake structure while helping it rise beautifully.
Vanilla Extract: This is a must-have for that warm, inviting aroma. It makes everything better, don’t you agree?
Baking Powder and Baking Soda: Together, these leavening agents give the cake that lovely rise you’ll adore.
Salt: Just a pinch helps enhance all those flavors coming together.
All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of the cake! It gives structure and a satisfying texture, making each bite oh-so-good.
Brown Sugar: The secret to a perfect streusel – it adds a deeper molasses flavor that contrasts beautifully with the cake.
Cinnamon: A sprinkle of cinnamon in the streusel topping ties everything together, giving it that comforting warmth.
Is Fresh Rhubarb Streusel Coffee Cake With Yogurt Good for You?
You bet it is! While we all love a sweet treat now and then, this coffee cake has some pretty decent health benefits as well.
Fresh Rhubarb: Not only does rhubarb pack that tart punch, but it’s also low in calories, high in fiber, and rich in vitamin K. It’s basically a superfood in disguise!
Yogurt: When you choose Greek yogurt, you’re giving your body a protein boost along with probiotics that’ll help your gut. What’s not to love?
However, keep in mind that it does have sugar, so moderation is key if you’re watching those sweet indulgences. But hey, life’s all about balance, right?
What You’ll Need to Make This Cake (Serves 8-10)
– 2 cups fresh rhubarb, diced
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup plain yogurt (Greek or regular)
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– **Streusel Topping:**
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
– 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
How to Make Fresh Rhubarb Streusel Coffee Cake With Yogurt?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal later on.
2. In a medium bowl, mix the diced rhubarb with 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. Let it sit for about 15 minutes to macerate. This draws out the juices and enhances the rhubarb flavor while keeping it tender.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and the remaining 3/4 cup of granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for that lovely cake texture!
4. Crack the eggs in one at a time, giving it a good mix after each addition. Stir in the yogurt and vanilla extract until all is well combined.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake, so just fold gently!
6. Carefully fold in the macerated rhubarb, ensuring it’s evenly distributed throughout the batter.
7. Pour that luscious batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth it out to create an even layer.
8. Time for the streusel! In a bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Pour in the melted butter and mix until crumbly.
9. Sprinkle the streusel mixture evenly over the cake batter—because who doesn’t love a little crunch on top?
10. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Serve your coffee cake warm or at room temperature. Grab a cup of coffee or tea, and enjoy every delicious bite!
A Slice of Wisdom
As you can see, making this cake is a breeze! Plus, you can easily swap out the rhubarb for other fruits like strawberries or blueberries if you’re feeling adventurous. I like to serve this coffee cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for an extra treat.
So, what are you waiting for? Gather the ingredients and whip up this delightful Fresh Rhubarb Streusel Coffee Cake with Yogurt. Trust me, once you get a whiff of it baking in the oven, you’ll be taken back to grandma’s kitchen, and the scrumptious flavors will make your heart sing. I can’t wait to hear how your version turns out! Enjoy!
