by Tiggered
Whenever I come across the first rhubarb of the season, I always buy a bunch. Traditionally, I turn the pink stalks into one of my favourite coffee cakes, following my Mum's hassle-free recipe. The cake is quick, inexpensive, very easy and - do I need to mention? - delicious, especially sprinkled with cinnamon sugar. Every coffee tastes better if accompanied by a slice and even if coffee is not your thing, do give my rhubarb cake a try. It's worth it!
Photos by Tiggered
 This is what you're aiming at :) |
Batter
Long live simplicity! Preparing the batter couldn't be easier - beat eggs and sugar until fluffy. Add the remaining ingredients (except rhubarb).
You can use brown sugar if you wish, it will add caramel note to your cake.
Rhubarb
Peel rhubarb stalks, cut in 1 cm (1/2 inch) chunks. You can toss them with sugar and stand aside for a moment if you wish, but this step isn't necessary. Remember, rhubarb leaves are poisonous!
Pour batter into greased tin, spread rhubarb on top. Sprinkle with sugar and/or cinnamon (according to taste).
Baking
Bake in 160 degrees until golden brown. In my oven it takes around 30 minutes - I always follow my nose!
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Tip #1
Feel free to experiment with the topping. Sugar and cinnamon work fine, by why not invite chopped walnuts or hazelnuts to the party? Or go even further and mix up some streusel topping?
Tip #2
While rhubarb makes this coffee cake wonderfully moist and tangy, it isn't strictly necessary. You can substitute rhubarb with your favourite fruit (plums, strawberries, cherries) and you'll still end up with yummy coffee cake.
Tip #3
You can always spruce your cake up with some raisins, dried fruit or orange peel - just mix them with the batter. Try soaking them in some alcohol or strong tea first.
Tip #4
Consider adding some spices to the cake mix. Cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cardamom are all acceptable.
Tip #5
If you don't have lemon juice, you can substitute it with vinegar or vodka
I like my cake best when it's still warm, simply sliced and washed down with tall latte. Truth to be told, portions can get a little messy when the cake is so fresh, so if you're after the looks, wait until your cake cools. You can always reheat slices in the microwave.
I imagine adding some whipped cream or vanilla ice cream would greatly enhance the experience!
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Comments
I love rhubarb.
Lucky you, I have to buy mine...
Came back to this to have another look as I will have to try it next spring when the rhubarb patch starts to grow again. I love rhubarb cooked and served with yogurt but this will be another way to try it.
Strawberry Rhubarb pie is my favorite. This cake looks very delicious too.
Oh my I love Rhubarb, in fact I grow my own. I never thought of making a cake, I make pies, but this cake sounds wonderful. Sounds really good for breakfast as a coffee cake. Yummmm :)K
Nice to see a recipe for rhubarb it was unfashionable for a while but seems to have become popular again. I enjoy the rhubarb season as I like the taste and it a healthy and versatile ingredient.
Recipes from mom are the bestest! Appreciate the ease of this recipe for something sweet. My taste buds are imagining that the cubed rhubarb scattered on top of the cake offer up a tart bite in a spoonful of sweet cake...oh yeah, just my kinda dessert. Thanks for sharing.