Strawberry Rhubarb Coffee Cake Recipe with Streusel Topping

A slice of Strawberry Rhubarb Coffee Cake dusted with powdered sugar on a stack of dark blue and white polkadotted plates surrounded by whole strawberries with a fork inserted vertically into a corner of the slice of cake. In the lefthand bottom corner is a fork, and faded in the background is a 9x13 baking dish of Strawberry Rhubarb Coffee Cake.Strawberry Rhubarb Coffee Cake Recipe

Strawberry and rhubarb are a classic spring pairing, and this Strawberry Rhubarb Coffee Cake highlights their sweet-tart balance in a moist, tender cake with a delightful crumb layer. As it bakes, the crumb topping settles into the batter to form a textured surprise layer that keeps its flavor. If you enjoy variations, consider trying a strawberry-rhubarb bundt cake for another take on this seasonal favorite.

A square slice of strawberry rhubarb coffee cake sitting on a dark blue white polka-dotted dessert plate dusted with powdered sugar and a couple of whole strawberries. A corner of the cake is held up with a fork from the right. Faded in the background are whole strawberries around the corner of a 9x13 dish of Strawberry Rhubarb Coffee Cake.If you prefer the crumble to remain a distinct topping rather than sinking into the cake, bake the batter for 15–20 minutes first, then add the crumb topping and finish baking. That technique preserves a crisp streusel layer on top.

A square piece of strawberry rhubarb cake dusted with powdered sugar on a small dark blue white polka-dotted plate dusted with powdered sugar with two strawberries on the right of the piece of cake and one on the left. A few strawberries are surrounding the top of the plate. The corner of a 9x13 baking dish of a sliced strawberry rhubarb cake is in the upper left middle.

I served this cake to my family and went for a short walk with my mom. I was already dreaming of another slice, but when we returned the pan was empty—everyone loved it. It’s an easy, crave-worthy dessert that will disappear quickly, so plan accordingly if you want leftovers.

More Delicious Spring & Summer Desserts

  • Easy Puff Pastry Berry Galette
  • Fresh Raspberry Almond Cake
  • Magnolia Bakery Blueberry Jamboree
  • Raspberry Cheesecake Brownies
  • Strawberry Nutella Puff Pastry Dessert
  • Blueberry Muffin Cookies with Streusel and Lemon Glaze

Step-by-Step Photos for How to Make Strawberry Rhubarb Coffee Cake

17-photo picture collage of step-by-step photos of how to make Strawberry Rhubarb Coffee Cake.

A small stack of dark blue, white polka-dotted small plates with the top plate having dusting of powdered sugar and a slice of strawberry rhubarb coffee cake with two strawberries on the right of the cake and one strawberry on the left of the cake. Faded in the background is a 9x13 baking dish of Strawberry Rhubarb Coffee Cake.Tips for Making Strawberry Rhubarb Coffee Cake

  • Fresh strawberries and rhubarb give the best texture and flavor. If you use frozen fruit, measure 2 cups each, thaw, and drain off excess juice before adding.
  • To keep the crumble as a crisp topping, partially bake the cake for 15–20 minutes, then add the crumble and finish baking.
  • Once cooled, dust the cake lightly with powdered sugar before serving for an attractive finish.

Two-photo Pinterest picture of Strawberry Rhubarb Coffee Cake with the text of the title in the middle, separating the two photos. Baker’s Tools for Strawberry Rhubarb Coffee Cake:

  • Mixing bowls
  • 9×13 baking dish
  • Cooking spray
  • Strawberry huller or small paring knife
  • Pastry cutter or fork for making the crumble
  • Cake serving set (optional)

Pinterest picture of Strawberry Rhubarb Coffee Cake with the text of the ingredients at the bottom and the text of the title above the ingredients list.

Strawberry Rhubarb Coffee Cake
Recipe Type: Dessert/Cake/Spring/Summer
Author: Maria
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 20
This coffee cake combines sweet strawberries and tart rhubarb with a buttery crumb that settles into the batter, creating a textured layer that complements the moist cake.
Ingredients
  • For the Cake:
  • 4 eggs
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup canola oil
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 4 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 1/2 cups diced fresh rhubarb (or 2 cups frozen, thawed and drained)
  • 1 1/2 cups diced fresh strawberries (or 2 cups frozen, thawed and drained)
  • For the Topping:
  • 1 cup light brown sugar
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup butter, sliced
  • Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Spray a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs until blended and slightly pale.
  4. Add the granulated sugar, canola oil, and vanilla; mix until combined.
  5. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  6. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
  7. Fold in the diced rhubarb and strawberries gently.
  8. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared 9×13 dish.
  9. In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour for the topping.
  10. Cut in the sliced butter with a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture is crumbly but holds together when pressed.
  11. If you want the crumble to remain distinct, bake the batter for 15–20 minutes first, then sprinkle on the topping; otherwise, sprinkle the crumble on before baking.
  12. Bake 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  13. Allow the cake to cool completely, then dust with powdered sugar before serving.
  14. Slice and enjoy.
3.5.3251

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Pinterest photo of Strawberry Rhubarb Coffee Cake with the text of the title at the top.

Other Strawberry Rhubarb Coffee Cakes
  • Strawberry Rhubarb Coffee Cake Recipe (other versions available)
  • Easy and Delicious Strawberry Rhubarb Coffee Cake (inspired variations)
  • Strawberry Rhubarb Coffee Cake (classic versions)