Big crumb coffee cake

Page: smittenkitchen.com/2008/02/big-crumb-coffee-cake/

| Course Type: Cakes

(3 reviews)

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Recipe Reviews

This recipe tastes pretty good, but it is simply not suitable for high altitude.

First thing to know - making this requires four bowls. One for the rhubarb (swiped from my neighbors yard), one to make the crumb topping, and two to make the cake. I followed the recipe closely, the only variation being that I used firm yogurt instead of sour cream.

Lacking a stand mixer, I made the cake by first cutting in the butter, then using a hand mixer with dough hooks. It worked! Made a firm, but very nice rich dough.

The crumb worked well, too. I was so proud of the large chunks that covered the top.

But as this cake cooked, it rose up along the edge, and totally enveloped the crumbs. The high altitude provides less resistance, and so things can rise too much. I think that is what happened here. The big beautiful crumbs disappeared into the cake batter, and resulted in a cake with a rhubarb stripe down the middle, and a very crunchy top crust. Tasty enough, but not worth the effort involved.

(edited 12th May 2011) (0) comment (2) useful  

This is my favorite thing to do with rhubarb. I adore this cake and am asked for the recipe every time I serve it. I've had friends tell me this cake has haunted their dreams and forced them to visit again with the hopes I would make it again. I love, love this cake and think it makes an over the top breakfast or brunch or a delicious cake I would serve anytime. Totally worth the effort.

(edited 26th April 2011) (0) comment (3) useful  

I quite liked this but it was a lot of work. I think next time I'll make my rhubarb into a normal crumble again.

Both cake batter and crumble turned out a bit to dry to handle well. I could not spread the batter well and the crumble did not form boulders. If I make this again I will add the last quarter cup of flour of both very gradually, if at all.

If you do not have paddle attachments, you might not want to use a mixer for that part of the recipe. Maybe dough hoooks would work, but I don't have those either.

(edited 3rd June 2010) (0) comment (3) useful  

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