Strawberry Rhubarb Coffee Cake (Gluten Free)

The Little French Bakery has been known for its delectable bakery items, but when faced with requests for gluten-free alternatives, the baker initially hesitated. Trained in the art of using white sugar and all-purpose flour, the thought of creating gluten-free treats seemed challenging. However, driven by the desire to expand choices for friends and family members, the baker embarked on a search for exceptional gluten-free products. Among the discoveries was Cup4Cup, a favorite substitution that seamlessly replaces all-purpose wheat flour in bakery items. Now, the bakery proudly presents an irresistible gluten-free treat – an 8-inch coffee cake bursting with fresh rhubarb, strawberries, and a delightful crumbly topping.

INGREDIENTS:

For the Topping:

• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, or heart-healthy butter-like stick
• 1 cup all-purpose gluten-free flour (Bob’s Red Mill and Cup4Cup are great options)
• ½ teaspoon xanthan gum (if not using a baking mix)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ⅓ cup packed light brown sugar
• ⅛ teaspoon salt

For the Batter:

• 3–4 stalks fresh rhubarb, cut into tiny ¼-inch pieces
• 1–2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced (you can also substitute other fruits)
• 1¼ cup all-purpose gluten-free flour
• ½ teaspoon xanthan gum (reduce to ¼ teaspoon if using Cup4Cup)
• ¾ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons butter, room temperature
• 4 tablespoons shortening
• 6 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
• 3 large eggs, or equivalent of egg substitute
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. Grease and flour an 8-inch cake pan (round or square). Line the bottom with parchment paper.
3. Combine the topping ingredients and blend with a fork until just combined. Place in the refrigerator until needed.
4. For the cake batter, in a small bowl, combine the fruits with the brown sugar and ¼ cup flour, stir, and set aside.
5. In another bowl, mix the remaining flour, xanthan gum, baking powder, soda, salt, and ¾ cup granulated sugar. By hand or with a mixer (paddle attachment for Kitchen Aid), add the butter, shortening, and yogurt, and mix. Add the eggs one at a time and mix after each addition. Add vanilla, then fold in the fruit. The batter will be thick. Mix just until combined.
6. Scrape the batter into the pan, smooth, and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After the cake has been baking for about 20 minutes, remove the topping from the refrigerator and toss/fluff with a fork to create the crumbles.
7. Remove the cake from the oven, sprinkle on the topping, and return it to the oven for another 20 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean or with just a few crumbs.
8. Remove from the oven and cool completely. Carefully turn the cake out of the pan, remove the parchment, and return it to a plate or pedestal. Slice into squares or wedges and enjoy the delightful gluten-free coffee cake!

TIPS:

• Ensure your cake pan is properly greased and floured, with parchment paper lining the bottom to prevent sticking.
• If using xanthan gum, it helps bind the gluten-free flour, giving the cake a better texture and structure.
• Feel free to customize the fruits in the cake with your favorites. While rhubarb and strawberries are suggested, other fruits like blueberries or raspberries would also work wonderfully.
• For convenience, you can use a baking mix that already includes xanthan gum, such as Cup4Cup, which reduces the need for additional xanthan gum in the recipe.
• Be cautious not to overmix the batter once the fruit is added to avoid toughening the cake.
• Once the cake is assembled with the topping, it’s crucial to keep an eye on it during the final baking period to avoid overcooking and ensure a moist and tender cake.

With this detailed introduction and helpful tips, you can confidently create a scrumptious gluten-free coffee cake that rivals the best traditional bakery items. The combination of fresh fruits and crumbly topping ensures a delightful treat for anyone, gluten-sensitive or not. Enjoy this Little French Bakery’s gluten-free masterpiece with friends, family, or even as a sweet indulgence for yourself!