For the fruit filling:
3 c. fresh or frozen rhubarb (1 inch pieces)
3 cups fresh strawberries, mashed
2 tbsp. lemon juice
1 c. sugar
1/3 c. cornstarch
For the cake:
3 c. flour
1 c. sugar
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 c. butter, cut into pieces and slightly softened
1 1/2 c. buttermilk
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla extract
For the crumb topping:
1/4 c. butter
3/4 c. flour
3/4 c. sugar
In large saucepan, combine rhubarb, strawberries and lemon juice. Cover and cook over medium heat about 5 minutes. Combine sugar and cornstarch; stir into saucepan. Bring to a boil; stirring constantly until thickened; remove from heat and set aside. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Beat buttermilk, eggs and vanilla; stir into crumb mixture. Spread half of the batter evenly in a greased 9 x 13 inch pan.Carefully spread filling on top. Drop remaining batter by tablespoons over filling. For topping, melt butter in a saucepan over low heat. Remove from heat, stir in flour and sugar until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle over batter. Lay foil on lower rack to catch any juicy fruit spillovers. Place coffee cake on middle rack; bake at 350 degrees for 40-45 minutes. Cool in pan. Cut in squares. Serves 16-20.
When I make it, I tend to leave off the crumb topping and drizzle it with a bit of powdered sugar and lemon juice glaze. I have also made it with a mixture of equal parts strawberries, chopped fresh pineapple and diced rhubarb. It is a heavenly mixture! Enjoy!
