This vegan rhubarb streusel cake is a healthier twist on the German classic, made with coconut sugar and a soft spelt base. It's essentially bread and a vegetable and therefore totally acceptable for breakfast.
Place the milk, maple syrup, and coconut oil to a small saucepan and heat on low until the coconut oil is melted and the mixture is just warm to the touch.
Pour this mixture into a large mixing bowl and crumble/sprinkle the yeast over it. Let this sit for 15 minutes, or until it is bubbling or foaming, before adding the remaining ingredients.
Add 150g (1 cup) of flour, along with the vanilla and salt to the mixing bowl and stir to combine. Stir in another 150g (1 cup) of flour, then start adding it in 75g (½ cup) increments, stirring to fully incorporate between each addition.
Once it becomes too difficult to stir, generously flour a large surface (your countertop) and turn the dough out to knead it. Knead for about 10 minutes, adding more flour as necessary, until a smooth, soft dough forms.
Grease a large mixing bowl and place the finished dough in it to rise. Cover the bowl with a tea towel and place it in a warm place, like your oven with the light on, for about an hour, or until the dough has doubled in size.
Preheat your oven to 180C (350F) and line a large baking sheet (or two smaller ones) with parchment paper. Gently punch the dough down.
Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle about 40x30cm (~12x16in.) in size (or two smaller rectangles).
Place the rolled out dough onto the prepared baking sheet(s). Cover this with a tea towel again to rise slightly while you prepare the rhubarb and streusel topping.
Add the rhubarb in an even layer over the cake, then top with the streusel, going right into the corners.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges of the cake are golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool before serving. Serve with coconut whipped cream or yogurt.
Rhubarb Topping
Coarsely chop the rhubarb and place it into a bowl with the lemon juice and maple syrup. Use your hands or a wooden spoon to coat the fruit, then add it to the cake.
Vegan Streusel
Add all of the ingredients to a bowl and use your hands to squeeze the ingredients together until a crumbly mixture forms. Sprinkle over the rhubarb onto the cake in an even or chunky layer.