Rhubarb Bread Recipe

If you’ve never experienced the delightful tang paired with sweet comfort that comes from a loaf of Rhubarb Bread, you’re in for a real treat. This charmingly simple quick bread is a perfect balance of bright, tart rhubarb chunks nestled in a moist, tender crumb sweetened with brown sugar and a hint of cinnamon. Whether you’re new to baking with rhubarb or a longtime fan, this recipe promises a cozy, flavorful adventure in every slice that’s just right for breakfast, afternoon tea, or a heartfelt snack.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Rhubarb Bread recipe plays a crucial role in building its unique flavor and texture. From the rich brown sugar that adds depth, to the tart rhubarb providing bursts of freshness, each element contributes to a harmonious loaf that’s both inviting and memorable.

• Brown sugar (1 1/2 cups): Adds a deeper sweetness and moistness to the bread for that perfect tender crumb.
• Vegetable oil (2/3 cup): Keeps the bread incredibly moist and fresh for days without overpowering other flavors.
• Egg (1 large): Binds the ingredients together, ensuring stability in the crumb.
• All-purpose flour (3 cups): The base of the bread providing structure with its gluten content.
• Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the bread rise, creating a light and airy texture.
• Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
• Buttermilk (1 cup): Adds tenderness and a slight tang that complements the rhubarb beautifully.
• Chopped rhubarb (2 cups): The star ingredient, infusing the bread with a pleasantly tart bite and vibrant color.
• Brown sugar (1/4 cup) for topping: Creates a sweet, slightly crunchy crust on top when combined with cinnamon and butter.
• Cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a warm spice note that pairs wonderfully with the rhubarb’s tartness.
• Butter (1 tablespoon, melted): Helps the topping mixture form a golden, flavorful crust.

How to Make Rhubarb Bread

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Mix Wet Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F to ensure it’s at the perfect temperature when your batter is ready. In a large bowl, whisk together brown sugar, vegetable oil, the egg, and vanilla extract. This combination creates the rich, sweet base that will marry beautifully with the tangy rhubarb later.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients well helps the leavening agent distribute evenly, making sure your bread rises uniformly and has a lovely light texture.

Step 3: Marry the Wet and Dry Mixtures

Slowly stir the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, alternating with additions of buttermilk. This careful alternating ensures a smooth batter without overmixing, which would make the bread tough.

Step 4: Fold in the Rhubarb

Gently fold in the chopped rhubarb, distributing the tart pieces evenly throughout the batter. This step is where your Rhubarb Bread truly starts to come alive, promising bursts of bright flavor in every bite.

Step 5: Prepare the Topping

In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. This topping mix will add a delightful sweet-spicy crust on your bread’s surface, adding texture and an extra layer of flavor.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pour your batter into two greased bread pans and sprinkle the topping mixture evenly over both. Bake at 325°F for 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Patience here yields that perfect golden crust and tender crumb.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Once baked, let the Rhubarb Bread cool in the pans for at least 30 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This step helps it set properly so it slices cleanly without crumbling.

How to Serve Rhubarb Bread

Garnishes

While this Rhubarb Bread is wonderful on its own, a light spread of softened butter or a drizzle of honey can elevate its flavors. For a special touch, top slices with a dollop of whipped cream or cream cheese frosting—perfect for a brunch treat.

Side Dishes

Serve Rhubarb Bread alongside a steaming cup of your favorite tea or coffee to complement its tangy sweetness. It also pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit salads or a simple yogurt parfait for a balanced, satisfying breakfast or snack.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting the bread into bite-sized cubes for a brunch bread pudding, or toast slices lightly and serve with a smear of ricotta and honey. For a casual gathering, wrap small slices in parchment with a sprig of fresh herbs for a cute take-home gift or party favor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Rhubarb Bread fresh by storing it in an airtight container at room temperature. It should stay moist and delicious for up to three days—perfect for enjoying throughout the week.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, wrap the cooled loaves tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. Properly stored, Rhubarb Bread freezes well for up to three months and thaws with minimal loss of flavor or texture.

Reheating

To bring your bread back to life, warm slices in a toaster oven or microwave for a few seconds. This quick reheat revives the moist crumb and intensifies the warm, comforting aromas of the rhubarb and cinnamon.

FAQs

Can I use frozen rhubarb instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen rhubarb works fine but be sure to thaw and drain excess moisture before folding it into the batter to avoid a soggy loaf.

Is there a substitute for buttermilk?

Absolutely! You can make a simple buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to a cup of milk, then letting it sit for 5-10 minutes before using.

Can I make this Rhubarb Bread gluten-free?

Definitely. Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, keeping in mind that texture may vary slightly. Adding a teaspoon of xanthan gum might help with structure.

How ripe should the rhubarb be?

Look for firm, brightly colored stalks. Avoid any with mushy spots or discoloration for the best flavor and texture in your bread.

Can I add nuts or other fruits to the recipe?

Yes! Chopped walnuts or pecans add a lovely crunch, and tossing in dried cranberries or chopped apples can bring additional flavor layers to your Rhubarb Bread.

Final Thoughts

There is just something incredibly comforting about a freshly baked slice of Rhubarb Bread, warm from the oven and bursting with that distinctive sweet-tart charm. This recipe is a wonderful way to celebrate seasonal rhubarb or simply to enjoy a sweet and wholesome treat anytime. I truly hope you give it a try and enjoy sharing it with friends and family just as much as I do!

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