Cinnamon Rhubarb Bread

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

This Ultimate Cinnamon Rhubarb Bread combines the perfect balance of tart rhubarb and warm cinnamon spice in every bite. The moist, tender crumb comes from buttermilk and oil, while the cinnamon-sugar swirl creates irresistible layers of flavor throughout. Fresh rhubarb adds a delightful tartness that cuts through the sweetness, making this bread perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea, or dessert. The recipe is straightforward enough for beginners yet delivers bakery-quality results that will impress family and friends. Plus, the addition of optional nuts provides a wonderful textural contrast that takes this bread to the next level.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Bread:

1 1/2 cups brown sugar

2/3 cup vegetable oil
1 large egg
1 cup buttermilk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups chopped fresh rhubarb
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for coating rhubarb)

1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:

1/2 cup sugar

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon butter, melted

How to Make Ultimate Cinnamon Rhubarb Bread:

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray, then lightly flour it to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Rhubarb Wash and chop the fresh rhubarb into 1/2-inch pieces. Toss the chopped rhubarb with 1 tablespoon of flour in a small bowl. This coating helps prevent the rhubarb from sinking to the bottom of the bread during baking.

Step 3: Make the Cinnamon Sugar Topping In a small bowl, combine the 1/2 cup sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter. Mix well and set aside.

Step 4: Mix the Wet Ingredients In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the brown sugar and vegetable oil until well combined. Add the egg, buttermilk, and vanilla extract, whisking until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.

Step 5: Combine the Dry Ingredients In a separate bowl, whisk together the 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Do not overmix, as this can result in a tough bread.

Step 7: Fold in Rhubarb and Nuts Gently fold the flour-coated rhubarb and optional nuts into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout.

Step 8: Assemble and Bake Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the batter. Add the remaining batter and top with the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture. Gently swirl with a knife to create a marbled effect.

Step 9: Bake Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. The top should be golden brown and spring back lightly when touched.

Step 10: Cool Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before turning out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Helpful Tips:

Fresh vs. Frozen Rhubarb: Use fresh rhubarb for the best texture and flavor. If using frozen rhubarb, do not thaw it first, and add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing develops the gluten and creates a dense, tough bread.
Check for Doneness: Since rhubarb releases moisture during baking, use the toothpick test and look for a golden-brown top that springs back when lightly touched.

Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your egg and buttermilk are at room temperature for better mixing and a more tender crumb.
Coating the Rhubarb: The flour coating on the rhubarb helps prevent it from sinking and creates better distribution throughout the bread.

Details:

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60-70 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 10-12 slices
Difficulty: Easy
Category: Quick Bread, Dessert, Breakfast

Notes:

This Ultimate Cinnamon Rhubarb Bread freezes beautifully for up to 3 months when wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored in a freezer bag.
The bread tastes even better the next day as the flavors have time to meld together.
For a dairy-free version, substitute the buttermilk with non-dairy milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar.

The cinnamon swirl creates a beautiful marbled effect, but be careful not to over-swirl, which can muddy the appearance.
If your rhubarb is particularly tart, you can add an extra 1/4 cup of brown sugar to balance the flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Can I use frozen rhubarb instead of fresh? A: Yes, but don’t thaw it first. Add the frozen rhubarb directly to the batter and increase baking time by 5-10 minutes.

Q: Why is my bread dense? A: Overmixing the batter is the most common cause of dense quick bread. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.

Q: Can I make this bread gluten-free? A: Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture may be slightly different but still delicious.

Q: How do I know when the bread is done? A: Insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out with just a few moist crumbs, not wet batter. The top should be golden brown and spring back when lightly touched.

Q: Can I add other fruits to this recipe? A: Yes, you can substitute or add other fruits like diced apples, strawberries, or cranberries in equal amounts to the rhubarb.

Storage Instructions:

Store your Ultimate Cinnamon Rhubarb Bread at room temperature for up to 3 days, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy frozen bread, thaw at room temperature for several hours or overnight. For best results, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap before freezing for easy single-serving portions.

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Conclusion:

This Ultimate Cinnamon Rhubarb Bread is the perfect way to showcase fresh rhubarb’s unique tart flavor while creating a moist, flavorful quick bread that everyone will love. The combination of warm cinnamon, tender rhubarb, and the optional crunch of nuts creates a complex flavor profile that’s both comforting and sophisticated. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast with your morning coffee, packing it for an afternoon snack, or presenting it as a dessert, this bread delivers exceptional results every time. The recipe is forgiving for beginners yet produces bakery-quality results that will have friends and family asking for the recipe. Give this Ultimate Cinnamon Rhubarb Bread a try, and it’s sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.