Why Cinnamon Rhubarb Bread Is Irresistible
If you’ve ever savored the delightful dance between sweet and tart flavors in a baked treat, then this Cinnamon Rhubarb Bread is your next must-try. Combining the warm, comforting notes of cinnamon with the bright, tangy punch of rhubarb, this bread is moist, flavorful, and utterly irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a cozy morning or an afternoon snack, this recipe offers a perfect balance of spice and fruity freshness that will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Balanced Flavors: The tartness of rhubarb perfectly complements the warm spice of cinnamon, creating an unforgettable taste experience.
- Moist Texture: Thanks to simple ingredients and smart mixing, this bread stays moist and tender with every bite.
- Easy to Make: This recipe uses accessible ingredients and straightforward steps, perfect even for beginner bakers.
- Versatile Snack: Enjoy it fresh, toasted, or even with your favorite spreads for breakfast or dessert.
- Seasonal Delight: Rhubarb’s short season makes this bread a special treat worth savoring when fresh rhubarb is available.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient plays a key role in building the flavor, texture, and color of your Cinnamon Rhubarb Bread. These simple essentials come together to create a harmonious blend that’s both spicy and tart, moist and fragrant.
- Fresh Rhubarb: Chopped rhubarb adds that signature tartness and vibrant color to the bread.
- Ground Cinnamon: This warm spice infuses the bread with cozy, aromatic depth.
- All-Purpose Flour: The bread’s structure comes from this versatile flour source.
- Sugar: Balances the sharpness of rhubarb and adds sweetness for the perfect bite.
- Baking Powder and Soda: These leavening agents help the bread rise fluffy and tender.
- Eggs: Bind ingredients together and contribute to a rich texture.
- Butter or Oil: Adds moisture and richness, ensuring a soft crumb.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the sweetness and complexity without overpowering the natural flavors.
- Salt: Amplifies all other flavors in this delicious bread.
Variations for Cinnamon Rhubarb Bread
Feel free to make this Cinnamon Rhubarb Bread uniquely yours by experimenting with substitutions and add-ins. It’s a flexible recipe that adapts well to different diets and tastes.
- Gluten-Free Version: Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Added Nuts: Try tossing in chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch.
- Sweetened with Honey: Replace some or all sugar with honey for a natural sweetness and subtle floral notes.
- Spice It Up: Mix in ground nutmeg or ginger along with cinnamon for a more layered spice profile.
- Vegan Modification: Use flax eggs and plant-based oil to make this bread vegan-friendly without sacrificing moisture.
How to Make Cinnamon Rhubarb Bread
Step 1: Prepare Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a loaf pan. Chop fresh rhubarb into small pieces and set aside. Measure out all dry and wet ingredients for smooth mixing.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt to ensure they are evenly distributed.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, beat the eggs, then add melted butter and vanilla extract, whisking until well combined and smooth.
Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Mixtures Together
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir gently just until combined—avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
Step 5: Fold in Rhubarb
Carefully fold the chopped rhubarb into the batter to distribute the tart pieces evenly throughout the bread.
Step 6: Bake
Transfer batter to the prepared loaf pan and bake for about 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring the perfect slice every time.
Pro Tips for Making Cinnamon Rhubarb Bread
- Use Fresh Rhubarb: Fresh rhubarb gives the best tart flavor and texture compared to frozen.
- Don’t Overmix: Stir ingredients just enough to combine to avoid dense bread.
- Check Doneness Early: Since oven temperatures vary, start checking your bread at 50 minutes.
- Let It Cool Completely: Cutting the bread too soon can cause it to crumble.
- Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to tweak sugar levels based on how tart your rhubarb is.
How to Serve Cinnamon Rhubarb Bread
Garnishes
Top slices with a dusting of powdered sugar or a light spread of cream cheese to enhance the bread’s rich texture and flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair this bread with a cup of hot tea, coffee, or even a dollop of vanilla yogurt to complement its spicy, tart profile perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve slices with a drizzle of honey or warmed butter for added indulgence, or even use as a base for a unique breakfast French toast with a rhubarb compote.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to keep it fresh and moist.
Freezing
This bread freezes beautifully: slice it, wrap each piece in plastic wrap then foil, and freeze for up to three months for quick, ready-to-eat treats.
Reheating
Reheat slices in a toaster oven or microwave briefly to restore its fresh-baked warmth and revitalize its soft texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen rhubarb instead of fresh?
Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain the frozen rhubarb well before adding it to prevent excess moisture in your bread batter.
Is Cinnamon Rhubarb Bread gluten-free?
The basic recipe uses all-purpose flour, but you can substitute with gluten-free flour blends to make it gluten-free without compromising much on texture.
How long does Cinnamon Rhubarb Bread stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, the bread stays fresh for about three to four days, perfect for several days of snacking.
Can I make this bread dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap butter with a plant-based oil or vegan butter for a dairy-free version that maintains moisture and flavor.
What’s the best way to slice the bread?
Use a serrated knife and make gentle, even sawing motions to cut clean slices without squishing the soft crumb.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the way Cinnamon Rhubarb Bread combines warm spice with bright tartness in a moist, delicious loaf. Easy to bake and even easier to enjoy, this bread makes for a perfect homemade treat that brightens any time of day. I encourage you to try it soon—you may just find that this delightful recipe becomes a beloved staple in your kitchen too.
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Cinnamon Rhubarb Bread
- Total Time: 1 hour 10-15 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (10-12 servings) 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free flour)
Description
Cinnamon Rhubarb Bread is a moist and flavorful loaf that blends the warm, comforting taste of cinnamon with the bright, tart punch of fresh rhubarb. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, this easy-to-make bread offers a balanced sweetness and spice that delights the palate with every bite. Ideal for baking enthusiasts seeking a unique and seasonal treat.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free version)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (or substitute with honey)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs (or 2 flax eggs for vegan version)
- 1/2 cup melted butter or oil (plant-based oil for dairy-free/vegan)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Main Add-ins
- 1 1/2 cups fresh rhubarb, chopped into small pieces
Optional Variations
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (for added crunch)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg or ginger (for extra spice)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan. Chop fresh rhubarb into small pieces and measure out all dry and wet ingredients for easy mixing.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt until evenly combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat the eggs. Add melted butter (or oil) and vanilla extract, whisking until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Bring Wet and Dry Mixtures Together: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently just until combined, taking care not to overmix to keep the bread tender.
- Fold in Rhubarb: Carefully fold the chopped rhubarb into the batter to distribute it evenly throughout.
- Add Optional Ingredients: If desired, fold in chopped nuts and/or additional spices like nutmeg or ginger at this stage.
- Bake: Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve as desired.
Notes
- Use fresh rhubarb for best tart flavor and texture; thaw and drain frozen rhubarb well if using frozen.
- Do not overmix the batter to prevent dense bread.
- Check doneness starting at 50 minutes as oven temperatures can vary.
- Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing to avoid crumbling.
- Adjust sugar according to the tartness of your rhubarb.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/12 of loaf)
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Cinnamon, Rhubarb, Bread, Baked Treat, Spiced Bread, Gluten-Free Option, Vegan Option, Seasonal, Snack, Breakfast, Dessert