Rhubarb Bread Recipes: A Tangy Twist on a Classic Treat
Rhubarb, with its unique tartness, adds a delightful complexity to the humble bread recipe. This isn't your grandma's boring bread; it's a vibrant, flavorful upgrade perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful afternoon treat. Whether you prefer a simple loaf or something more elaborate, we've got you covered with several rhubarb bread recipes to tantalize your taste buds.
Classic Rhubarb Bread Recipe
This recipe delivers the perfect balance of sweet and tart, showcasing the best of rhubarb's flavor profile.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 cups chopped rhubarb
Instructions:
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
- Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Rhubarb Addition: Gently fold in the chopped rhubarb.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool & Enjoy: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Rhubarb and Oat Bread: A Hearty Delight
For a heartier, more textured bread, consider adding oats! This recipe adds a satisfying chewiness to the already delicious rhubarb bread.
Key Differences from the Classic Recipe:
- Add 1 cup of rolled oats to the dry ingredients.
- Reduce the amount of all-purpose flour to 1 ½ cups to account for the added oats.
- Consider adding ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and flavor.
Tips for Rhubarb Bread Success:
- Fresh is Best: Use fresh rhubarb for the best flavor and texture. Frozen rhubarb can be used but may result in a slightly wetter loaf. Make sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly before using.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the batter can result in a tough bread. Mix until the ingredients are just combined.
- Check for Doneness: Use a wooden skewer or toothpick to check if the bread is baked through. If it comes out clean, it's ready.
- Storage: Store leftover rhubarb bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Variations and Enhancements:
- Lemon Zest: Add the zest of one lemon for a bright, citrusy flavor.
- Spices: Experiment with different spices like ginger, nutmeg, or cardamom.
- Glaze: A simple glaze made with powdered sugar and a little milk or lemon juice can add a beautiful finishing touch.
Rhubarb bread is a wonderfully versatile treat. With these recipes and tips, you're well on your way to baking delicious and memorable loaves. Experiment, have fun, and enjoy the sweet and tangy rewards!
