Perfectly moist, flavorful Rhubarb Bread! This bread is packed with fresh rhubarb and sweetened with a delicious combination of brown sugar, vanilla, and a hint of cinnamon. Oven ready in just 10 minutes… and best of all, it makes two loaves!
Growing up, we always had a big rhubarb plant in the backyard. And my mom would make rhubarb desserts galore… all summer long! So as an adult, when I moved into my second house and discovered a rhubarb plant right up by the front door, I knew it was meant to be.
But those were the days of babies and toddlers and way too much to do. And I regret to say I almost never took advantage of it, aside from a few occasional recipes like Strawberry Rhubarb Simple Syrup and Strawberry Rhubarb Soup.
I did, however, have the foresight to move the plant to my new house… and this spring I’ve decided it’s time to make all things rhubarb. Starting with my delicious Rhubarb Crisp and moving right along to this perfect Rhubarb Bread.
I say perfect, because it really is the perfect loaf of bread. The brown sugar has a deep caramel like flavor that balances out the tartness of the rhubarb without being overly sweet… and the simple cinnamon topping adds just the right amount of extra flavor.
what you’ll need for this recipe
Brown sugar, vanilla & egg – Brown sugar, vanilla extract, and one egg combine to form the “wet ingredients.” Although 1 1/2 cups of brown sugar may seem like a lot, remember that this is for two loaves of bread !
Flour, baking soda & salt – All purpose flour, baking soda and salt are the “dry ingredients” in this recipe.
Buttermilk – Buttermilk is used because of its acidity. It reacts with the baking soda, helping the bread to rise more than it would with regular milk. *Pro tip: make your own buttermilk by adding 1 Tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar for every 1 cup of milk.
Rhubarb – 2 cups of fresh rhubarb gives this bread plenty of fresh rhubarb flavor.
Cinnamon sugar topping – A simple brown sugar + cinnamon topping adds the perfect finishing touch!
how to make rhubarb bread
Combine the wet ingredients. In a large bowl, combine the brown sugar, oil, egg, and vanilla. Mix well.
Combine the dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, salt, and baking soda. Mix well.
Mix them together & add rhubarb. Stir flour mixture into sugar mixture, alternately adding in the buttermilk until all ingredients are fully combined. Fold in the rhubarb.
Top with cinnamon sugar topping. Pour batter into two greased bread pans. In a small bowl, combine the ingredients for the cinnamon sugar topping. Sprinkle lightly over the batter in the pans.
Bake. Bake at 325° for about 60 minutes.
where to find rhubarb
If you don’t have a rhubarb plant in your garden, no worries! You can also find fresh rhubarb at farmers’ markets, roadside stands, and certain grocery stores like Whole Foods, Fresh Thyme, or even some larger grocers. Peak season is spring, but it’s often available through summer.
Recipe Variations
- Make it gluten free by using a 1:1 gluten free flour
- Substitute granulated sugar for brown sugar
- Add chopped walnuts or pecans
- Add extra rhubarb for even more fruit flavor
- Use a combination of rhubarb and other fruits, such as strawberries or blueberries
- Use additional spices in the topping, such as nutmeg or cardamom
- Add a drizzle of powdered sugar icing on top
More Delicious Quick Bread Recipes
Rhubarb Bread
Ingredients
Bread
- 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
- 2/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- 3 cups all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 cups chopped rhubarb
Topping
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 Tablespoon butter melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325° F.
- In a large bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups brown sugar, 2/3 cup vegetable oil, 1 egg, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix well.
- In a separate bowl, combine 3 cups all purpose flour, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon baking soda. Mix well.
- Stir flour mixture into sugar mixture, alternately adding in 1 cup buttermilk, until all ingredients are fully combined.
- Fold in 2 cups chopped rhubarb.
- Pour batter into two greased bread pans.
- In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon and 1 Tablespoon melted butter. Sprinkle lightly over the batter in the pans.
- Bake at 325° for 60 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
- Let cool in pans at least 30 minutes before removing, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Recipe Variations
-
- Make it gluten free by using a 1:1 gluten free flour
-
- Substitute granulated sugar for brown sugar
-
- Add chopped walnuts or pecans
-
- Add extra rhubarb for even more fruit flavor
-
- Use a combination of rhubarb and other fruits, such as strawberries or blueberries
-
- Use additional spices in the topping, such as nutmeg or cardamom
-
- Add a drizzle of powdered sugar icing on top
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