Cinnamon Swirl Rhubarb Bread: The Sweetest Companion for Your Coffee Breaks

Name: Cinnamon Swirl Rhubarb Bread
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 75 min
Ingredients: 1 cup chopped rhubarb (fresh or frozen) (Use fresh if available; if not, thaw frozen and drain excess liquid.); 1 cup sugar (Plus a bit for sprinkling on top.); ½ cup butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 1 cup milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon cinnamon; 2 tablespoons sugar

If you’re like most of us, life gets busy—sometimes chaotic—and you find yourself longing for a slice of something special to pair with your afternoon coffee. Enter Cinnamon Swirl Rhubarb Bread! This delightfully moist and fragrant bread is a perfect treat to make those hectic days a bit sweeter. Plus, let’s be honest, the combination of cinnamon and rhubarb? Pure magic. So, roll up your sleeves, and let’s dive into this recipe that will soon become a cherished favorite in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Swirl Rhubarb Bread

This bread has an irresistible quality. First, the tart rhubarb pairs beautifully with warm spices, offering a flavor that dances on your palate. Second, the cinnamon swirl adds an enchanting touch, making every bite feel like a hug in cake form. And the best part? It’s so easy to whip up, even on the busiest of mornings when you wish you had just a few extra hours!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we roll up our sleeves, let’s take a moment to check our ingredients. You probably already have some of these staples in your pantry!

For the bread:

1 cup of chopped rhubarb (fresh or frozen)
1 cup of sugar (plus a bit for sprinkling)
½ cup of butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 cup of milk
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
2 cups of all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon of baking powder
1 teaspoon of baking soda
½ teaspoon of salt

For the cinnamon swirl:

1 tablespoon of cinnamon
2 tablespoons of sugar

How to Make Cinnamon Swirl Rhubarb Bread

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×5-inch loaf pan. Trust me, you want your bread to slip right out of that pan without any fuss because the only thing you want to struggle with is deciding how big your first slice should be!

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, cream together ½ cup of softened butter and 1 cup of sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This is where the magic begins! Add in 2 large eggs, 1 cup of milk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Blend them well—you’ll want every ingredient to feel the love.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Gradually add this mixture to your wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Don’t go overboard here; a few lumps are completely okay. Remember, we’re making comfort food, not a science experiment!

Step 4: Add the Rhubarb

Gently fold in that chopped rhubarb. It’s the star of the show, and we want it to shine!

Step 5: Create the Cinnamon Swirl

In a small bowl, mix together 1 tablespoon of cinnamon and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Here’s where the fun part comes in! Pour half of your batter into the prepared loaf pan, then sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top. Repeat this with the remaining batter and finish with the rest of the cinnamon swirl.

Step 6: Swirl it Up

Using a knife, gently swirl through the batter to create that gorgeous cinnamon ribbon. Don’t go overboard though—too much swirling can cause a rhubarb frenzy!

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake your bread in the preheated oven for about 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma of cinnamon and rhubarb wafting through your kitchen at this point will have everyone eagerly waiting for the first slice.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Once baked, let your bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This is the moment where patience truly pays off. After that incredible aroma fills your home, allow it to cool for a bit longer before slicing. But let me warn you—this bread is best served warm, perhaps slathered with a little butter.

Cooking Tips for This Delectable Bread

Fresh vs. Frozen Rhubarb: Use fresh rhubarb if you can find it, but if it’s off-season, don’t hesitate to pull out that frozen rhubarb stash. Just thaw and drain any excess liquid before adding it to your mix.
Make it Your Own: Feel free to add some chopped nuts for that extra crunch or swap in some chocolate chips if you’re feeling adventurous.
Storage Superstars: If you have any leftovers (though I doubt you will), this bread can be wrapped and stored at room temperature for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Just remind yourself: "It’s okay! That’s what the freezer is for!"

FAQs About Cinnamon Swirl Rhubarb Bread

Can I substitute the rhubarb?

You can definitely try using apples or strawberries, but the tartness of the rhubarb really makes this bread shine.

How can I store leftovers?

Wrap leftover bread in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. If you’re freezing, make sure to slice it first for convenience!

A Sweet Ending

There you have it! A warm, cozy slice of Cinnamon Swirl Rhubarb Bread just waiting for you to enjoy it. Perfect for your morning coffee, an afternoon treat, or even as a delightful gift to brighten someone’s day. You’ll find that this recipe not only brings comfort to your taste buds but also helps create sweet memories around your table. So, grab your apron, and let’s whip up this goodness today!

Want to try more delicious recipes? Check out my Classic Banana Bread or dive into a delightful batch of Blueberry Muffins for more baking inspiration!

Meta Description:
Cinnamon Swirl Rhubarb Bread is your new favorite recipe! Quick, easy, and delicious, this sweet treat will brighten any busy day.