Healthy Rhubarb Whole Wheat Bread Recipe
If you’re on the lookout for a delightful, wholesome treat that effortlessly combines tangy rhubarb with hearty whole wheat goodness, you’re going to love this Healthy Rhubarb Whole Wheat Bread Recipe. It’s a perfect balance of moist texture, slight tartness from fresh rhubarb, and warm cinnamon spice that makes every bite a comforting moment. Whether you want a nutritious breakfast option or a sweet snack that doesn’t compromise health, this recipe delivers all that flavor while keeping the indulgence guilt-free.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is a celebration of simple, all-natural ingredients that come together beautifully to create a loaf that’s bursting with flavor and texture. Each element plays a unique role, from the wholesome whole wheat flour to the juicy rhubarb and subtle sweetness of honey or maple syrup.
- Whole wheat flour (1 1/2 cups): Provides a hearty, nutty base packed with fiber for a wholesome bread.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Helps the bread rise gently without overpowering the texture.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Works with the acidic rhubarb to give the bread a light, airy crumb.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and depth, perfectly complementing the rhubarb’s tartness.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Coconut oil (1/4 cup, melted): Brings moistness and subtle richness, keeping the bread tender.
- Honey or maple syrup (1/4 cup): Natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with the rhubarb’s tang.
- Unsweetened applesauce (1/2 cup): A perfect fat substitute that boosts moisture and adds mild fruity notes.
- Large eggs (2): Provide structure and help bind all the ingredients together.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds a fragrant sweetness to lift the whole flavor profile.
- Chopped rhubarb (1 1/2 cups): The star ingredient, offering tart, juicy bursts in every slice.
- Chopped nuts (1/4 cup, optional): Adds crunch and earthy flavor, walnuts or almonds work wonderfully.
- Chia seeds or ground flaxseed (1/4 cup, optional): Boost fiber and omega-3s while adding subtle texture.
How to Make Healthy Rhubarb Whole Wheat Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your loaf pan by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper. This simple step ensures your bread doesn’t stick and bakes evenly, making the whole process smoother and the final loaf easier to remove.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. These dry ingredients form the backbone of your bread, with each one playing a key role in texture, rise, and flavor balance.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the melted coconut oil, honey or maple syrup, unsweetened applesauce, eggs, and vanilla extract until everything is beautifully combined and smooth. This mixture adds richness, moisture, and that lovely sweet aroma that will fill your kitchen soon.
Step 4: Blend the Batter
Pour the wet mix into the dry ingredients and stir gently until combined. Be careful not to overmix here; you want just enough stirring to bring everything together to avoid a dense loaf. The batter should be thick but spreadable.
Step 5: Fold in Rhubarb and Extras
Now it’s time to lovingly fold in your chopped rhubarb along with the optional nuts and chia or flaxseed if you’re using them. This step introduces pockets of juicy tartness and crunchy textures that make this bread truly special.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the batter into your prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This signals that your Healthy Rhubarb Whole Wheat Bread Recipe is perfectly baked and ready to cool.
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes to set, then move it to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling time helps the texture firm up nicely so your slices hold together without crumbling.
How to Serve Healthy Rhubarb Whole Wheat Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A light spread of butter or a dollop of Greek yogurt on a warm slice perfectly complements the bread’s natural sweetness and tart rhubarb bursts. You can also sprinkle a little cinnamon sugar on top to add a touch of sparkle and spice.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs wonderfully with fresh fruits for a wholesome breakfast or alongside a cup of herbal tea in the afternoon. For a savory twist, serve it with cream cheese or nut butters, which contrast beautifully with the tart and sweet flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice your Healthy Rhubarb Whole Wheat Bread Recipe thick and toast it lightly for an extra crunch. You can also turn it into a base for breakfast bruschetta: top with ricotta cheese, fresh berries, and a drizzle of honey for an impressive yet healthy treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover bread tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for about 2 to 3 days, letting you enjoy a ready-to-eat slice anytime without fuss.
Freezing
If you want to keep the goodness for longer, slice the bread and freeze portions individually in freezer bags. This preserves freshness and makes it easy to grab a slice or two whenever cravings hit.
Reheating
To enjoy your bread just as fresh, reheat slices in a toaster or oven for a few minutes. This warms up the bread and revives that delightful aroma, making it feel freshly baked again.
FAQs
Can I substitute rhubarb with another fruit?
Absolutely! While rhubarb gives a unique tart kick, you can swap it with chopped strawberries, apples, or even cranberries for a different but delicious twist on the Healthy Rhubarb Whole Wheat Bread Recipe.
Is this bread suitable for a vegan diet?
To make the bread vegan, you can replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg) and use maple syrup instead of honey. The coconut oil keeps it moist and tender.
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of whole wheat?
Yes, you can swap whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but keep in mind this will make the bread lighter and less dense. Whole wheat adds fiber and a hearty texture that makes this recipe especially healthy and filling.
What’s the best way to chop rhubarb for the bread?
Cut rhubarb into small, even pieces about 1/2 inch long to ensure they distribute evenly throughout the bread and provide bursts of tartness in each bite without overwhelming the texture.
Can I omit the nuts and seeds?
Definitely! Nuts and seeds add extra crunch and nutrition, but the bread will still taste fantastic and maintain its moist texture without them if you prefer a simpler version.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something incredibly satisfying about slicing into a loaf that’s healthy, bursting with fresh rhubarb, and free from overly processed ingredients. This Healthy Rhubarb Whole Wheat Bread Recipe is a personal favorite for good reason — it offers comfort, nutrition, and beautiful flavor all in one. I hope you’ll love making and sharing it as much as I do!
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Healthy Rhubarb Whole Wheat Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 8–10 slices) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Healthy Rhubarb Bread is a nutritious and delicious twist on traditional quick breads, featuring whole wheat flour, fresh rhubarb, and natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup. Moist and flavorful, it’s enhanced with warming cinnamon and optional nuts or seeds for added texture and fiber, making it a perfect wholesome snack or breakfast option.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted (or olive oil)
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 1 1/2 cups rhubarb, chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional, such as walnuts or almonds)
- 1/4 cup chia seeds or ground flaxseed (optional for added fiber)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a loaf pan by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt to evenly distribute all the dry components.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the melted coconut oil, honey or maple syrup, unsweetened applesauce, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine wet and dry mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined; be careful not to overmix to keep the bread tender.
- Add rhubarb and optional ingredients: Gently fold in the chopped rhubarb, nuts if using, and chia seeds or ground flaxseed if using, ensuring they are evenly distributed in the batter.
- Prepare for baking: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top evenly with a spatula.
- Bake the bread: Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the bread has a golden brown top.
- Cool the bread: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps set the crumb.
- Serve: Once cooled, slice and enjoy. This bread pairs wonderfully with a pat of butter or a dollop of yogurt for added richness.
Notes
- If you prefer a sweeter bread, increase the honey or maple syrup slightly, but the rhubarb provides a pleasant tartness.
- You can substitute the rhubarb with other tart fruits like cranberries or chopped apples if desired.
- To make the bread nut-free, simply omit the optional nuts.
- Ensure not to overmix the batter to keep the bread from becoming dense or tough.
- Store leftover bread wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
