Tangy & Sweet: Homemade Rhubarb Rolls Recipe

Are you ready to embark on a baking adventure that tantalizes your taste buds with a delightful blend of tangy rhubarb and sweet, comforting dough? Look no further! This recipe for homemade rhubarb rolls will guide you through each step, ensuring a rewarding and delicious outcome. These rolls are perfect for a springtime brunch, a special occasion, or simply a cozy treat on a cool evening. Get ready to experience the perfect harmony of sweet and tart with these irresistible rhubarb rolls!

Why Rhubarb Rolls?

Rhubarb, often mistaken for a fruit, is actually a vegetable known for its vibrant pink stalks and uniquely tart flavor. When baked, rhubarb softens beautifully and releases its tangy essence, creating a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the dough and glaze. These rolls offer a refreshing twist on traditional cinnamon rolls, showcasing the vibrant flavors of spring.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you begin, gather all the necessary ingredients. This will streamline the baking process and ensure you have everything at your fingertips.

For the Dough:

* 1 cup (240ml) lukewarm milk (about 105-115°F or 40-46°C)
* 2 ¼ teaspoons (7g) active dry yeast
* ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
* 1 teaspoon salt
* ¼ cup (57g) unsalted butter, melted
* 1 large egg
* 3 – 3 ½ cups (360-420g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting

For the Rhubarb Filling:

* 3 cups (about 350g) chopped fresh or frozen rhubarb (thawed and drained if frozen)
* ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
* 2 tablespoons cornstarch
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
* 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

For the Cream Cheese Glaze:

* 4 ounces (113g) cream cheese, softened
* ¼ cup (57g) unsalted butter, softened
* 1 ½ – 2 cups (180-240g) powdered sugar, sifted
* 2-3 tablespoons milk or cream
* ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Equipment You’ll Need

* Large mixing bowl or stand mixer
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Baking sheet (9×13 inch or similar)
* Parchment paper (optional, but recommended)
* Rolling pin
* Small saucepan
* Whisk

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s dive into the detailed instructions for creating these delicious rhubarb rolls.

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. **Activate the Yeast:** In a large mixing bowl (or the bowl of your stand mixer), combine the lukewarm milk, active dry yeast, and granulated sugar. Stir gently to dissolve the yeast and sugar. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes foamy. This indicates that the yeast is active and ready to use.

2. **Add Wet Ingredients:** Add the melted butter, salt, and egg to the yeast mixture. Whisk well to combine all the wet ingredients.

3. **Add Dry Ingredients:** Gradually add the all-purpose flour, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. If using a stand mixer, use the dough hook attachment. If mixing by hand, use a wooden spoon or your hands. Continue adding flour until the dough starts to come together and forms a shaggy ball. Be careful not to add too much flour, as this can result in dry rolls.

4. **Knead the Dough:** Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes, or until it becomes smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky. If using a stand mixer, knead the dough with the dough hook for 5-7 minutes on medium speed.

5. **First Rise:** Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat all sides. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size. A warm oven (turned off) or a sunny spot can help speed up the rising process.

Step 2: Prepare the Rhubarb Filling

1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a small saucepan, combine the chopped rhubarb, granulated sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using). Stir well to ensure the rhubarb is evenly coated with the dry ingredients.

2. **Cook the Filling:** Place the saucepan over medium heat. Cook the rhubarb mixture, stirring frequently, until the rhubarb softens and the mixture thickens slightly. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. The filling should be jammy in consistency.

3. **Cool the Filling:** Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the rhubarb filling cool completely while you prepare the dough for rolling.

Step 3: Assemble the Rhubarb Rolls

1. **Roll Out the Dough:** Once the dough has doubled in size, gently punch it down to release the air. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough into a large rectangle, approximately 12×18 inches.

2. **Spread the Filling:** Spread the cooled rhubarb filling evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Dot the filling with the small pieces of butter. This will add richness and flavor to the rolls.

3. **Roll Up the Dough:** Starting from one of the long edges, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal it tightly.

4. **Cut the Rolls:** Using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss, cut the dough log into 12-15 equal-sized rolls. For even rolls, you can cut the log in half, then each half in half again, and so on.

5. **Second Rise:** Arrange the rolls in a greased or parchment-lined 9×13 inch baking sheet. Cover the rolls loosely with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the rolls rise in a warm place for 30-45 minutes, or until they have puffed up slightly.

Step 4: Bake the Rhubarb Rolls

1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. **Bake the Rolls:** Bake the rhubarb rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach around 200°F (93°C).

3. **Cool Slightly:** Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool in the baking sheet for about 10-15 minutes before frosting.

Step 5: Prepare the Cream Cheese Glaze

1. **Cream Together Butter and Cream Cheese:** In a medium mixing bowl, cream together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Use an electric mixer for best results.

2. **Add Powdered Sugar:** Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar to the cream cheese mixture, beating well after each addition. Start with 1 ½ cups of powdered sugar and add more as needed to achieve the desired consistency.

3. **Add Liquid and Vanilla:** Add the milk or cream, one tablespoon at a time, until the glaze reaches a smooth and spreadable consistency. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 6: Frost the Rhubarb Rolls

1. **Frost the Rolls:** Once the rolls have cooled slightly, generously spread the cream cheese glaze over the warm rolls. The warmth of the rolls will help the glaze melt slightly, creating a luscious and irresistible topping.

2. **Serve and Enjoy:** Serve the rhubarb rolls warm and enjoy! These rolls are best enjoyed fresh, but they can also be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Tips for Success

* **Use Lukewarm Milk:** The milk should be warm enough to activate the yeast but not too hot, as this can kill the yeast. Aim for a temperature between 105-115°F (40-46°C).
* **Don’t Overknead the Dough:** Overkneading can result in tough rolls. Knead the dough until it is smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky.
* **Use Fresh Rhubarb:** If possible, use fresh rhubarb for the best flavor and texture. If using frozen rhubarb, thaw it completely and drain any excess liquid before using it in the filling.
* **Adjust the Sweetness:** Adjust the amount of sugar in the filling and glaze to your liking. If you prefer a less sweet roll, reduce the amount of sugar in both the filling and glaze.
* **Let the Rolls Rise Properly:** Allowing the dough to rise properly is essential for light and fluffy rolls. Be patient and let the dough rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size.
* **Don’t Overbake the Rolls:** Overbaking can result in dry rolls. Bake the rolls until they are golden brown and cooked through, but still soft to the touch.
* **Use a Serrated Knife or Dental Floss:** To cut the rolls cleanly, use a serrated knife or unflavored dental floss. This will prevent the rolls from being squashed.

Variations

* **Add Citrus Zest:** Add the zest of one lemon or orange to the rhubarb filling for a bright and citrusy flavor.
* **Add Nuts:** Sprinkle chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, over the rhubarb filling before rolling up the dough.
* **Add Spices:** Experiment with different spices in the rhubarb filling, such as ginger, cardamom, or allspice.
* **Use a Different Glaze:** Try a simple vanilla glaze or a lemon glaze instead of the cream cheese glaze.
* **Make Individual Rolls:** Instead of baking the rolls in a baking sheet, bake them in individual muffin tins for a different presentation.

Storage Instructions

* **Room Temperature:** Store the rhubarb rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They are best enjoyed fresh.
* **Refrigerator:** Store the rhubarb rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat them in the microwave or oven before serving.
* **Freezer:** Freeze the unglazed rhubarb rolls in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before frosting and serving. You can also freeze individual rolls for a quick and easy treat.

Serving Suggestions

* **Brunch:** Serve the rhubarb rolls as part of a brunch spread, along with other breakfast favorites such as eggs, bacon, and fruit.
* **Dessert:** Enjoy the rhubarb rolls as a dessert after a meal.
* **Snack:** Have a rhubarb roll as a sweet and satisfying snack.
* **Coffee or Tea:** Pair the rhubarb rolls with a cup of coffee or tea for a perfect afternoon treat.

Nutritional Information (Approximate, per roll)

* Calories: 350-400
* Fat: 15-20g
* Saturated Fat: 8-12g
* Cholesterol: 50-70mg
* Sodium: 200-250mg
* Carbohydrates: 45-55g
* Sugar: 20-25g
* Protein: 5-7g

(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.)

Conclusion

These homemade rhubarb rolls are a delightful treat that combines the tangy flavor of rhubarb with the comforting sweetness of a soft, doughy roll. The cream cheese glaze adds the perfect finishing touch, creating a truly irresistible experience. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is easy to follow and guarantees a delicious outcome. So gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to bake a batch of these unforgettable rhubarb rolls! Enjoy the tangy and sweet flavors of spring in every bite.

Enjoy the Baking Process!

Baking should be a fun and enjoyable experience. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and adjust the recipe to your liking. The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process of creating something delicious. Happy baking!