Rhubarb bread is the perfect way to enjoy the tangy sweetness of rhubarb in a moist, flavorful loaf. This easy-to-make quick bread combines fresh rhubarb with a delicate glaze to create a delightful treat that’s perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack. Whether you’re using fresh rhubarb from the garden or picking some up at the local farmers’ market, this rhubarb bread will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
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Why You’ll Love This Rhubarb Bread Recipe
Rhubarb bread offers a unique balance of tart and sweet flavors, making it a versatile dish for any occasion. It’s a quick bread recipe that comes together easily, requiring only a few simple ingredients. This recipe is perfect for those who love homemade baked goods but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. Plus, the rhubarb adds a refreshing seasonal touch, making it ideal for spring.
Ingredients for Rhubarb Bread
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and moisture to the bread.
• Orange Zest: A burst of citrus flavor that complements the tartness of the rhubarb.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides a smooth and aromatic backdrop to the bread’s flavor.
• Vegetable Oil: Adds moisture to the bread, keeping it soft and tender.
• Milk: Helps to bind the ingredients together and contributes to the bread’s soft texture.
• Eggs: Provide structure and help the bread rise.
• All-Purpose Flour: The base of the bread, giving it structure.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors in the bread.
• Baking Powder: Acts as the leavening agent to help the bread rise.
• Fresh Rhubarb: The star ingredient, providing tartness and a burst of flavor throughout the bread.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions
• Cinnamon: If you’re craving a little warmth, add ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the dry ingredients for a cozy twist.
• Orange Oil: Swap out the orange zest in the glaze for a few drops of orange oil for an even more intense citrus flavor.
• Non-Dairy Milk: Use almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free version of this rhubarb bread.
• Gluten-Free Flour: For those with gluten sensitivities, replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine granulated sugar, orange zest, vanilla extract, vegetable oil, milk, and eggs. Whisk until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, salt, and baking powder.
- Rinse the rhubarb, pat it dry, and chop it into small ½-inch pieces.
- Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Gently fold in the rhubarb pieces, ensuring they are evenly distributed without overmixing.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake for 55 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bread to cool for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the bread cools, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, heavy whipping cream, and orange oil.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread and serve.
Tips for the Best Rhubarb Bread
• Don’t Overmix: Stir the batter gently and avoid overmixing once the dry ingredients are added. Overmixing can result in dense, tough bread.
• Check Doneness Early: Start checking the bread at 50 minutes to ensure it doesn’t overbake. If the top is golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean, it’s done.
• Cool Completely: Allow the bread to cool completely before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting into the bread.
Pairing Ideas and Variations
Rhubarb bread is delicious on its own, but it can be paired with a variety of accompaniments. Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a spoonful of homemade jam for an extra touch of indulgence. For a savory twist, pair it with a sharp cheese or a light salad. This bread can also be made ahead and frozen for up to one month, making it perfect for gifting or storing for later enjoyment.
Why You Should Make Rhubarb Bread This Season
Rhubarb bread isn’t just a treat for the taste buds — it’s a way to celebrate the unique flavors of spring. With its tangy, sweet taste and simple ingredients, this quick bread is easy to prepare and perfect for welcoming the season. Whether you’re baking for a brunch or looking for a snack to enjoy with your morning coffee, rhubarb bread offers something special for everyone.
Enjoy a slice of this rhubarb bread today, and make the most of the season’s fresh produce!
Conclusion
Rhubarb bread is a unique and delightful treat that perfectly balances tartness and sweetness, making it a standout choice for any occasion. This easy-to-make quick bread captures the essence of spring with its bright, tangy flavor, and its moist texture ensures that each slice is as satisfying as the last. Whether you’re sharing it with family at breakfast or gifting it to a friend, this rhubarb bread will surely be a hit.
So, next time you find fresh rhubarb, don’t hesitate to whip up this delicious bread and enjoy the seasonal goodness it brings. It’s simple, flavorful, and guaranteed to brighten any day!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use frozen rhubarb for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen rhubarb in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw and drain the rhubarb thoroughly before adding it to the batter. Excess moisture from frozen rhubarb can make the bread soggy.
How do I store leftover rhubarb bread?
Store leftover rhubarb bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to one month. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil before freezing.
Can I make rhubarb bread gluten-free?
Yes, you can make rhubarb bread gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that the other ingredients, such as baking powder, are also gluten-free.
More Relevant Recipes
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Rhubarb Bread
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 12 slices) 1x
Description
Rhubarb bread is a delicious quick bread that combines the tartness of fresh rhubarb with a hint of sweetness, resulting in a moist, flavorful loaf. It’s perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even as a gift. The bread is easy to make and captures the essence of spring with every slice.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 cups fresh rhubarb, chopped into 1/2-inch pieces
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine granulated sugar, orange zest, vanilla extract, vegetable oil, milk, and eggs. Whisk until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, salt, and baking powder.
- Rinse the rhubarb, pat it dry, and chop it into small 1/2-inch pieces.
- Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Gently fold in the rhubarb pieces, ensuring they are evenly distributed without overmixing.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake for 55 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bread to cool for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the bread cools, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, heavy whipping cream, and orange oil.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread and serve.
Notes
- Don’t overmix the batter to avoid dense bread.
- Start checking the bread for doneness at 50 minutes.
- Cool the bread completely before glazing to avoid melting the glaze.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55-60 minutes
- Category: Quick Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of loaf)
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
