Lemon Rhubarb Bread

This Lemon Rhubarb Bread is a delightful treat that captures the bright flavors of lemon and the tangy sweetness of rhubarb. It’s a perfect option for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. Easy to make and full of sunshine, this bread is sure to become a favorite in your home. Plus, it’s great for sharing, making it a wonderful addition to any festive gathering.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Lemon Rhubarb Bread is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. It’s perfect for beginners and families looking for a simple yet impressive dessert. The combination of tart rhubarb and zesty lemon creates a bright flavor that everyone will enjoy. Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve at any occasion, from brunch with friends to a cozy family dinner. You’ll find that this recipe is a reliable choice that always turns out wonderfully, making it a staple in your baking repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather these simple ingredients to whip up your Lemon Rhubarb Bread:

• ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• ⅓ cup sour cream or plain yogurt (room temperature)
• 1 Tbsp lemon zest
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1 ¾ cup (220g) all-purpose flour
• 1 Tbsp baking powder
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• 1¾ cups (210g) rhubarb (cut in 1/4-inch slices)
• ¼ cup (30g) rhubarb (cut in 1/4-inch slices)
• 1-2 Tbsp granulated sugar

Ingredient Notes, Variations & Simple Swaps

Feel free to adjust the ingredients to suit your taste. If you don’t have rhubarb on hand, you can substitute with berries like strawberries or blueberries for a different flavor profile. You can also switch the sour cream for plain yogurt without affecting the texture of the bread. For a touch of spice, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter. Each variation offers a unique twist on this beloved recipe while keeping it simple and approachable.

Equipment Needed

• Loaf pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Parchment paper

How to Make This Recipe

Step 1 – Prepare the Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Prepare a loaf pan by greasing it and lining it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later.

Step 2 – Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, two eggs, sour cream or yogurt, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Set this bowl aside.

Step 3 – Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and kosher salt. Toss in 1¾ cups of the prepared rhubarb, coating the pieces in the flour mixture. This helps prevent the rhubarb from sinking to the bottom while baking.

Step 4 – Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a rubber spatula until just combined; you want to avoid overmixing, which can lead to dense bread.

Step 5 – Prepare for Baking

Transfer the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Spread it out evenly. Scatter the remaining rhubarb on top and sprinkle with 1-2 tablespoons of granulated sugar. This will create a lovely, sweet topping as it bakes.

Step 6 – Bake

Bake for 55-65 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the bread; it should come out clean or with a few crumbs attached. Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before lifting it out using the parchment paper.

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Tips for Perfect Results

For the best Lemon Rhubarb Bread, consider these helpful tips:

• Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature before starting, as this helps with mixing.
• Don’t overmix the batter; mix just until combined for fluffy bread.
• If your rhubarb is very tart, you might want to slightly increase the sugar in the batter.
• Let the bread cool completely before slicing to ensure clean cuts.
• Store any leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

Flavor Variations

If you want to experiment with this recipe, here are a few ideas:

• Berry Twist: Use blueberries or strawberries in place of rhubarb for a sweeter flavor.
• Nutty Add-ins: Stir in chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture and flavor.
• Citrus Burst: Add an extra tablespoon of lemon juice for a more intense lemon flavor.
• Spicy Touch: A bit of ground ginger or cinnamon can add warm spice to the bread.
• Cream Cheese Swirl: Create a cream cheese filling by mixing cream cheese with some sugar and vanilla, and swirl it into the batter before baking.

What to Serve With This Recipe

This Lemon Rhubarb Bread is delicious on its own but pairs beautifully with:

• A dollop of whipped cream or crème fraîche for a rich touch.
• Fresh berries or a fruit salad for a refreshing side.
• A cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat.
• A scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert lovers.

Storage, Make-Ahead & Leftovers

To store your Lemon Rhubarb Bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It can be kept at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Wrap the cooled loaf tightly and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw the bread at room temperature and slice as needed.

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Print

Lemon Rhubarb Bread

This delightful Lemon Rhubarb Bread captures the bright flavors of lemon and the tangy sweetness of rhubarb, making it a perfect treat for breakfast, snack, or dessert.

Course Breakfast, Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American, Baking

Keyword Baking, Dessert, Easy Recipe, Lemon Rhubarb Bread, quick bread

Prep Time 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time 1 hour hour 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 1 hour hour 25 minutes minutes

Servings 8 slices

Ingredients

Wet Ingredients

• ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ⅓ cup sour cream or plain yogurt (room temperature)
• 1 Tbsp lemon zest
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)

Dry Ingredients

• 1 ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 Tbsp baking powder
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• 1¾ cups rhubarb (cut in 1/4-inch slices)
• ¼ cup rhubarb (cut in 1/4-inch slices)
• 1-2 Tbsp granulated sugar for topping

Instructions

Preparation

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Prepare a loaf pan by greasing it and lining it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, two eggs, sour cream or yogurt, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
• In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and kosher salt. Toss in 1¾ cups of the prepared rhubarb, coating the pieces in the flour mixture.
• Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a rubber spatula until just combined; avoid overmixing.
• Transfer the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Scatter the remaining rhubarb on top and sprinkle with 1-2 tablespoons of granulated sugar.

Baking

• Bake for 55-65 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the bread; it should come out clean or with a few crumbs attached.
• Let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before lifting it out using the parchment paper.

Notes

For the best results, use room temperature ingredients, avoid overmixing, and let the bread cool completely before slicing. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when the bread is done baking?

You can check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the bread is ready.

Can I use frozen rhubarb?

Yes, you can use frozen rhubarb! Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture before adding it to the batter.

What if I can’t find rhubarb?

If rhubarb is hard to find, feel free to substitute it with berries like strawberries or blueberries, which will provide a different but equally delicious flavor.

How do I prevent the bread from sticking to the pan?

Using parchment paper with overhang makes removing the bread easier. Additionally, greasing the pan well is essential to prevent sticking.

Can I add more sugar for sweetness?

Absolutely! If you prefer a sweeter bread, you can increase the sugar in the batter or sprinkle a little extra on top before baking.